Highly rated schools, luxury homes and outdoor recreation in Andover
Andover is a suburban town that offers a blend of warmth and convenience 25 miles north of Boston. With a population of around 35,000, Andover is known for its top-rated public schools, historic sites and strong sense of community. "It's been a sought-after community for over 100 years because of the early zoning. Back in the 1920s, before other towns had zoning ideas, Andover developed their downtown, and it's been an intentionally developed town," says Heather Moody Holman, Andover resident and Realtor with RE/MAX Partners. "We have over 2,000 acres of conservation land for all kinds of outdoor activities. The schools are always in the top 20 in the state. It's a great community with a lot of opportunities." Major employers include Raytheon, Philips Healthcare, Pfizer and the Andover Public Schools district. Its historic downtown, community parks and active calendar of events create a welcoming atmosphere for families, professionals and those looking to live a quiet lifestyle. For those who work in Boston, commuting is a breeze along Interstate 93 or through the Andover commuter rail line.
An aerial overview from Southern Andover of the town's center.
Welcome to the South Elementary School in Southern Andover.
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Andover's rising housing costs
Homebuyers in Andover can choose from various styles, including modest Cape Cods and ranch-style homes and sprawling Victorians and Colonial Revivals. Houses near downtown are tucked fairly close together, while farther out there is more of a semi-rural feel with quiet streets and grassy lawns. The median home price in Andover is $1,040,000, which is significantly higher than in North Andover, Methuen and Lawrence. "It hurts to say it's almost doubled in the last four years. Of course, there are smaller homes and first-time buyer opportunities," Holman says. Homes in Southern Andover and near Phillips Academy have the highest values, while Shawsheen Heights is about $200,000 cheaper.
You'll envy the charm that some homes have in Far West Andover.
Most homes in Far West Andover have a good amount of driveway and yard space.
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Merrimack Valley parks, golf courses, trails and community spaces
Andover’s warm summers and community organizers give residents plenty of reasons to go outside and enjoy the Merrimack Valley. Andover Village Improvement Society is a local nonprofit organization that was founded in 1894 and is one of the oldest land conservation organizations in the United States. Harold Parker State Forest is a 3,000-acre park just a few miles southeast of Andover, with trails for hikers, equestrians and bike riders. North Andover Town Common is a historic space in the center of town, hosting the North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival in May, as well as other community events. Nearby is the town's community garden as well as parks, playgrounds and places to hike. Most residents can find numerous trails like the Carmel Woods Trail or Shawsheen River Bird Sanctuary, while avid golfers can check out the Andover Country Club.
Practice your golf game at the Sarkisian Farm driving range in Far West Andover.
Enjoy the view at Retelle Reservation in Far West Andover.
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Andover's long history of high-quality education
Andover Public Schools is rated an A and is considered the No. 1 best school district in Essex County on Niche. Its three middle schools and its high school all score an A on Niche. Andover High School is one of the top high schools in the county and has a strong emphasis on athletics, AP courses and college prep. Collins Center for the Arts at Andover High School hosts concerts and theater performances.
Private schools in the area include The Pike School, which is rated an A-minus, and Phillips Academy, one of the country's oldest and most prestigious high schools, ranked as the No. 2 best private high school in the United States by Niche. Phillips Academy offers need-blind admissions, meaning students get accepted no matter their financial needs. Just a short drive away are famous academic institutions like Harvard, Tufts and MIT. Closer to home, students can attend North Shore Community College in nearby Danvers.
The main entrance to Doherty Middle School in Southern Andover.
The main entrance to Andover High School serving the greater Andover area.
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Andover Day fall festival, fireworks shows and a Santa parade
Andover residents look forward to a long roster of community events and festivals all year long, from the Andover Firefighters Santa Parade to the weekly community farmers market and Fourth of July fireworks show. The most notable event is the town's beloved Andover Day, a fall festival that celebrates the town’s history with craft booths, a farmers market, local food trucks, live music performances and family-friendly activities.
Friends gather for great food at the Andover Greek Festival.
People walk up and down Main St at The New England Summer Classic Car Show in Andover, MA.
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Plenty of ways to get around the Merrimack Valley
Public transportation options, including multiple bus routes and train stations, make it easy to get around Andover. Residents can use the Andover and IRS/Raytheon lines of the Merrimack Valley Transit buses to get around town and to nearby communities like Lawrence. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has a commuter rail line through Andover, with stations in the Ballardvale neighborhood and downtown. With I-93 and I-495 nearby, residents can easily commute through the region via car. "It's very accessible to Boston, the ocean or north to the mountains in New Hampshire and Maine," Holman says. The drive to Boston is approximately 24 miles on I-93 and takes about 30 minutes when traffic is light.
Downtown Andover local businesses and nearby shopping plazas
Local shops and restaurants line Main Street in downtown Andover, where red brick buildings are home to restaurants like Brooksy's Brick Oven and Bar, as well as bookstores, coffee shops and boutiques. Shopping centers include Andover Village Square and places like Shawsheen Plaza, where residents can pick up groceries at Whole Foods and Stop & Shop. There is also a Target just south of town along Interstate 93.
The lunch buffet is a must at Raagini Indian Bistro in Shawheen Heights.
Look for great finds at Chic Consign near Shawsheen Heights.
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A safe suburb in Greater Boston
Crime data for Andover, Massachusetts is not readily available at this time.
On average, homes in Andover, MA sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Andover, MA over the last 12 months is $937,960, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Julie Tsakirgis brings an unparalleled wealth of experience accumulated over four decades as the principal Broker of RE/MAX Property Shoppe. Her seasoned perspective transcends conventional approaches to real estate delving into the intricate balance between supply and demand dynamics. With an acute awareness of how swiftly the real estate landscape can shift, Julie’s out of the box pricing strategies as a strong listing agent, ensure that your property remains competitive in a market that evolves by the minute and as a buyer agent ensure that your offer is presented most competitively .In addition to her acute market acumen, Julie’s keen eye for detail as a listing agent extends to the preparation of your property for marketing maximizing its potential to yield the highest returns and as a buyer’s agent extends to the preparation of your offer to purchase to yield an accepted offer within the buyer’s limitations. Backed by a robust network of industry professionals, she and her group orchestrate a meticulous preparation process to ensure that your property and your offer to purchase takes center stage with an impeccable presentation
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When you choose The JULIE TSAKIRGIS GROUP to sell or purchase a home, you’re not just hiring real estate agents you’re partnering with trusted advisors who are passionate about changing lives and ensuring that your real estate journey is nothing short of exceptional. Say yes to the JULIE TSAKIRGIS GROUP, and embark on a transformative experience where your property’s and your offer to purchase ‘s potential is maximized, and your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
