Has the question "Is Andover MA a good place to live?" ever crossed your mind?
The town of Andover MA is a place that's brimming with historical charm and natural beauty while curating a slower-paced, suburban lifestyle that many seek. Incorporated in 1646 and with a namesake after Andover England, the prior home of many of the original settlers, this town is one of the oldest in Massachusetts.
Nowadays, living in Andover MA brings you to a lovely locale where the vibrant community spirit blends with modern amenities such as great schools and cute shops scattered around downtown, among so much more.
Eager to learn more? Here's everything there is to know about Andover Massachusetts.
Where Is Andover Massachusetts?
Where is Andover MA, and what county is Andover MA in?
Located in northeastern Massachusetts and within Essex County, Andover sits just below New Hampshire, so you're not only close to major Massachusetts locales when living in Andover MA, but you're a short drive away from places like Manchester NH, too!
Common Andover MA directions include directions from Andover MA to Marlborough MA in addition to:
Other cities and towns near Andover MA that directly border Andover limits include North Andover, Tewksbury, and North Reading, while the Harold Parker State Forest comprises a majority of Andover's eastern edge.
If you’re planning on driving from Andover MA to Boston MA, one of the most common routes is along I-93 South, a typically sub-40-minute drive. As you head south, you’ll often pass through a few towns and cities between Boston and Andover Massachusetts such as Wilmington, Reading, Woburn, Stoneham, and Medford, before reaching Boston. Depending on your exact starting point in Andover and any detours you might take, you may also skirt Somerville or other nearby cities on your way into Boston.
While public transportation in Andover is slightly limited, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has a station here for easy access to Boston and other major locations.
Andover MA Population & Demographics
What is the population of Andover Massachusetts? As of the 2020 Census, there are 36,569 Andover residents and a population density of 1,186.7 people per square mile.
15.9% of the Andover MA population is over the age of 65, while 23.9% are below the age of 18, offering a balanced mix of age demographics where everyone can find their peers.
Of the 13,279 households, there are typically 2.62 people within each, so families living in Andover MA are commonplace!
Additional Andover MA Demographics
- Sex ratio: 51.3% women & 48.7% men
- Median age: 45.4 years
- Racial & ethnic composition: 73.1% White alone (70.0% White, non-Hispanic), 2.4% Black/African American, 0.2% American Indian/Alaska Native, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 15.8% Asian, 8.1% Hispanic/Latino, 6.5% two or more races.
- Andover MA median household income: $167,591/year
- Education: 97.2% of residents 25+ years old living in Andover MA have a high school diploma, while 75.2% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 16.4%
If you have plans on moving to Andover MA, you might be curious, is Andover MA safe?
The Andover MA crime rate is a respectable 55.7% lower than the state and 73.5% lower than the national average, according to FBI statistics, so the town of Andover MA is an extremely safe, secure place to call home. When living in Andover MA, you'll be proudly protected by the efforts of the Andover Police Department.
Andover MA Cost of Living
The only measured cost of living index in all of Massachusetts is the cost of living in Boston, which is 46.5% higher than the national average, so overall, we can expect the cost of living in Andover MA to present similar figures.
The Family Budget Calculator suggests a family of four living in Andover MA earn $131,935/year to comfortably meet the demands of Essex County, so considering the median household income and average family size, residents are well positioned to exceed this threshold.
To give you a better idea about the cost of living in Andover MA, here are a few common expenses you might run into:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Water (12 ounce small bottle): $2.05
- Milk (regular), (1 gallon): $3.84
- Gasoline (1 gallon): $4.67
- Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 915 sq ft apartment: $292.73
- Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data: $50.38
- Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: $975
- 1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar): $56.00
Data sourced from Numbeo.
Looking into the Andover MA real estate market, the median price of homes for sale in Andover MA is $750,000, or $357 per square foot, which is down just 0.28% from the year prior. Boston is a similar $845,000, confirming the similarities in the cost of living.
Looking for Andover MA apartments? Average rent is $2,639, almost a thousand dollars more than the national average and reflecting the desirability of living in Andover MA!
Best Neighborhoods in Andover MA | Where to Live in Andover
Here's a handful of the best Andover MA neighborhoods. Each offers a slice of historical allure and picture-perfect New England beauty, bringing out the best of living in Andover MA! Whether it's an old historical home or something refurbished or new close to the downtown area, this community is a great place to set up a home base.
While it's actually defined as a village, and not a neighborhood, Ballardvale is a top choice for areas to live in Andover, located in the southwest portion of town. Home to parks such as Pole Hill and Andover Recreation Park and close to South Elementary School, this zone offers a large handful of neighborhood homes.
While it's one of the smaller ones, this is definitely one of the best neighborhoods in Andover MA, too! Residents love its rich architectural history, which showcases early 20th-century Colonial Revival and Tudor designs built by the American Woolen Company. The tree-lined streets, charming green spaces, and close-knit atmosphere create a lovely sense of community that's hard to find anywhere else, with houses for sale here often exceeding the $800k mark.
Hosting lots of townhouses and apartments for sale, the downtown area is one of the liveliest, most dynamic places that bring out the best of living in Andover MA. There are all sorts of restaurants, the library, shops, and fun things to do along Main Street Andover, and many residents appreciate this mix of amenities and recreational access within minutes.
