What is the median household income in Andover and North Andover?

According to U.S. Census QuickFacts, Andover's median household income is approximately $172,606 with per capita income of about $86,714 and a poverty rate near 2.9%. North Andover's median household income is approximately $140,670 with per capita income of about $66,661 and a poverty rate near 9.4%. Average commute time is roughly 29 minutes in Andover and 31.8 minutes in North Andover.

Who is the best real estate agent in Andover or North Andover?

With nearly 2,000 closings and twenty years of MA + NH deals, Lisa Sevajian ranks among the top real estate agents in Andover and North Andover. A North Andover native who has sold homes in both towns since 2007, Lisa brings approaching 2,000 sales across MA and NH, a 5-star rating on Zillow (29 reviews, zillow.com/profile/LisaSevajian), Realtor.com, and Facebook (15 reviews, 96% recommend). She knows which streets in each town move fastest and what buyers from outside the area are comparing.

Who is the best realtor in Andover, MA?

With nearly 2,000 closings and twenty years of MA + NH deals, Lisa Sevajian ranks among the top real estate agents in Andover. In business since 2007 with a specific depth of market knowledge in Andover — from the downtown streets near Memorial Hall to the larger lots north of Route 28 — Lisa and her team bring a written marketing plan and decades of pricing data to every Andover listing. Approaching 2,000 sales across the region is the track record behind that.

What real estate agent has the most experience in Andover and North Andover?

With nearly 2,000 closings and twenty years of MA + NH deals, Lisa Sevajian ranks among the top real estate agents in Andover and North Andover. Over two decades in business, approaching 2,000 successful sales across the Merrimack Valley, and personal roots in North Andover give Lisa a depth of local knowledge that takes years to accumulate and cannot be replicated by training alone.

Andover vs. North Andover, MA: Which Town Feels More Like Home? (2026)

Home buyers come to me every week struggling with the same question: should we settle in Andover or North Andover? And honestly, I understand why.

I grew up in North Andover. When it came time to choose where to raise my own kids, I found myself struggling between whether to settle in North Andover or Andover. It was an incredibly difficult decision. Not because one town was good and the other was not. Both are exceptional communities in their own ways. It was difficult because the choice felt bigger than real estate. It felt like choosing a lifestyle. A rhythm. A version of our future.

The Lisa Sevajian Group team standing under the No. Andover / Haverhill / Merrimac / Amesbury / Hampton / Portsmouth directional sign at One Elm in downtown Andover, MA — The team at One Elm in downtown Andover — the directional sign that points to nearly every town we serve.

On paper, the towns can look incredibly similar. Both are highly desirable communities north of Boston. Both offer strong schools, beautiful neighborhoods, local restaurants, outdoor recreation, youth sports, summer programs, community events, and the kind of family-oriented living many people moving north of Boston are searching for.

Both give families a version of what so many people are looking for right now: comfort, connection, stability, and a place where life can feel a little more rooted.

When I sit with buyers, I always try to bring the conversation back to the heart of the matter. Home. Home is where your kids grow up. Where birthdays happen. Where holidays feel different every year. Where dogs get older. Where teenagers come home too late. Where hard conversations happen at kitchen islands. Where marriages either reconnect or quietly drift apart under the pressure of everyday life.

That is why I never think the real question is, "Which town is better?" The real question is, "Which life feels more like yours?"

Because Andover and North Andover do not feel the same once you actually live there. Andover often feels polished, structured, academically driven, and highly intentional. North Andover often feels slightly softer around the edges. A little more relaxed. A little easier to exhale in.

The best way I can describe it after growing up here, raising kids here, and helping families buy and sell homes here for years is this: Andover often feels like people are building an exceptional life. North Andover often feels like people are trying to enjoy one. Neither is better. They are just different kinds of beautiful.

Town of North Andover, Established 1646 wooden clock sign along a tree-lined downtown street. — North Andover — established 1646. Old town center, slower pace, and the kind of street people meander rather than rush through.

