What's It Like Living in Andover?
The town of Andover has a lot to offer families, single professionals, and retirees. It is known for being a well-managed town known for its reputation as a safe and family-friendly community. With a charming small-town atmosphere, residents get access to ample parks and open spaces, excellent schools, and a vibrant downtown area with various shopping options.
Are you considering a move to Andover? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about living here.
What Makes Is Andover a Good Place to Live?
Yes! Andover is a nice community for families, couples, and single professionals, offering excellent schools, access to nature, and diverse housing options. The town is considered very safe and offers a close-knit community. Its close proximity and easy access to Boston make it an appealing option for a wide variety of buyers, and an attractive choice for people at all stages of life.
“Andover has a welcoming and spirited community. There’s something for everyone in Andover that people don’t sometimes see unless you come and actually get out of your car and walk around.”
- Ann Ormond, Director, Business, Arts and Cultural Development, Town of Andover.
Population & Demographics
As of December 2024, the town of Andover had a population of 33,632. Of the town's 12,000 households, 38% include children, highlighting its family-friendly atmosphere. In addition, 32% of the town’s population are between the ages of 45-64.
Location
Andover is prominently located in the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts, bordering the towns of North Andover, Lawrence, Tewksbury, North Reading, Wilmington and Dracut. It is also just a short drive to the city of Lowell. Andover is located 24 miles NorthWest of Boston, making it conveniently close to the city. The town offers easy access to transportation with two train stops on the Haverhill line, providing communters with direct access into the city.
Transportation
Andover offers easy access to Routes 495, 93, and two MBTA Commuter Rail stops with non-stop morning trains, making commuting to Boston convenient. The town is also well-connected by highways, with a 30-45 minute drive to Boston and quick access to New Hampshire and Rhode Island. While Andover has a moderate walkability score, its charming downtown area is within walking distance for many residents. The town also has bike-friendly areas, with bike paths and a state park for outdoor enthusiasts.
Safety
Andover is considered a very safe town, offering residents a peaceful and secure environment to call home. In fact, in 2023, it was voted the third safest town to live in America, a testament to its low crime rates and strong community policing efforts. The town’s commitment to public safety, well-maintained neighborhoods, and active local initiatives create a welcoming atmosphere for families and individuals alike. With its close-knit community and proactive approach to security, Andover continues to be a highly desirable place to live and raise a family.
Schools
Andover is touted for its highly rated public school district and is well-known for being the home to one of the best private schools in America, Phillips Academy. There are four elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools - Andover High School, Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical, and Phillips Academy. Andover High School is ranked as a top 50 public high school in Massachusetts. Merrimack College is a college located in Andover, boasting a beautiful campus, offering more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Recreation
If you're looking for a town that accommodates outdoor activities or hobbies, Andover offers just that. Residents can enjoy abundant recreational opportunities for all four seasons, with 45% of the town's land designated as open space. Its numerous parks, wooded areas, and scenic surroundings make it ideal for young families and dog owners who love getting outside. The community also borders the Merrimack River and features several small ponds, adding to its natural charm.
“The other piece of Andover that people forget about is the open space. You can climb to the top of the Warden Reservation and see Boston. You can walk on an AVIS trail, which includes an all-persons trail. It’s welcoming, and there are trailhead markers. ”
Ann Ormond, Director, Business, Arts and Cultural Development
Parks and Open Space
- Charles W. Ward Reservation
- Andover Recreation Park includes pickleball!
- Vale Reservation
- Ballardvale Playground
- Andover Center Playground
- Penguin Park
- Andover Dog Park
Trails and Wooded Areas
- Pomps Pond
- Harold Parker State Forest
- Bay Circuit Trail
- Vale Reservation
- Baker Meadow Reservation
Learn more at andovertrails.org.
Things to Do in Andover
Between the diverse and affordable restaurants, shopping options, and local historical sites, Andover has something to offer for everyone. Downtown Andover has undergone significant updates in recent years, with new developments, improved public spaces, and modern amenities revitalizing the area.
This transformation has made it a vibrant destination, blending local businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions to enhance the town’s charm. Andover Village Square is a contemporary, urban mixed-use project in downtown's heart, offering retail and office space.
“For me, what makes Andover so great is the downtown area. People come to the downtown and they really enjoy walking and visiting the restaurants and the stores.”
- Paul Materazzo, Director of Planning & Land Use
Restaurants
Andover boasts a diverse range of dining options – both in cuisine and formality. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, there's something to suit your appetite. No matter what the occasion, you'll find plenty of choices for dining. Here are a few of our personal favorites!
