Military spouse here. With a population of 9,261, Andover is a small town. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to.
0 upvotes
8 Replies
Sophia G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Harper Smith
been saying this for years
32 upvotes
Nora Miller
Moved here last year, no regrets.
28 upvotes
Luca Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely underrated and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
13 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 35, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
12 upvotes
Lillian Bennett
yep
9 upvotes
Chloe Jones
accurate
8 upvotes
Elizabeth
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Austin about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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