Andover 81 Exceptional
Andover Livability #30 ranked city in Massachusetts#1,193 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Andover

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

  • Ratings

    AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

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What's it like Living in Andover?

Andover is a smaller city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 8,821 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (87% White). Given that fact, Andover could be considered less diverse than other cities. Something to be aware of when living in Andover are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 30 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Andover can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Massachusetts, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Andover and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, health & safety and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 82/100, Andover is ranked #934 in the United States and #27 in Massachusetts. Based on this score, Andover would be considered a very livable city! Andover has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Andover ranks well for amenities (B+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B) There are some categories that Andover ranks poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

If you're considering living in Andover, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Andover provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 117 crimes per 100,000 residents, Andover has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Andover, the average school test scores are an impressive 68%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Andover excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Andover. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Andover are affordable. The median home price for Andover homes is $597,500, which is 75.2% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Andover, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.3, which is 10.4% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Andover

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Compare Andover, MA Livability

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      Andover transportation information

      Statistic Andover Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute30min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work64.8%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.1%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.3%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk9.1%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home15.4%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Andover, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).