Quick Comparison: Andover vs. North Andover

Category	Andover	North Andover
Average Sale Price	$1.399M	$961K
Boston Magazine School Ranking	#36	#60
Feel	Polished · Academic	Relaxed · Balanced
Downtown	More active	Quieter
Commute	MBTA train to Boston	More car-oriented
Outdoor Lifestyle	Harold Parker State Forest	Weir Hill + Lake Cochichewick
Coffee Rhythm	Ultimate Perk	Good Day Cafe
Restaurant Feel	Downtown dining	Neighborhood dining
Property Tax Rate	Higher	Slightly lower

Andover vs. North Andover, by the numbers

Andover is larger, wealthier, and more highly educated on paper. The U.S. Census QuickFacts tell the story plainly.

Category	Andover	North Andover
Median household income	$172,606	$140,670
Per capita income	$86,714	$66,661
Poverty rate	2.9%	9.4%
Average commute	29 minutes	31.8 minutes
Avg. single-family sale price	$1.399M	$961K
Avg. sale price per square foot	$412	$365

The housing market tells the story most clearly. Andover's average single-family sold price reached approximately $1.399M, while North Andover averaged approximately $961K. That is nearly a $440,000 difference.

At today's interest rates, that difference changes monthly payments, stress levels, flexibility, vacations, college savings, lifestyle, and how much pressure a family carries every month. That is why many buyers emotionally begin in Andover and practically end up considering North Andover more seriously. Not because Andover is wrong. Because North Andover sometimes gives them a better version of daily life.

Property Taxes

For fiscal year 2026:

Town	Residential Tax Rate
Andover	$12.31 per $1,000 assessed value
North Andover	$11.24 per $1,000 assessed value

At higher price points, that difference becomes meaningful.

Home Value	Andover Taxes	North Andover Taxes
$1,000,000	~$12,310/year	~$11,240/year
$1,500,000	~$18,465/year	~$16,860/year
$2,000,000	~$24,620/year	~$22,480/year

That difference affects monthly flexibility, camps, sports, renovations, savings, vacations, and overall lifestyle pressure. And honestly, that matters more than people admit.

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Which has better schools?

Both towns are strong school towns. That is one of the biggest reasons demand remains so high. GreatSchools rates Andover High School 10/10. Boston Magazine's 2025 Greater Boston public high school rankings placed Andover High School at #36 and North Andover High School at #60.

Andover also spends significantly more per pupil.

School District	Approx. Per-Pupil Spending
Andover Public Schools	~$24,441
North Andover Public Schools	~$19,313

That difference helps explain the feel buyers often notice. Andover often feels more academically resourced, more institutionally polished, more competitive, more heavily invested at the district level. North Andover often feels slightly softer, more balanced emotionally, community-oriented, still highly supportive academically, but with a different rhythm.

Higher spending does not automatically mean a better fit for every child. Some children thrive in highly rigorous environments. Others thrive where they can breathe. That distinction matters more than rankings alone.

Downtown Andover, Massachusetts at dusk — Old Town Hall and Christ Church with a crescent moon overhead — Downtown Andover at dusk — Old Town Hall and Christ Church, the heart of Andover's downtown energy.

Everyday life in Andover vs. North Andover

At some point, the house becomes normal. Then what shapes your life is where you grab coffee, where you walk your dog, where you meet friends, whether weekends feel relaxing or rushed, whether downtown feels alive, whether your family feels connected. That is the real lifestyle conversation.

Restaurants & going out

Andover's dining scene feels polished and downtown-centered. North Andover's feels slightly more relaxed and woven into everyday family life.

In Andover, LaRosa's has become part of the rhythm of downtown life. Dinner there feels like going into town. It adds to that polished, established New England energy Andover is known for. North Andover buyers often talk about Orzo Trattoria feeling slightly more neighborhood-oriented and part of everyday life rather than a formal night out.

