Find Career Counselors Serving
Andover, MA

Frequently asked questions

Andover, MA

Andover is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It was settled in 1642 and incorporated in 1646. At the 2020 census, the population was 36,569. It is located 20 miles (32 km) north of Boston and 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Lawrence. Part of the town comprises the census-designated place of Andover. It is twinned with its namesake: Andover, Hampshire, England.

Native Americans inhabited what is now northeastern Massachusetts for thousands of years prior to European colonization of the Americas. At the time of European arrival, Massachusett and Naumkeag people inhabited the area south of the Merrimack River and Pennacooks inhabited the area to the north. The Massachusett referred to the area that would later be renamed Andover as Cochichawick. Cochichawick was transferred to English settlers on May 16, 1649, by the Sagamore of the Massachusett, Cutshamache. He sold the land known as Cochichawick to Mr. John Woodbrige for the price of 6 pounds and a coat, which he had already received, as well as an agreement that the Massachusett people be allowed to catch Alewives in the Cochichawick River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.1 square miles (83.2 km2), of which 31.0 square miles (80.3 km2) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.9 km2) (3.49%) is water. Significant water areas include the Shawsheen River, Fosters Pond, Pomps Pond, and Haggetts Pond, located in west Andover, which serves as the town's reservoir. Haggetts Pond was originally set apart from other waters, but since the late 1990s has had waters added from the Merrimack River, which constitutes half of the town's northern border, to supplement the growing needs of the town. Andover is also home to the Harold Parker State Forest, the Trustees of Reservations' Charles W. Ward Reservation, as well as a tiny portion of Lawrence's Den Rock Park. The town's Conservation Commission and privately non-profit A.V.I.S. (Andover Village Improvement Society) own around 3000 acres in the town. Other notable reservations in the town include the Harold R. Rafton Reservation and the Deer Jump Reservation (along the banks of the Merrimack). The town is home to many glacial features including drumlins, eskers, and glacial erratics.

Andover's town center is located approximately four miles south of the center of Lawrence and is 22 miles (35 km) north of Boston and 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Manchester, New Hampshire. Andover contains the westernmost point of Essex County, along the Merrimack River. It is bordered by Lawrence to the north, North Andover to the northeast, North Reading and Wilmington to the south, and Tewksbury to the southwest. Andover also borders Methuen to the northwest; however, the boundary separation is formed by the Merrimack River.

Andover places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Andover Medical Center provides patient-centered, primary care for families, from prenatal care and pediatrics to adult and senior care. Start your journey at Advanced Health & Wellness, which provides a range of services including sauna therapy. A3 Fitness provides personalized training programs for a tailored fitness experience. For a relaxing massage, visit Sol Daisy Wellness. The Lawrence General Hospital offers comprehensive medical services to ensure your health needs are met. Pentucket Medical Express Care is another excellent facility for urgent care and routine check-ups. For fitness enthusiasts, CrossFit Full Potential provides a high-intensity workout environment.   
 

Top Sites in Andover, MA are the Addison Gallery of American Art, Harold Parker State Forest, and Charles W. Ward Reservation.
 

ZIP Code: 01810. Area: 32.1 sq mi (83.2 km2). Area Code: 351. Elevation: 55m. Population: 36,569 (2020).

FAQs

What is the average income in Andover, MA?

In 2022, Andover, MA had a population of 9.42k people with a median age of 45.4 and a median household income of $130,417. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Andover, MA grew from 8,958 to 9,419, a 5.15% increase and its median household income grew from $122,689 to $130,417, a 6.3% increase. The largest industries in Andover, MA are Educational Services (902 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (712 people), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (694 people), and the highest paying industries are Manufacturing ($146,563), Finance & Insurance ($136,029), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($134,758).

What is Andover, MA famous for?

Andover is known the world over for being the home of one of the oldest and most prestigious independent secondary "prep" schools in the U.S. - Phillips Academy. Founded in 1770 by Samuel Phillips, the school today has an enrollment of approximately 1,100 students. Phillips Academy alumni include former President George Bush, pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock, former Yale President and baseball Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti, and former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Oliver Wendall Holmes Jr.

Is Andover, MA a good place to live?

Yes, it’s a nice community to live in, with fantastic schools, delicious and affordable restaurants, and comfortable single-family homes. Living in Andover MA is perfect for single professionals, families, and retirees. Andover is well known for being the home of Phillips Academy. Its motto is “Home of America,” as the town has ties to many important historical events in the United States, including the Salem witch trials and the American Revolution.

Sources

Town of Andover

Wikipedia

Mass Bay Movers

Data USA

Addison Gallery of American Art

Harold Parker State Forest

Charles W. Ward Reservation.

Andover Medical Center

Advanced Health Online

A3 Fitness 

Sol Daisy Wellness

Lawrence General Hospital 

Pentucket Medical Express Care

CrossFit Full Potential 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.