Andover

With its award-winning schools, classic New England colonials and deep wooded forests, Far West Andover is among the most sought-after neighborhoods in northern Massachusetts, particularly among those seeking a rural community within commuting distance of downtown Boston. “For many buyers, the Andover School District is an incredibly motivating factor,” says Jefri Liriano, broker and team leader of the Liriano Team with Keller Williams Success, the top-selling team in the Merrimack Valley for the last three years. “Buyers will calculate the value of the school district into the price they’re willing to pay for a home.” <br><br>Tucked into the southern banks of the Merrimack River near the border between New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Far West Andover is located less than 30 miles north of Boston – a 30-minute commute during rush hour via Interstate 93 – though many of its residents work in the nearby city of Lowell. Far West Andover sits deep within the deciduous forests of northern Massachusetts; the neighborhood’s quiet rural streets are lined with oak, maple and birch trees, making the community a popular destination for “leaf peepers” each autumn. Old stone walls line the residential roads, giving way to large wooded yards that merge into one of the many protected forests or conservation areas that share the landscape. A few recent housing developments have adopted a more suburban aesthetic, trading large manicured lawns for the rural wooded lots common to older parts of the community. The homes in Far West Andover are larger and more expensive than the national average, consisting primarily of four-bedroom colonials, raised ranches and Cape Cods on multi-acre lots for $850,000 to $1.5 million. The median home price is just over $1 million, and homes typically sell in fewer than three weeks. However, Liriano says that the market has recently begun to level off after nearly three years of significant gains. <br><br>Perhaps no quality better defines life in Far West Andover than the neighborhood’s deep rural setting, a picturesque combination of diverse woodlands, babbling trout streams and clear blue lakes on the southern banks of the Merrimack River. Residents take full advantage of the outdoor recreation just outside their back doors, meeting for morning walks along the river on the Bay Circuit Trail, rowing longboats in the Merrimack River from one of the many boat ramps, hiking within the miles of rustic trails within Bald Hill, High Plains or Deer Jump Reservation, or playing fetch at the Andover Dog Park before checking on their vegetables at the Andover Community Garden. On rainy days, residents typically drive to Lowell to visit the Boott Cotton Mills Museum or to catch an indie film at The Luna Theater. <br><br>Far West Andover is a car-dependent neighborhood, and residents must be willing to drive at least 10 minutes to access the grocery stores, restaurants and retail. The nearest spot is south of Interstate 494 on Main Street, where residents can find small shopping plazas with chain restaurants and pharmacies next to familiar national retailers like Walmart and The Home Depot. Weekends begin at Aroma Joe’s Coffee, a chain of New England coffee shops with iced drinks, breakfast sandwiches and donuts by the dozen. The Chateau Restaurant has 10 locations throughout Massachusetts, serving traditional Italian family-style lunch and dinner along with prepared meals that can be heated up at home. For dessert, the Sarkisian Farms Driving Range serves over 30 flavors of Richardson’s award-winning ice cream to enjoy while hitting long drives from their lighted tee boxes. <br><br>The Andover Public Schools District serves students in Far West Andover, ranked by Niche as Massachusetts's 33rd best school district. Students begin at High Plain Elementary School – an A-rated school on Niche with a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1 – before advancing to Wood Hill Middle School, an A-rated school considered by Niche as the best public middle school in Essex County. Finally, students move on to Andover High School, an A-rated school by Niche with an average SAT score of 1300, where graduates regularly attend prestigious local universities like Boston College, UConn and Brown.