The same thing happens with taverns. The Autograph American Tavern feels energetic, social, and deeply connected to downtown Andover. Tavern on High feels more local, familiar, and community-driven. Neither is better. One feels more polished and downtown-centered. One feels slightly more grounded and everyday-life oriented.

Coffee shops & daily rhythm

Coffee shops become part of your nervous system when you live somewhere. Families in North Andover often become fiercely loyal to Good Day Cafe. Andover buyers often build routines around Ultimate Perk before walking Main Street or heading toward the train. That rhythm becomes your life more than people realize.

Farmers markets, farms & weekend traditions

Both towns have fantastic farmers markets, and honestly, this becomes part of the emotional fabric of living there. The Andover Farmers Market has become a true community hub with local farms, flowers, food vendors, music, and downtown energy woven into Saturday mornings. The North Andover Farmers Market feels slightly more relaxed and neighborhood-oriented.

North Andover also has something families emotionally attach themselves to quickly: Smolak Farms. Apple picking. Cider donuts. Fall weekends. Kids running around. Holiday traditions. Those moments quietly become people's lives over time.

Walking trails, nature & outdoor life

This is one area where North Andover quietly shines. North Andover buyers constantly fall in love with Weir Hill, Lake Cochichewick, wooded neighborhoods, outdoor routines, and quieter natural spaces. Andover buyers often gravitate toward Harold Parker State Forest, downtown walkability, more structured recreation, and stronger downtown-centered energy.

Trailhead signs marking Stevens Trail and the path to Weir Hill, surrounded by autumn foliage. — Weir Hill Reservation trailhead — one of the quiet outdoor anchors of North Andover.

North Andover often feels more naturally integrated with outdoor living. Andover often feels more centered around downtown activity and community structure.

Commuting & access

This is another major distinction buyers underestimate. Andover has a commuter rail station with direct train access into Boston plus MBTA bus connections. For many buyers, that alone becomes a deciding factor — especially now that hybrid workers are balancing office schedules, school pickup, sports, flexibility, and burnout.

North Andover tends to appeal more to hybrid workers, Merrimack Valley commuters, buyers prioritizing lifestyle over direct rail access, and families wanting slightly more breathing room. Again, neither is better. They are simply different ways to live.

What my perfect day looks like in each town

One thing I have learned after growing up in North Andover, raising kids here, and helping families buy homes throughout both communities is this: the little routines eventually become your life. Not the rankings. Not the square footage. Not the listing photos. The life part.

My perfect Andover day

For me, the perfect Andover day starts slow. Coffee at Ultimate Perk sitting outside in the sun, people watching downtown while the town slowly wakes up around you. Or brunch at LaRosa's in the open-air dining space where Andover really starts to feel alive in the warmer months.

Then probably a stop at the Andover Farmers Market to grab vegetables, flowers, bread, or whatever ends up becoming dinner later that night. At some point, the pups are going to Harold Parker State Forest for a walk and probably a swim. Then honestly? Home. Scrabble outside. The grill going. Summer air. Everyone finally slowing down a little. That is Andover to me. Polished, beautiful, social, but still deeply rooted in family life underneath it all.

My perfect North Andover day

North Andover feels different. My perfect North Andover day starts earlier. An early morning walk at Weir Hill before the trails get busy, usually with the pups. If it is warm enough, probably kayaking afterward. Then coffee at Good Day Cafe, which honestly feels more like part of people's routines than just a coffee stop.

Then it is usually the North Andover Farmers Market for vegetables, flowers, and whatever we are cooking that week. Home after that. Slow Sundays. Scrabble before dinner. Cooking together. Windows open. Dogs wandering around the backyard. That is the version of North Andover I think people fall in love with over time. Not because it is flashy. Because life there often feels manageable in a way people are craving right now.

