The Town of Andover is located 22 miles north of the state's capital, Boston, Massachusetts, and is home to over 33,000 residents living in a suburban community of 32.1 square miles of which 31 (96.5%) square miles is land and 1.1 (3.5%) square miles is water. The Town was settled in 1642 and incorporated in 1646.Andover is one of thirty four communities located in Essex County. It contains the western most point of Essex County situated along the Merrimack River. In addition to the Merrimack River, other significant water areas include the Shawsheen River and Haggetts Pond, the latter of which serves as the Town's reservoir. Residents of Andover enjoy a multitude of natural resource areas such as Pomps Pond, the Harold Parker State Forest, the Charles W. Ward Reservation, the Harold R. Rafton Reservation and the Deer Jump Reservation, to name just a few.Andover's quality of life is also enhanced by its reputable school system, commitment to public safety and active civic life. The Town is located at the intersection of Interstates 93 and 495 and has two commuter rail stops. All of which provide for accessible commuting options to Boston and other points east, west, north and south.The Town's vibrant downtown district and strong commercial and industrial tax base have enabled local officials to provide the quality municipal services for which its residents have come to expect. Efforts of which are profoundly supported through the Town's active civic involvement.