📍 Location & Geography
Andover is a town located in Essex County, in the northeastern part of the state of Massachusetts. It is situated approximately 22 miles north of Boston and is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town covers a total area of 32.1 square miles, of which 31.0 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Andover are 42.6584° N latitude and 71.1370° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Andover is part of the Merrimack Valley region in northeastern Massachusetts. The town is bordered by Lawrence to the north, North Andover to the northeast, North Reading and Wilmington to the south, and Tewksbury and Dracut to the west.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Andover was approximately 36,500. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a significant minority of Asian residents. Other racial groups include African American, Native American, and people of other races. The median age in Andover is around 43 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of females than males.
🏛️ History
Andover was first settled in 1636 and was officially incorporated in 1646. The town played a significant role in the Salem Witch Trials, with several residents being accused of witchcraft. In the 19th century, Andover became a center of the textile industry, with several mills operating in the town. Today, Andover is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and high-quality schools.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Andover is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Harold Parker State Forest, which offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The town is also part of the larger Bay Circuit Trail and Greenway, a 200-mile trail network that passes through 37 towns in eastern Massachusetts. The Shawsheen River runs through the town, providing a beautiful natural landscape.
🏫 Education
Andover is known for its strong educational institutions. The town’s public school system includes five elementary schools, three middle schools, and Andover High School. Andover is also home to Phillips Academy, one of the oldest and most prestigious private secondary schools in the United States. For higher education, Merrimack College and a campus of the Massachusetts School of Law are located nearby.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Andover is facilitated by several major highways, including Interstate 93, Interstate 495, and Route 28. The town is also served by the Andover station on the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Haverhill Line, providing direct access to Boston. Lawrence Municipal Airport is the nearest airport, located just north of the town.
📜 Trivia & Events
Andover hosts several annual events, including the Andover Day street fair, the Gold Rush Days at Harold Parker, and the Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race. The town was also the setting for the 1999 film “The Cider House Rules”. Notable residents have included actress Jayne Atkinson, astronaut Sunita Williams, and former U.S. Secretary of State, Dean Acheson.