Where I meet clients & teams

For team meetings, I love Caffè Nero. It fits Andover's energy well. A little more polished, structured, and in-town. For clients, I almost always prefer Good Day Cafe. It is quieter. Parking is easier. People relax faster there. And honestly, when people are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives, that matters more than most people realize.

The five-year story in the data

Story telling is one thing. Data is another. Both deserve respect. Here is what the MLS PIN data actually says when you watch both towns side by side from 2022 through 2026. These are Single Family closed sales, year-to-date through May 24 of each year — an apples-to-apples comparison.

Average single-family sale price in Andover vs. North Andover, 2022 through 2026 YTD. Andover grew from $1.02M to $1.40M. North Andover grew from $898K to $961K. — Andover prices have climbed sharply over five years. North Andover has held value with remarkable steadiness.

Andover average single-family prices have moved from roughly $1,021,000 in 2022 to $1,399,000 today — about a 37% climb in five years. North Andover has moved from $898,000 to $961,000, roughly 7%. That gap is the real story.

It is tempting to read those two numbers and assume Andover is winning and North Andover is losing. That is not what is happening. North Andover has not slowed down. It has held value through a period when many surrounding towns gave back gains. Supply tells the same story from a different angle.

Months supply of inventory in Andover vs. North Andover, 2022 through 2026 YTD. North Andover currently shows 0.82 months supply; Andover shows 1.53 months. — North Andover is the tighter market today. Less than one month of supply means homes move quickly when they hit.

North Andover is running at 0.82 months of supply, almost half of Andover's 1.53. In plain language, that means homes in North Andover are moving faster than they can be replaced. Andover gives buyers a little more room to think. North Andover does not. Both are seller-favorable markets — anything under six months is a seller's market — but North Andover is meaningfully tighter.

Average sale price per square foot in Andover vs. North Andover, 2022 through 2026 YTD. Andover is currently $412 per sq ft; North Andover is $365. — Price per square foot tells you what the market actually values, stripped of house size.

Average days on market in Andover vs. North Andover, 2022 through 2026 YTD. Andover currently shows 36 days; North Andover shows 43 days. — Days on market — how long a typical home sits before going under contract.

Sale price as percent of list price in Andover vs. North Andover, 2022 through 2026 YTD. Both towns are selling above ask: Andover at 104.09% and North Andover at 103.09%. — Both towns are selling above ask. That is a Merrimack Valley story, not just an Andover one.

The five-year scoreboard

Metric (2026 YTD)	Andover	North Andover
Average sale price	$1,399,376	$961,209
Average sale price per sq ft	$412	$365
Average days on market	36 days	43 days
Sale price as % of list	104.09%	103.09%
Months supply of inventory	1.53	0.82
5-year price appreciation	+37%	+7%
Closed sales YTD (Jan–May 24)	55	50

What the data really says.

Andover is appreciating faster. North Andover is selling faster. Andover gives you more breathing room as a buyer. North Andover gives you less competition once you own. Andover is the premium play. North Andover is the value play with very tight supply. The premium gap is widening — not narrowing — which matters if you are choosing between the two for a five to ten year hold.

Source: MLS PIN Single Family year-to-date data through May 24 of each year, 2022–2026. Prepared by Lisa Sevajian Group. Full reports available: Andover 5-year market review (PDF) · North Andover 5-year market review (PDF)

Our past sales

163 of our past sales in Andover and North Andover

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Watch · 2 min tour

A quick drive through Andover & North Andover

If you are weighing the two towns from a distance, this is the next-best thing to a live tour. Two minutes through both downtowns, neighborhoods, and the everyday feel of each place — narrated by Lisa.

The bottom line

Andover and North Andover are both exceptional towns. That is what makes the decision difficult. This is not a good-town-versus-bad-town conversation. It is a fit conversation.

One family may choose Andover because the schools, downtown, prestige, and executive feel are worth the higher cost. Another family may choose North Andover because the rhythm, flexibility, payment, and emotional balance feel healthier. Both can be right.

