📍 Location & Geography
Toa Alta is a city located in the northern coastal plain region of the island of Puerto Rico. It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is bordered by the municipalities of Dorado and Vega Alta to the north, Corozal and Naranjito to the south, Toa Baja to the west, and Bayamon to the east. The city is nestled in the lush green mountains of the Cordillera Central, Puerto Rico’s main mountain range.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Toa Alta are approximately 18.3910° N latitude and 66.2486° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Toa Alta is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area, a region in the northeastern part of Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of approximately 27.6 square miles (71.5 square kilometers), of which, 27.0 square miles (69.9 square kilometers) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 square kilometers) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Toa Alta had a population of approximately 74,066 people. The population density was 2,743.7 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was predominantly Hispanic or Latino of any race. The city has a diverse age range, with a significant portion of the population being under the age of 18.
🏛️ History
Toa Alta was founded in 1751, making it one of the older towns in Puerto Rico. Its name is derived from the Taino word for “mother”, reflecting the city’s nurturing nature. The city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with several historical landmarks such as the Iglesia de San Fernando Rey church and the Casa Alonso museum.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Toa Alta is known for its beautiful natural scenery, with lush green mountains, rivers, and tropical vegetation. The city is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Jaime Benitez National Park and the Rio La Plata Forest Reserve. The city’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from April to November.
🏫 Education
Education in Toa Alta is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. There are also several colleges and universities in the surrounding area, providing higher education opportunities for residents.
🚧 Transportation
Toa Alta is served by several major roads, including Puerto Rico Highway 2, Puerto Rico Highway 165, and Puerto Rico Highway 22. Public transportation in the city is provided by the Metropolitan Bus Authority, which operates bus routes throughout the San Juan metropolitan area. The city is also within driving distance of the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, providing air travel options.
📜 Trivia & Events
Toa Alta is known as “La Cuna de Poetas” or “The Cradle of Poets”, due to the number of poets and writers that have originated from the city. The city hosts several annual events, including the Patron Saint Festival in honor of Saint Ferdinand, and the National Poetry Festival. The city is also home to the Casa Alonso, a museum that showcases the history and culture of Toa Alta.