Located about 20 miles north of Downtown Boston, Andover is a classic and historic New England gem first settled in 1642. Andover features a beautiful downtown shopping district, complete with historic architecture and cobblestone walkways. Andover extends from the Merrimack River southeast to roughly the Andover Bypass. It is home to the historic Phillips Academy, a preparatory school established in 1778, making it one of the country's oldest high schools. The oldest home in Andover, the Chandler-Bigsby-Abbot House, was built sometime before 1673.

Merrimack College sits on the east side of Andover, making the city popular with students. Other destinations include the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, the Addison Gallery of American Art, and Indian Ridge Reservation. Harold Parker State Forest covers more than 3,300 acres across Andover, North Andover, and Reading. Outdoor activities include camping, hiking, biking, and fishing.