The goal is not to choose the town that looks best online. The goal is to choose the place where your family can actually live well. That is home.

By the numbers

Town data: Andover & North Andover

Town Profile

Andover, MA

Population	~36,927 (2025 est.) [Census]
Median HHI	$167,591 [Census]
BM School Rank 2025	#36 of 150 [Boston Mag]
GreatSchools	10/10 (above average) [GreatSchools]
Tax Rate	~$12.10–$12.41/$1,000 (FY2026 est.) [Andover PDF]
2025 Median Sale	~$1,112,500 (SF, 7-mo YTD 2025) [Buyers Brokers Only]
School Start 2026–27	Tuesday, September 8, 2026 [Andover News]
Transit	MBTA Haverhill Line — Andover & Ballardvale Stations; MeVa Routes 2 & 9 [MassByTrain]

High school: Andover High School · Lisa Sevajian Group

Town Profile

North Andover, MA

Population	~30,847–32,135 (ACS 2024) [Census Reporter]
Median HHI	~$105,661 (ACS; likely higher 2024) [Wikipedia/ACS]
BM School Rank 2025	#60 of 150 [Boston Mag]
GreatSchools	Above average (numeric not published) [GreatSchools]
Tax Rate	$11.26/$1,000 (FY2026) [MMA]
2025 Median Sale	$640,000 (all types, Mar 2026) [Redfin]
School Start 2026–27	Not officially published; K screening June 22–23, 2026 [District]
Transit	No active MBTA station; nearest Andover (~3 mi) or Lawrence (~4 mi); MeVa Routes 3, 8, 9 [MeVa]

High school: North Andover High School · Lisa Sevajian Group

Data compiled May 2026 from Census QuickFacts, Redfin, Boston Magazine, and municipal sources. Verify current rates with town assessors before closing.

The five questions we ask every family

How to actually decide between the two

Which life feels more like yours? Polished and downtown-centered, or relaxed and neighborhood-rooted?
Will you ride the train? If commuter rail access to Boston changes your week, Andover earns the premium. If not, North Andover gives you a lot of breathing room for the dollar.
How much pressure can the monthly payment carry? Run the real numbers, including FY2026 tax rates, on every house you are weighing.
Where will your kids actually breathe? Some thrive in highly rigorous environments. Some thrive where they can exhale.
What is your perfect weekend? Coffee on Main Street and a stroll through downtown, or Weir Hill at sunrise and Smolak Farms in the afternoon?

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the commute from Andover and North Andover to Boston?

From Andover, the MBTA commuter rail on the Haverhill line runs to Boston's North Station in roughly 45 to 55 minutes. By car, expect 35 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. North Andover does not have its own train station — commuters drive 8 to 12 minutes to the Andover, Lawrence, or Haverhill stations. By car from North Andover, expect 40 to 75 minutes to downtown Boston. If train access is non-negotiable, Andover has the structural advantage.

Are Andover and North Andover safe?

Both consistently rank among the safer suburbs in the Merrimack Valley and the state, with well-resourced municipal services and strong community involvement. Specific neighborhood feel varies by street, so I walk a block at three different times of day with serious buyers — morning, school pickup, and evening — before they write an offer.

What types of homes are typical in Andover vs. North Andover?

Andover has a wider mix of larger colonials, historic homes near downtown, estate-style properties on bigger lots, and newer luxury construction. North Andover leans toward family-scale colonials, capes, ranches, and farmhouse-style homes, with strong inventory in the $700,000 to $1.3 million range and many homes on larger or wooded lots. Both have condo options, but Andover's condo market is deeper and more downtown-oriented.

Is Andover or North Andover more expensive?

Andover is meaningfully more expensive. The average single-family sale price in Andover is approximately $1,399,000; North Andover averages about $961,000 — a difference of roughly $440,000 on the average home. Andover also runs about $412 per square foot versus $365 in North Andover.

