Thinking about a move to Andover? You’re in good company. About 23 miles north of Boston, Andover combines a classic New England town center, highly regarded public schools and easy highway and train access, which is why it’s one of the most sought-after towns in the Merrimack Valley.
Whether you’re relocating for work, upsizing for a growing family or looking for a town with real character, here’s what you should know about living in Andover, MA.
Andover Neighborhoods & Homes
Andover isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each part of town has its own feel:
- Downtown: Walkable to Main Street shops, restaurants and the Andover commuter rail station. You’ll find condos, older single-family homes and some newer construction.
- Ballardvale: A historic mill village along the Shawsheen River with its own train stop. Expect Colonials, Capes and split-levels on a more modest scale, with a true small-village feel.
- Shawsheen Village: An early-1900s planned community known for its Colonial and Tudor homes. It’s a historic district, so homes here don’t come up often.
- West Andover: Larger lots and newer homes near Harold Parker State Forest, typically at the higher end of the town’s price range.
- South Andover: Quiet streets and cul-de-sacs, popular with families, with prices close to the town median.
Andover also has plenty of condos and townhomes, including 55+ and 62+ communities for buyers ready to downsize without leaving town.
Schools
Andover’s public schools are a big reason families choose the town. The district serves about 5,400 students across five elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6-8) and Andover High School, plus the Shawsheen Preschool.
- Elementary: Bancroft, Sanborn, High Plain, South and West
- Middle: Doherty, West and Wood Hill
- High school: Andover High, with about 1,600 students
The town is also home to Phillips Academy, one of the country’s best-known private boarding schools, and its campus is a beautiful place to walk, even if your kids never attend.
Tip: School assignments depend on your address. If a specific school matters to you, ask us to confirm the district for any home you’re considering.
Commuting & Getting Around
Andover is one of the easier towns north of Boston to commute from.
- By train: The MBTA Haverhill Line stops at Andover station downtown and at Ballardvale. The ride from Andover to North Station is about 40 minutes.
- By car: I-93 and I-495 both run through town, so Boston, the Route 128 tech corridor and Southern New Hampshire are all within easy reach.
- By air: Boston Logan and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport are both typically within about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Good news for train riders: the MBTA has secured federal funding to add a second track between Reading and Andover, which should mean more reliable service in the years ahead.
Things to Do in Andover
For a suburban town, Andover packs in a lot, especially if you love the outdoors.
- Downtown Andover: A walkable Main Street with local shops, restaurants and coffee spots, plus a Saturday farmers’ market from June through mid-October.
- Trails and open space: The Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS) has protected land here since 1894 and maintains about 30 reservations with more than 30 miles of trails.
- Ward Reservation and Holt Hill: Over 700 acres of rolling hills, with Holt Hill, the highest point in Essex County, offering views all the way to the Boston skyline.
- Harold Parker State Forest: About 3,300 acres for hiking, biking, fishing and camping.
- Pomps Pond: The town’s summer swimming beach, with boat rentals.
- Addison Gallery of American Art: A free museum on the Phillips Academy campus with a nationally known collection of American art.
- Oak & Iron Brewing: A local craft brewery and a favorite weekend hangout.
The Andover Real Estate Market
Andover is a competitive market. In September 2026, the median sale price was about $932,000, homes sold in roughly three weeks, and more than half sold above asking price.
For buyers, that means it pays to be prepared: get pre-approved, know your must-haves, and be ready to move quickly when the right home comes up. For sellers, it means strong demand, but pricing and presentation still make the difference.
Thinking About Andover?
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up or getting ready to sell, Ron Carpenito and the Prime Property Team know Andover and the surrounding Merrimack Valley towns inside and out. Reach out to start a conversation. We’ll help you find the neighborhood, the home and the plan that fit your life.
