Andover's Luxury Market Grows in One of the County's Safest Towns

Andover, Massachusetts has always had a reputation for being refined, well-kept, and deeply rooted in tradition. But in 2025, the town is experiencing a noticeable shift in its real estate identity: the luxury housing market is no longer a niche — it's becoming a major force. With high-net-worth buyers turning away from the congestion of closer-in suburbs like Newton or Winchester, Andover’s spacious estates, safety scores, and private-lot privacy have made it a target for upwardly mobile professionals and downsizing millionaires alike.

Essex County has several affluent towns, but Andover is distinguishing itself with a clear pattern: buyers want safety, space, and school quality — and they’re willing to pay a premium for it. Luxury inventory has expanded, but so has competition. In neighborhoods like Phillips Academy Historic District and Shawsheen Village, new construction blends with restored colonials and executive-style properties. And the buyers? They’re not all local.

🎥 See Andover in Action

🔐 Safety as a Luxury Asset

In 2025, Andover ranks in the top five safest towns in Essex County according to the latest Massachusetts municipal crime index. Violent crime remains rare, and property crime rates have declined steadily over the last three years. For high-income buyers with children or those seeking peace of mind in semi-retirement, these stats carry as much weight as square footage or school rankings.

In luxury property discussions, the word “privacy” surfaces again and again. Andover delivers that without the need for gates or concierge security. Deep-set homes, wooded lots, and thoughtful zoning have created organic buffers between neighbors — a feature many buyers find more appealing than traditional gated developments.

🏡 The Homes Themselves: From Restored to Reimagined

Andover’s luxury housing stock is diverse. Buyers will find 19th-century estates meticulously restored with original fireplaces, wide-plank floors, and modern HVAC systems alongside sleek, new-construction builds on two-acre lots with triple garages, radiant heating, and whole-home smart integration.

In 2025, the highest-priced active listing in Andover sits just under $4.5 million — a seven-bedroom, custom-built stone manor with a detached pool house and full guest quarters. But more commonly, luxury buyers are targeting the $1.2M to $2.3M range, where homes offer 4,000+ square feet, custom chef’s kitchens, home theaters, multi-office setups, and resort-style landscaping.

Importantly, many of these properties are located within walking distance of conservation trails, downtown dining, and elite private schools. That combination — high-end features plus lifestyle integration — is drawing buyers who might otherwise land in Wellesley, Weston, or Lexington.

📊 Market Snapshot: Andover’s Luxury Sector in 2025

1. Luxury market entry price: $1.1M

2. Median price of luxury homes sold (Q1 2025): $1.58M

3. Average days on market for homes over $1.25M: 34

4. Top luxury buyer profiles: Dual-income professionals relocating from metro Boston, second-home seekers from New York or D.C., and recent retirees returning to Massachusetts from Florida

Inventory remains tighter than some expected. While new builds are helping to satisfy demand, they still account for less than 18% of homes sold above $1.2M, making updated existing homes a hot commodity among cash buyers looking for immediate occupancy.

🏫 School Districts Still Carry Weight

Buyers with families aren’t just shopping for architecture — they’re watching school data closely. Andover Public Schools continues to score in the top tier statewide. Test results aside, what stands out is the district’s investment in facilities and enrichment. Bancroft and High Plain Elementary Schools recently updated their media centers and added flexible tech labs, while the high school has expanded access to competitive academic pathways and extracurriculars.

That translates into buyer confidence. In 2025, more than 40% of homes sold above $1.5M were purchased by families with school-age children, and properties within walkable proximity to the schools sold nearly 10 days faster on average.

🧭 What Luxury Buyers Want in 2025

Today’s luxury buyer isn’t necessarily seeking opulence — they want control, comfort, and durability. Features consistently mentioned in 2025 include:

• Heated three-car garages and EV charging stations
• Multiple dedicated home office spaces
• Gym or wellness room with sauna/hydrotherapy features
• Chef-level kitchens with dual ovens and butler’s pantries
• Primary suites with separate sitting rooms and boutique-style closets

But lifestyle matters, too. Outdoor kitchens, screened-in porches, and custom-designed firepit lounges have gone from “bonus” to “expected.” More builders in Andover are responding by integrating entertainment-ready exteriors with privacy-focused fencing, noise-dampening plantings, and covered pergolas.

💼 Where Are These Buyers Coming From?

It’s not just local upsizing. In 2025, Andover has seen an increase in out-of-region luxury buyers—particularly from two groups: Greater Boston professionals seeking space post-pandemic, and former Massachusetts residents returning from out-of-state (especially after testing the waters in places like Austin, Nashville, or Florida).

Another rising demographic? Executive-level professionals relocating to Massachusetts for biotech or AI sector positions. Andover’s access to Route 495, I-93, and the MBTA makes it an ideal home base for executives splitting time between Boston, Cambridge, and southern New Hampshire.

🌿 Town Atmosphere and Amenities

Buyers in the luxury tier are not just asking about finishes—they want to know what their life will feel like in Andover. In 2025, the town’s appeal includes its walkable downtown (complete with independent coffee shops, fine dining, and boutique fitness studios), its proximity to conservation land, and its strong recreational programming.

The Andover Country Club remains a major draw, not only for its golf course but also its social events and restaurant, which have become hubs for community newcomers. Additionally, the town’s commitment to preserving green space and maintaining trails makes it uniquely suited to buyers seeking upscale living without an overly manicured or artificial feel.

🧱 New Construction That Reflects a Modern Taste

Builders in 2025 have caught on: today’s luxury buyer doesn’t want oversized Tuscan tile or ornate columns. Instead, they want clean architecture, open flow, natural light, and timeless materials. Think white oak floors, integrated appliances, and high ceilings with exposed beams — not just for looks, but for texture and warmth.

Andover has seen a 22% increase in permit applications for custom homes since 2022. Many of these are being built on subdivided lots or as teardown replacements. With land availability limited, off-market deals and pocket listings have become more common, especially among buyers looking to build new from scratch while staying close to town amenities.

🧭 Final Thoughts: A Market That’s Maturing with Purpose

Andover’s rise in the luxury real estate scene isn’t the result of a short-term trend — it’s a reflection of sustained planning, evolving demand, and a clear town identity. It remains one of Essex County’s safest and most livable towns, and its new role as a luxury hub is backed by more than design and square footage — it’s backed by livability, value retention, and consistent buyer satisfaction.

In a regional market where some luxury listings are sitting stagnant, Andover’s high-end homes are selling to informed, purposeful buyers. That’s why brokers, developers, and relocating professionals are all turning their focus here. If you’re considering buying or investing in luxury real estate in Massachusetts this year, Andover isn’t just on the radar — it should be high on the list.