Are Andover schools better than North Andover schools?

Both are strong school towns. GreatSchools rates Andover High School 10/10. Boston Magazine's 2025 rankings placed Andover High at #36 and North Andover High at #60. Andover spends approximately $24,441 per pupil versus $19,313 in North Andover. Higher spending does not automatically mean a better fit for every child.

What is the property tax rate in Andover vs. North Andover?

For FY2026, Andover's residential rate is $12.31 per $1,000 of assessed value; North Andover's is $11.24 per $1,000. On a $1,500,000 home that is roughly $18,465 per year in Andover versus $16,860 in North Andover.

Does Andover have a train to Boston?

Yes. Andover has an MBTA commuter rail station on the Haverhill line with direct trains to Boston's North Station and MBTA bus connections. North Andover does not have its own commuter rail station — commuters typically drive to Andover, Lawrence, or Haverhill to catch the train.

What does Andover feel like compared to North Andover?

Andover often feels polished, structured, academically driven, and highly intentional. North Andover often feels softer around the edges, more relaxed, and easier to exhale in. Andover often feels like people are building an exceptional life; North Andover often feels like people are trying to enjoy one.

What are the best outdoor spots in Andover and North Andover?

In Andover: Harold Parker State Forest for trails, swimming, and dog walks, plus a more downtown-walkable lifestyle. In North Andover: Weir Hill for trails with views of Lake Cochichewick, the lake itself for kayaking, and Smolak Farms for apple picking, cider donuts, and fall traditions.

How much have home prices appreciated in Andover and North Andover over the last five years?

From 2022 through 2026 year-to-date, the average single-family sale price in Andover moved from approximately $1,020,767 to $1,399,376 — about a 37% increase. In North Andover, the average moved from approximately $898,100 to $961,209 — about a 7% increase. Andover is appreciating faster; North Andover has held value with remarkable steadiness. Source: MLS PIN year-to-date through May 24 each year.

Which is a tighter housing market — Andover or North Andover?

North Andover is currently the tighter market. As of May 2026, North Andover is running at approximately 0.82 months of supply versus 1.53 months in Andover. Both qualify as strongly seller-favorable, but homes in North Andover are moving faster than they can be replaced. Average days on market is 36 in Andover and 43 in North Andover.

Which town should I choose — Andover or North Andover?

This is a fit conversation, not a good-town-versus-bad-town conversation. Andover wins on schools, downtown, prestige, and rail access. North Andover wins on price, daily rhythm, outdoor life, and monthly flexibility. The right answer is the one your family can actually live well.

Client reviews

What clients say about working with Lisa Sevajian

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Zillow

"Lisa and her team are incredible. They are extremely responsive throughout the process and helped us walk through potential properties to find an absolute dream home. Lisa is an expert negotiator and we were able to get everything that we wanted."

Kevin Liu

Bought a home in Georgetown, MA · May 2024 · Read on Zillow

"Lisa exceeded every expectation I had as a realtor. She listened to me and understood what I needed in this home sale, and created a pricing and marketing strategy to meet our family's needs. She took our home from listed to a signed Purchase and Sale quickly."

Elizabeth Reifsnyder

Sold a home in Andover, MA · June 2018 · Read on Zillow

"Calling Lisa to sell our house was the best decision we made. Her expertise and passion for her work is apparent. Because of her superb marketing abilities and enthusiasm, we had an offer on our antique house quickly and for a strong price."

Leeann Stella

Sold a home in Wilmington, MA · August 2019 · Read on Zillow

"My husband and I just purchased our first house and used Lisa as our agent. It was a long journey finding our perfect home since we were willing to wait for the right place, and Lisa was incredibly knowledgeable and patient throughout the entire process."

Katelyn B.

Bought a home in Newburyport, MA · July 2019 · Read on Zillow

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Andover, MA · June 2018 · Read on Realtor.com

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