Living in Andover

Andover is popular for its friendly, close-knit community, supported by a well-established network of local organisations and charities. The town’s market, held weekly in the High Street, is a focal point, offering fresh local produce, crafts, and a chance to meet neighbours. Community centres, such as The Andover Community Hub, deliver a range of events and sessions for all ages.

The town is also known for its outdoor pursuits. Residents enjoy Andover’s riverside walks, especially along Anton Lakes Nature Reserve, Harmony Woods, and the Test Valley countryside. Harewood Forest and Danebury Iron Age Hillfort are nearby, providing further possibilities for rambling and cycling. Annual events such as Andover Carnival and other seasonal fairs create a sense of identity from one generation to the next.

Crime rates in Andover are generally consistent with other towns of its size in Hampshire, with most incidents relating to anti-social behaviour or minor theft in the town centre. Residential areas typically experience lower levels of reported crime, and there are ongoing efforts from Hampshire Constabulary to maintain visible community policing and neighbourhood watch schemes.

The town’s investment in regeneration—particularly in and around the High Street and residential suburbs—has also contributed to a stronger perception of safety. Local policing teams regularly engage with the community through events, surgeries, and school visits, working to improve both actual and perceived levels of safety across Andover.

Parking in Andover benefits from a number of town centre car parks, most managed by Test Valley Borough Council. These include short and long-stay options, with permit schemes available for residents in some zones close to the centre. On-street parking is generally available in residential streets, though some restrictions apply during peak shopping or school drop-off times.

Andover’s location on the A303 dual carriageway enables direct connections east towards the M3 (London, Winchester, Basingstoke), and west to Salisbury and the A34 (Oxford, Midlands). Road congestion is moderate, typically peaking at rush hour or during major events. The town is well-positioned for those commuting by car to nearby cities:

• Basingstoke – approx. 25 minutes via A303 (18 miles)
• Winchester – approx. 35 minutes via A34 (20 miles)
• Salisbury – approx. 35 minutes via A303 (22 miles)
• Southampton – approx. 40 minutes via A34/M3 (30 miles)

Andover’s food and drink scene is centred around the historic High Street and town centre, where visitors can find a variety of cafés, independent bakeries, and restaurants. Notable local pubs include The Globe, The Redbridge, and the John Russell Fox, each offering a traditional setting and locally sourced ales. For dining, The Lion on Bridge Street is known for its seasonal British menu, while the Blue Onion café offers contemporary options.

A number of takeaways and chain restaurants cater to family and casual dining, and Andover also hosts pop-up food markets and occasional street food events. For nightlife, the area encompasses a handful of bars and a late-night venue, the Cameo nightclub, mainly suited to the younger crowd. Theatre-goers regularly attend The Lights, a performing arts venue with year-round live performances and film screenings, complementing the town’s relaxed but sociable atmosphere.

Quality of schools in Andover is a significant draw for families, with a number of highly rated primaries and secondaries across the town. Most residential areas have access to open spaces and play areas, and the town boasts a variety of parks such as Vigo Recreation Ground and Charlton Lakeside—a hub for picnics, playgrounds, and water-based activities.

Childcare providers are well represented, featuring both nurseries and after-school clubs. The local healthcare network, with Andover War Memorial Hospital and family clinics, adds reassurance for young families. Safety is consistently monitored, and community policing teams are active in outreach programmes. Family-friendly events, accessible sports clubs, and facilities like the Andover Leisure Centre offer further support for those with children.

Andover is a particularly pet-friendly town, thanks to its easy access to countryside walks and well-maintained public parks. Residents commonly walk their dogs along the River Anton, at Anton Lakes Nature Reserve, or through Rooksbury Mill Local Nature Reserve.

Local veterinary surgeries and pet shops are found throughout the area, and several of the town's pubs and cafés welcome dogs in outdoor areas. Housing developments across Andover are generally accommodating for pet owners, reflecting the rural traditions of the region and the demand for outdoor recreation shared by residents with pets.

Andover is well-connected by both public and private transport, making it a practical base for commuters and travellers. The town’s railway station is located to the north of the centre and offers direct services on the South West Main Line. These trains link Andover to London Waterloo in just over an hour, as well as regular connections to Salisbury, Winchester and beyond.

Bus services cover Andover itself as well as the surrounding villages, and are operated by several companies, with local routes linking to Winchester, Basingstoke, and Salisbury. Main roads include the A303, offering an essential route east-west across southern England, with the M3 and A34 easily accessible for north–south journeys.

• London – Train: approx. 70 minutes to London Waterloo
• Salisbury – Train: approx. 24 minutes
• Winchester – Road: approx. 35 minutes via A34
• Southampton Airport – approx. 40 minutes by car

Bristol and Heathrow airports are also reachable by car within 60-90 minutes, making Andover suitable for both local commuting and international travel.

Families looking for schools in Andover will find a strong selection across both primary and secondary levels. The town is home to a number of Ofsted-rated primary schools, including Balksbury Federation of Infant and Junior Schools (rated 'Good', 2019), Portway Junior School ('Outstanding', 2014), Anton Junior School ('Good', 2021), and St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School ('Good', 2021).

Secondary education in Andover is provided by schools such as John Hanson Community School (Ofsted 'Good', 2023), Winton Community Academy ('Good', 2021), Harrow Way Community School ('Good', 2017), and The Mark Way School (a specialist provision, 'Outstanding', 2022).

For further education, Andover College stands out with strong academic and vocational courses, serving as a hub for A-level, BTEC, and adult learner programmes. It draws students from a wide local area and partners with regional employers. There are no universities directly in Andover, but the town’s location allows convenient access to the University of Winchester, University of Southampton, and the University of Reading.