This Andover neighborhood gets its name from Phillips Academy, the oldest boarding school in the country. This coed institution opened its doors in 1778 and has maintained its reputation as a prestigious high school, earning an A-plus from Niche. The campus is much more than dorms and academic buildings; it includes an observatory, art gallery, and archaeology museum. It is about 1 mile from Downtown Andover, so people often visit the local restaurants and stores. While most teens are enrolled as boarding students, living and learning on campus, several students return to their family’s homes. Mary O’Donoghue, Realtor with William Raveis R.E. & Home Service, whose kids both attended Phillips Academy, says that “easily half” of her neighbors moved there for the school. “Frankly, it’s the reason I moved to the area,” she says. Most students not enrolled at Phillips Academy attend the highly rated Andover Public Schools, which receive an A from Niche. Bancroft Elementary School has an A-minus, while both Andover West Middle School and Andover High School earn an A. The Global Pathways Scholars program at Andover High helps students build a more holistic understanding of the world and appreciation for other cultures, mainly because of the immersive aspects of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to travel abroad or spend time in a culturally rich neighboring community, with destinations including Italy and Japan. The neighborhood borders Merrimack College, a private Catholic institution with nearly 150 undergraduate programs and master’s degrees in over 20 disciplines, including clinical mental health counseling and finance. In the fall, the maples and oaks that line the streets become vibrant shades of red and orange, adding a splash of color to morning walk past centuries-old homes. Colonials and farmhouses dating back to the 1700s sit close to the school, with prices typically ranging from $1.2 million to $2 million. The rest of the area is filled with early to mid-20th century New Englanders, colonial-inspired properties, as well as new traditional houses from the early 2000s. These farther-out properties tend to range from $850,000 to $1.1 million. The Phillips Academy neighborhood receives a CAP Index Crime Score of one out of 10, compared to the national average of four. While most of Phillips Academy’s recreation is reserved for its students, there are a few chances for the public to explore the campus. The Cochran Wildlife Sanctuary spans about 65 acres, with several miles of trails that hikers and skiers use. At the Addison Gallery of American Art, visitors can admire over 25,000 artworks, including pieces by Georgia O’Keefe and Jackson Pollock. O’Donoghue mentions that some neighbors will even use the school’s tennis courts. Off campus, folks can explore the several nature preserves in and around the neighborhood. The Charles W. Ward Reservation features more than 15 miles of trails that offer views of the Boston skyline. “People love the outdoors, so you see a lot of walking, jogging and biking,” O’Donoghue says. Phillips Academy is only about 1 mile from downtown Andover, meaning it is less than a 10-minute walk to the vibrant restaurant scene. One of O’Donoghue’s favorite places to get dinner in the area is Elm Square Oyster Co., an oyster bar and gastropub. Many of the younger residents will meet their friends at Uburger, and Palmers Restaurant and Tavern has live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The closest grocery stores are Whole Foods and Stop & Shop, both about 2 miles away. For fresh, locally grown produce, folks can head to the Andover Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from June to October. Walmart and Target are about 5 miles away, while Home Depot is about a 9-mile drive. With downtown so close, both students and residents of Phillips Academy will attend town events throughout the year. These include the New England Summer Classic Car Show every July and the Downtown Andover Summer Music Series, free concerts held every Thursday in July and August. The highlight of the year is Andover Day, a celebration of the community held every September that draws in thousands. Attendees can watch local dance troupes or theatre groups perform or enjoy live music while exploring more than 200 vendors. Plenty of food trucks and tents are open all day, and people can get a drink at the beer, wine and margarita gardens. Phillips Academy will also open some of its events to the public, such as football games between Phillips Academy Andover and Phillips Exeter Academy and poetry readings hosted by the English department. Most people rely on their cars to get around, with state Route 125 eventually connecting with Interstate 93 and leading into Boston, about 26 miles away. There are a few options for public transportation. The Merrimack Valley Transit offers several bus stops close to the school that go into Andover. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Commuter Rail Haverhill Line runs through town. “We have two stops in Andover that go right into North Station,” says O’Donoghue, referring to the Andover and Ballardvale Stations. “They’re invaluable.” Residents often fly out of Boston Logan International Airport, about 25 miles away, although some municipal airports are nearby. The closest emergency room is at Andover Medical Center, about a 3-mile drive.