- La Fina Restaurant - steaks and seafood with a great ambiance
- Samuels Andover Inn is a great upscale dining option for food and drinks.
- La Rosa’s has Italian specialities, gourmet sandwiches with generous portions.
- Tavern On 28 (formerly Town Market Andover) lunch and dinner with a diverse menu featuring sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, entrees, and salads.
- Karma in Andover - sushi, Korean, Thai and Chinese cuisine
- Thai Basil - A relaxed restaurant serving an extensive Thai menu.
- Bartlet Street Andover - Pizza, Gyros, Sandwiches, and so much more.
- 34 Park - located in downtown for authentic Italian dishes
- Autograph Tavern - American fare, craft cocktails and local beers – a great place to watch a sports game or listen to live music.
- Oak and Iron Brewing - a popular brewery with an extensive beer list, plus food and snacks
Shopping
Andover offers a charming mix of local boutiques, specialty shops, and retailers, making it a great destination for shopping – particularly in the town’s historic downtown district.
Here are a few stores to know:
- Grocery stores: Whole Foods, Stop and Shop.
- Furniture: MAK and Co.
- Clothing: Boutique SoleAmour (boutique women’s clothing store), Shaban's of Andover (an excellent men's apparel store)
Arts & Culture
The town of Andover boasts several museums that residents can visit, offering a wide range of exhibits that highlight the town's rich history and the region's diverse cultural heritage.
“One of the things I started pushing for about seven years ago was rebuilding our public art presence. At the end of the day, we want reasons for people to move and live their business or their home in Andover, and one of those is arts and culture, it’s an economic development engine that many communities are taking advantage of, and we are starting to do that as well.”
- Ann Ormond, Director, Business, Arts and Cultural Development, Town of Andover
Addison Gallery of American Art
The Addison Gallery of American Art is part of Phillips Academy, and features a diverse collection of American art, offering exhibitions and educational programs for all.
Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology
This museum is a learning center and archaeological collection showcasing ancient artifacts, offering educational programs that explore human history and cultures worldwide.
Andover Center for History & Culture
The center preserves Andover’s past, running as a not-for-profit 501c3 organization. Visitors to this museum can explore Andover’s rich history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution.
Andover Book Store
The Andover Bookstore, founded in 1809 at Phillips Academy and now housed in a former doctor’s residence on Main Street, is the oldest continuously independent bookstore in the United States.
Image Credit: Photo Credit: facebook.com/AndoverDayMA/
Annual Events
Andover hosts several annual events that unite the community, including parades, live entertainment, food, and activities for all ages, drawing crowds across Massachusetts to join the celebrations.
“Collaboratively, I think the Town has done a really good job of reaching out to our partners in the community. Our own Andover Recreation Department uses the park for 'Concerts on The Common' Wednesday night, and The Chamber does downtown music and movies, so it feels like there is something going on every Friday or Saturday night in Andover, and I think that is an economic driver of development for businesses downtown.”
- Ann Ormond, Director, Business, Arts and Cultural Development
Andover Day
Andover Day is the town's annual festival, hosted every September. The downtown area comes alive with music, entertainment, food, beer, wine, and margarita gardens, a sustainability fair, and a farmers market. There are over 240 vendor and community booths each year, and over 15,000 people come from all over Massachusetts and out of state to attend. Be sure to visit The Carroll Group booth for free ice cream and festival fun!
Andover Memorial Day Parade
The town of Andover holds an annual parade and ceremony to observe Memorial Day, honoring the military personnel who lost their lives serving our country. The parade marching bands, local groups, and wreath-laying. Veterans are welcome to walk or ride in the parade.
Ride for Pride Car Parade & Picnic in the Park
Grab friends to cheer along the route, or decorate your car to join the parade! Celebrate with floats, music, and a picnic with food, games, and fun for all. It's a wonderful family-friendly event, so bring the kids!
Firefighters Santa Parade
'The Andover Annual Firefighters Santa Parade is a great event that rings in the holiday season with the. The parade features several performances, civic clubs, music acts, and, of course, the big man in red. Be sure to mark your calendars for these wonderful events! For new residents, it can be a great way to meet people in the community.
The Final Word: Living in Andover
If you're planning to move to the Boston area and looking for a town to call home, Andover is a great choice. It is safe, well-managed, and has a family-friendly atmosphere and close-knit community. Whether you're raising a family, starting your career, or enjoying retirement, there is truly something for everyone.
Want to know more about what it's like living in Andover? The realtors at The Carroll Group are happy to answer any questions you may have! Tom Carroll has been a resident of Andover for decades – he and his team answer any question you have, and help find the best home for you.
Contact the realtors at The Carroll Group to get started.
