Andover - want your opinions! (Lawrence, North Andover: loft, condo, townhouse)

[buglalane]

We're considering moving to the Andover area. What do you know about it? Have friends who live there? What is your opinion of that area?

Thanks
K.

[Pugmom]

Andover is a nice town I have friends that just moved there. It is a bit pricey but is located close to Rt. 93. The schools I hear are great.Thats all I really know.
If you search this site there is more info about Andover.

[smarty]

Originally Posted by buglalane

We're considering moving to the Andover area. What do you know about it? Have friends who live there? What is your opinion of that area?

Thanks
K.

Didn't you just asked about N. Andover? They are close together and similar.

I often wonder what criteria people use to dertermine where they live. My understanding is that people usually use the following criteria.
how close are their friends or family,
how far away from work,
school,
safety,
can I afford it


I can only answer the last few. Good school, safe, just bring your checkbook.

[farmfriend]

Originally Posted by buglalane

We're considering moving to the Andover area. What do you know about it? Have friends who live there? What is your opinion of that area?

Thanks
K.

My brother and his family live in Andover. A long-time friend (42 years) lives in North Andover. I've driven in, dined and shopped in both towns. [They are separate towns. N.A. is not a section of Andover.] In contrast to what someone else posted you, they are not the same!

Andover developed from a farming community, had some mill industry on a stream, and has become an upscale commuting community. North Andover formed to separate itself from the large numbers of immigrants living and working in the very large mills of Lawrence and Methuan on the mighty Merrimac River. While it started out from snobbery, it is now where people from Lawrence and Methuan move who want to get out of the city.

My friend bought a condo (townhouse style, shares side walls with neighbors) in N.A. last year for $285K. It's three stories, approximately 24 ft wide by 30 feet deep. It's on a hillside. The first floor is a parking garage, storage area and a furnace and hot water tank room. The condo has driveway both front and back. The front door of the second or main floor opens to the upper driveway. That floor has a livingroom/diningroom that stretches from front to back, a small kitchen, half bath, utilty area and fireplace. A balcony overlooks the back driveway. The upstairs has two bedrooms and a full bathroom. One of the bedrooms has a loft and skylight. The condo complex also has a pool for use June 1 thru Labor Day. My friend found similar places in Andover, but always for at least $90K more.

Prices for everthing have seemed cheaper in North Andover. But you will shop and dine in malls, not in boutiques or entreprenurial restaurants.

My opinion of Andover? Have money! Many megahomes have been built and bought recently. My brother and his wife make $150K anually. My friend makes $35K.