Located just 20 miles from downtown Boston, the Southern Andover area offers something beyond the typical suburban fare. “A lot of suburbs lack community or a sense of identity, but not Andover,” says Nick Daher, real estate agent with Broad Sound Real Estate and longtime resident of the area. “I really can’t think of a better downtown suburban area—it’s so unique.” More than just an extension of Boston, Southern Andover and the surrounding area are full of historic charm, excellent schools, and a thriving community with its own personality. With its focus on a quieter way of life full of small-town character, Southern Andover might be the closest slice of rural living one can get while remaining just a short drive from Boston.<br><br>Thanks to its more rural nature, the houses in Southern Andover run large—homeowners can expect spacious front and back yards, with driveways, attached garages, and porches perfect for an early morning cup of coffee. Houses in the neighborhood tend to range from $500,000 to $1.5 million—though it isn’t uncommon to see some going for as high as $3.5 million. And while colonial-revival styles are perhaps the most common in the area (especially farther out), there’s no one set-in-stone style in Southern Andover. “It’s definitely not a ‘cookie-cutter’ kind of place,” says Daher. “There’s a style for everyone.”<br><br>Prospective students arriving in the Andover area can rest easy—the schools are renowned for their high scores and available programs. “The area is great for families, and that really stars with how good the schools are,” says Mary O’Donoghue, a licensed Realtor with William Raveis R.E. & Home Services and resident of Andover since 1988. Students can begin their journey at South Elementary School before moving on to Doherty Middle, before wrapping up at Andover High School—featuring Niche grades of A, A-minus, and A respectively. Additionally, nearby Phillips Academy is internationally renowned as of the oldest and most prestigious prep schools in the United States, even counting former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush among its alumni. <br><br>Beyond just the schools, Southern Andover offers another feature that gives it some local renown—the beautiful Pomp’s Pond. As O’Donoghue puts it, “From May through October, you’ll see tons of families out on Pomp’s Pond.” The area features an array of activities to engage in, such as boat rentals and guided programs. “There are passes for all kinds of activities, and they change all throughout the season,” O’Donoghue says. “It’s wonderful for all the families in the community.” <br><br>For even more outdoor adventure, residents can head to the Harold Parker State Forest for access to all sorts of trails. Featuring a thriving and vibrant downtown, residents ready to return to the indoors can walk the streets and pop into a variety of unique shops. Afterward, they can head to LaRosa’s Italian Café & Bar for a handcrafted sandwich or cup of Italian coffee—all served with cozy, old-school charm. <br><br>That old-school charm is a point of pride for the people in Southern Andover, who enjoy preserving their history as much as they do celebrating it with one another. Unlike some suburban areas that simply exist to escape the business of a major city, Andover has more to it. “A lot of people moving to the suburbs think you have to give up certain things,” says Nick Daher. “With Andover, you don’t have to sacrifice your social life.”

Shawsheen Heights’ prime location in the heart of Andover allows for convenience around Massachusetts’ North Shore region. Repurposed brick mill buildings add a touch of historical character to the area, while nearby big-box stores and dining options provide a splash of modern convenience. "The neighborhood was one of the first planned communities in the country," says Eric Frahlich, managing director, partner and Realtor with Lillian Montalto Signature Properties and 30-year resident of North Andover. “The draw today is that it's one of the only areas in town that has this much brick housing." The diverse residential market and top-rated Andover Public Schools attract a wide array of young professionals, established residents and families. Its central location near transportation hubs and highways adds to the neighborhood's allure, striking a balance between slow- and fast-paced living. With a commuter rail that takes less than one hour to get into Boston’s North Station and coastal towns within about 25 miles, Shawsheen Heights epitomizes accessibility. Plenty of nature reserves and bodies of water sit near Shawsheen Heights and are fully recreational. The nearby Shawsheen River Trail attracts hikers and bikers to its wooded pathways. The greater Shawsheen River watershed offers spots for swimming, paddling, fishing and boating at several locations, such as Pomps Pond and Dale Street Conservation Area, just about 2 miles south. Many houses are within walking distance of both Penguin Park and Carmel Woods, providing opportunities to exercise outdoors, walk the dogs and hit the playground and athletic fields. Golfers can utilize the course at Andover Country Club on the west side of the neighborhood, as well. While the coast is about 30 miles away, beaches are available in Windham and Wilmington, along with the private Legion Beach in North Andover. There are many restaurants and stores nearby, with shopping centers on Main and Turnpike Streets. Stop & Shop, Walgreens and Whole Foods all have locations here, while the closest Walmart and Target are about 8 miles north in Methuen. The area has a host of both fast food and local restaurants, including Shawsheen Luncheonette, a classic diner joint with a vintage vibe. Raagini Indian Bistro is a relaxed family-owned eatery serving up Northern and Southern Indian classics, plus a lunch buffet. Burtons Grill & Bar, an upscale chain, is known for its Tso cauliflower appetizer, burgers and customary American fare. Farther south into downtown, a cluster of Christian churches can be found, as well as the Congregation Beth Israel. The closest masjid sits about 4 miles away in Ballardvale at the Andover Islamic Center. While some medical specialists are available in the neighborhood, Holy Family Hospital – Methuen is about 7 miles away. Andover Public School District consistently ranks high in state assessments. Most families in Shawsheen Heights are zoned for West Elementary School, which earns an A-minus on Niche. West Middle receives an A grade and is the No. 5 best public middle school in the county. Andover High School receives an A grade from Niche and has over 110 extracurriculars, including an investing and a neuroscience club. Private options are available, including Phillips Academy Andover, which is ranked the No. 1 best private high school in the state and No. 4 in the country. The academy has an average class size of 13 and offers day-school and boarding opportunities. Merrimack College is also nearby and has over 100 undergraduate degree paths. The community event calendar for Andover is full of unique activities within reach of Shawsheen Heights. During the warmer months, special activities include a parade on Memorial Day, a summer music series and the Andover Art Walk. The Andover Farmers Market runs from June through October and has an off-season Andover Holiday Market event. The winter season consists of many festive occasions, including Old Town Hall’s Hop Into The Holidays Artisan Market, the Andover Firefighters Santa Parade and the Holiday Stroll, where select local storefronts stay open late and offer discounts. Architecture in Shawsheen Heights is diverse, with newer contemporary builds sitting alongside aged colonials, ranch styles and Cape Cods. Older homes date back to Shawsheen Heights’ industrial-village days and add a historic element to the neighborhood’s overall facade. "Many of the owners of the mill lived in the area and created housing for their mid-level managers,” Frahlich says. These brick homes have been refurbished and maintained over the past century and a half. Single-family home prices most often fall between $700,000 and just over $1 million, depending on bedroom count and lot size, though outliers can be found on either end of the range. One- or two-bedroom condos in the $250,000 to $400,000 range are also available in complexes and small communities. Sidewalks are common, increasing the area’s walkability, and trees often shade modest front lawns and private driveways. Interstate 93 and Interstate 495 allow for convenient routes in the North and South Shores to the Greater Boston area. The nearby Andover Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (T) station further enhances the neighborhood’s accessibility, providing about 26-mile, 40-minute commuter rail rides into Boston’s North Station. Buses are available via the Merrimack Valley Transit, also known as the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, along busier roads, such as Main Street. The Boston Logan International Airport is within 30 miles, and the Lawrence Municipal Airport accommodates smaller, private aircrafts about 4 miles away.

Roughly 20 miles north of Boston, commuter-friendly West Andover is a suburb built around convenience. Interstate 93 lines the west end, while Interstate 495 runs along the north. On the east end, there’s the popular Andover rail station, surrounded by shops. But that’s not all there is to West Andover – this neighborhood is also known for a strong school system, plus an abundance of natural spaces. There’s quite a bit of variety in terms of housing styles, and the median home price in West Andover is $950,000. It’s worth noting that the area has regional offices for large employers like Pfizer, Raytheon and Phillips Healthcare. At the entry point of the market, look for historic townhouses built during the late 19th century, starting in the low $500,000s. Prewar Cape Cods represent another entry point: these can be situated on half acre lots along, in an old-fashioned suburban setting, and are ideal for homebuyers who want to add finishing touches. Cresting the $1.5 million range, newer properties come into view, such as four-bedroom, four-bathroom luxury condos built in 2020. Realtor Mike Urban at eXp Realty notes that the presence of the prestigious preparatory school Phillips Academy is like a rising tide that lifts all ships. “I think that when you have prestigious schools, it sort of sets the precedent for the neighboring schools, and I think that plays a huge role in why the rest of the public schools in Andover are so good, and obviously a reason why buyers want to move here.” West Elementary enrolls around 550 students, and maintains an 11 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Niche gives it an A-minus in academics and an A-minus overall. Andover West Middle enrolls a similar number, and has a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. Niche gives it an A in the teachers category and an A overall. Andover High is massive compared to these two schools: it enrolls 1,700 students but still maintains a 13 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Niche gives it a B-plus in clubs and activities, and an A overall. Former students have gone on to fame, most notably the late show host Jay Leno, actress Kara Hayward and Joe Sirois, drummer for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Residents also have access to the Memorial Hall Library, housed in a stunning red brick Colonial building. Baker Meadow Reservation is a popular outdoor retreat, if simply for the sheer diversity in flora and fauna. Trails take visitors through various ecosystems, from open grassy spaces to wooded paths to wetlands. Indian Ridge Country Club offers more manicured outdoor recreation. This 18-hole course was founded in 1964 by the owners of the Market Basket grocery store chain. Speaking of groceries, residents have access to Whole Foods as well as Stop & Shop, both conveniently located near the Andover train station. Entertainment and dining destinations are clustered here, too. Oak & Iron Brewing is full of rustic wood surfaces and industrial flair, enhancing the sipping experience: 15 beers are on tap, ranging from light ales to a dark Ice Cream Porter Float called Cloud 9. Grassfields Foods & Spirits is a classic steakhouse, while Karma Andover is a haven for sushi lovers. With plenty happening in its own backyard, West Andover is the kind of commuter suburb that keeps daily life active.