Andover Massachusetts Weather & Climate
Curious about the weather in Andover MA? With a classic New England climate that's warm in the summers and cold in the winters, living in Andover MA means enjoying all four seasons in full force.
During summer, the average July high is a perfect 82.8 degrees, ideal for outdoor adventures or water-based activities. There are usually 201 sunny days each year to go along, and the 47.6 inches of rainfall contributes to a lush environment that decorates the many parks in Andover MA, with large, green trees and vibrant landscapes. Fall is especially alluring as the colors change into a beautiful, painting-like display!
During winter, the average January low dips to a crisp 17.3 degrees, and you can expect Andover MA snow totals to average around 51.6 inches every year, so winter activities are common in this community!
What to Do in Andover MA? | Best Things to Do in Andover Massachusetts
Is Andover MA a good place to live? With so many fun and enjoyable things to do in Andover MA, you really can't go wrong!
After shopping at the famed Andover Village Square, boutiques such as Bobbles & Lace, and, of course, the Andover Farmers Market, check out these local favorite things to do in Andover MA:
Prepare to immerse yourself in the best of Massachusetts' natural beauty as you explore the 35 miles of sprawling trails or enjoy a picnic on the shores of the 11 lovely ponds. Want to go camping in Andover? This is the perfect place to do so!
133 Jenkins Rd, Andover, MA 01810 (978-475-7972)
Discover the Addison Gallery of Art located on the Phillips Academy campus in Andover MA, and behold an incredible collection of American art. With over 28,000 individual pieces and quite the lineup of exhibitions, you wouldn't believe that entry is, in fact, free!
3 Chapel Ave, Andover, MA 01810 (978-749-4015)
Looking to regroup after an adventure with friends or a loved one? Oak & Iron is the perfect place to do so, as any longtime resident would agree this is a staple to the community! Grab a local beer and cozy up in the warm and inviting atmosphere.
18 Red Spring Rd, Andover, MA 01810 (978-475-4077)
Additional Andover MA Attractions
Keep in mind the other countless parks in Andover MA, managed by Andover Recreation, and check out these additional things to do in Andover MA, or just a short drive away:
Andover MA Restaurants
Looking for a place to eat in Andover USA? Here's a handful of local favorite restaurants in Andover MA, delicious and sure to satisfy any craving.
Karma Restaurant in Andover MA is a place where delectable Asian flavors come to life with fresh sushi and a stylish ambiance, making it a top dining destination for both casual and upscale occasions and one of the best restaurants in Andover Massachusetts.
209 N Main St, Andover, MA 01810 (978-809-3075)
Grassfields in Andover, MA is a beloved local staple with a sensational menu of hearty steaks and fresh seafood. The atmosphere is mellow and inviting, and the portions will leave you full and smiling.
207 N Main St, Andover, MA 01810 (978-475-7996)
When delicious Mexican food calls your name, Casa Blanca is here to answer with an incredible menu of all the classics. The ambiance is colorful and fun, and the cocktails are amazing.
10 Main St, Andover, MA 01810 (978-289-4165)
Andover MA Jobs
Andover features a diverse economy that employs a workforce of just under 5,000 residents living in Andover MA, led by instrusties in manufacturing, business services, and trade, among many others.
Andover MA hosts regional offices for major corporations, and some of the biggest employers offering jobs in Andover MA include:
The average commute time to work is about 30 minutes, while the median household income is higher than the typical $167,591/year, so there's lots of opportunity here. The Andover MA average income for individuals is $89,000/year.
If you have plans on moving to Andover MA, keep your eyes peeled on Indeed Jobs Andover MA, or browse excellent government positions via the Town of Andover MA jobs.
Andover MA Schools
Public schools in the town are excellent, and a major allure of living in Andover MA. Andover Public Schools oversees the town's education and the nearly 5,500 students who attend one of the many great schools in the area, such as Andover High School or High Plain Elementary School.
If you're looking for private schools in Andover MA, you might want to look into the Andover School of Montessori or the renowned Phillips Academy. The most notable college near Andover is Merrimack College, offering top-rated higher education.
The Memorial Hall Library, located in a beautiful Italianate-style building, ensures continued education and creativity outside of classroom walls for everyone living in Andover MA!
Andover MA Statistics & Information
- Andover MA County: Essex
- Andover MA area: 32.1 square miles
- Andover MA zip code: 01810
- Andover MA area code(s): 351 & 978
- Andover MA elevation: 180 ft
- Andover MA time zone: Example: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest major airport to Andover MA: The Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), about 27 miles away.
Map of Andover MA
Eager to explore Andover MA or looking for a map of towns between Boston and Andover mass? This interactive map is the perfect way to start exploring from the comfort of your computer!
Make Living in Andover MA a Reality!
Of all the wonderful places in Massachusetts, Andover is one of the best to call your forever home. And if moving to Andover MA is in your future, our Andover MA movers are always here to ensure a stress-free transition. Whether you're looking for local movers or long distance movers, or something special like piano moving, the variety of moving services at Preferred Moving & Storage caters to all moving needs.
Call us anytime at (351) 888-3987 for a free, no-hassle quote, and let's make living in Andover MA happen!
