The Area

The town of North Andover is located in Northeastern Massachusetts in Essex County. This bucolic community borders the Merrimack River and offers a variety of woodlands, fields and commercial areas. Only 24 miles from Boston, North Andover is a great location for people who enjoy the myriad of cultural activities offered in the city.

In 2003, Money Magazine selected North Andover as the “Fifth Best Community to live in on the East Coast”.

The town of North Andover provides excellent educational opportunities for students of all ages, with five public elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, and the Greater Lawrence Technical School. North Andover High School offers athletic programs, marching band, chorus, drama, arts programs, and other extra-curricular activities to enhance the students overall excellent learning opportunities and experiences.

Some of the finest private schools in the country are located in the area. Brooks School, opened in 1926 on the shore of Lake Cochichewick, is a co-educational boarding and day school with over 340 students. Phillips Academy Andover – is an independent high school founded in the late 18th century making it one of America’s oldest and most respected boarding schools, with a 500 acre campus and having 1000 students from the U.S. and 26 foreign nations. Merrimack College is a private liberal arts college with a student body of 2400, included in America’s Best Colleges for 2008.

Nearby for outdoor enjoyment:

Boston Hill Farm

Weir Hill

– overlooking Lake Cochichewick, Weir Hill offers over 4 miles of hiking trails at one time home to local Native Americans. Weir Hill got its name from the fishing weirs once used by the Native Americans to catch fish in Cochichewick Brook. Lake Cochichewick is also North Andover’s main supply of drinking water. Although permitting free public access to the trails, public access to the lake is not permitted.

The Ward Reservation

– The Ward Reservation extends over 695 acres in Andover and North Andover. The Ward Reservation is home to Holt Hill, the highest point in Essex County. From the top of Holt Hill, visitors can view the Boston skyline. With approximately 13 miles of trails, there is hiking for everyone. The Ward Reservation provides a 700 foot boardwalk into an exceptional quaking bog to view distinct vegetation. An idyllic winter cross-country skier’s destination.

Harold Parker State Forest

– Harold Parker State Forest spans into North Andover as well as surrounding towns - Andover, North Reading and Middleton. Visitors can do more than just hiking at Harold Parker. Fishing and swimming are allowed in all of its 11 ponds, horseback riding and mountain biking are popular on the 25 miles of trails, and even hunters find Harold Parker State Forest’s 3,000 acres the perfect hunting location.

The town of North Andover provides full-time police and fire service. The Stevens Memorial Library offers a full range of services. The Department of Youth Services operates recreational opportunities at Stevens Pond and extensive programs from our Youth Center located in the Old Center. A vibrant Senior Center, located behind Town Hall on Main Street, provides services, programs, and assistance to over 6,000 seniors. A Community Development Division oversees public health, natural resource protection, building services, zoning and planning issues, and business development. An award-winning Water Treatment Plant provides residents and businesses with outstanding water. The renovated Town Hall, located at 120 Main Street, houses North Andover’s administrative offices. The Town Manager, Selectmen, Town Accountant, Assessors, Tax Collector, Veterans’ Services, and Town Clerk’s Offices are available to provide efficient, professional services to residents.