Anchored by major thoroughfares, parks and a large recreational pond, Haggetts is a low-density Andover neighborhood with plenty of amenities, about 23 miles outside of Boston. The main draw to the area, though, is education. “The biggest thing about Andover is the amount of money the town likes to invest in its school system,” says Nikolas Amicone, broker and owner of the local Amicone & Associates real estate agency. In fact, residents look forward to a new $450 million high school campus that will address overcrowding in the district. Families looking to spread out on sizeable, quiet properties can reap the benefits of Andover’s schools, restaurants and parks, without having to experience urban commotion at home. Niche gives A grades to all three area schools. Students begin at Henry C. Sanborn Elementary, then head to Wood Hill Middle. About 2 miles outside the neighborhood at Andover High School, students can delve into cutting-edge technologies through clubs focused on artificial intelligence and bioengineering. Phillips Academy Andover sits just under 5 miles away and ranks as the No. 1 best private high school in the state and No. 4 in the country by Niche. Higher education is also available nearby in North Andover at Merrimack College, which offers over 100 undergraduate programs. The 1-mile-long Lowell & Lawrence Railroad Reservation leads to Haggetts Pond, the 59-acre neighborhood namesake. The trail here remains unpaved, but the town of Andover may transform it into a 1.6-mile paved walkway to increase accessibility. Visitors can trek to the pond to fish, and during the long winter months, they trade in fishing rods for cross-country ski poles. Motorboats are forbidden on the pond, but rowboats are welcome. Other hiking trails meander north of Haggetts, including Fish Brook South Conservation Area and Bald Hill. After walking on the leash for a while, pups can run free at the Andover Dog Park, just north of Interstate 495. Folks can head over to the adjacent Andover Community Garden, which provides rentable plots for harvesting. While downtown Andover’s housing market consists of townhouses and compact single-family homes, Haggetts makes way for more land and bigger houses. Colonials, ranch styles and contemporary builds feature yards wide enough to fit multiple mature maple trees, private pools and in some instances, tennis courts. The average home square footage and lot sizes, which can surpass 4 acres, exceed those in West Andover. Another appeal to these homes is the area's CAP Index crime score of 1, which is below the national average of 4. Prices most often fall between $850,000 and $1.8 million, excluding outliers on either end of the range. While sidewalks are uncommon along these private residential roads, streets fan out enough for walks and jogs through the neighborhood. This slice of Andover features fewer restaurants than other parts of town, though a couple of eateries line Lowell Street. Crack’d Kitchen & Coffee’s menu caters to a variety of diets and palates, from acai berry bowls to breakfast sandwiches layered with cheddar and steak tips. 99 Restaurants is a family-friendly pub, where a Red Sox win means a kid’s meal on the house. For a fresh sub or a cold beer, Barron’s Country Store & Liquor provides some everyday essentials and a Bank of America ATM. When in search for more restaurants and big-box shopping, Downtown Andover is just 4 miles east. The short drive reveals blocks of locally owned eateries and boutiques, a Whole Foods, Stop & Shop and CVS. “Andover has the nicest downtown around,” Amicone says, and it continues to grow. New restaurants pop up frequently, often converting old business buildings into profitable social spots. The closest Walmart is to the west in Tewksbury, while Target is about 6 miles south in Ballardvale. Haggetts residents can head downtown for community-wide events. With a Memorial Day parade, the Andover Art Walk gallery tours and the farmers market, the warmer months are booked with special activities. Over the winter, holiday markets and parades keep spirits up as temperatures drop. Interstates 495 and 93 frame the neighborhood, making trips north into New Hampshire and south toward Boston accessible. For those who prefer public transportation, Andover has a commuter rail station on the Haverhill Line. Buses stop along Lowell Street via the Lowell Regional Transit Authority, and Boston Logan International Airport sits about 25 miles away via I-93. Other facilities, such as Lowell General Hospital Saints Campus and various houses of worship are close by. Temple Emanuel stands off of Haggetts Pond Road, while Christian churches and an Islamic center are within about 5 miles.