Andover

About Andover

Tucked into the quiet hills of Tolland County, Andover is a small, proudly rural town just 10 miles east of Hartford — close enough to the city for convenience, far enough away to feel like a world apart. With winding country roads, scenic waterways, and a tight-knit community spirit, Andover offers the kind of unhurried New England charm that's increasingly hard to find.

What to Know

• The Hop River and the Skungamaug River wind through town, making Andover a favorite for fishing, hiking, and nature lovers seeking peaceful escapes.
• Andover Lake anchors the southeastern corner of town and is a beloved local landmark for swimming and outdoor recreation.
• The Andover Center Historic District preserves the town's 19th-century character, with the First Congregational Church as one of its most recognizable landmarks.
• Andover is part of the Regional School District 11, which it shares with neighboring Bolton and Hebron.
• The Hop River State Park Trail passes through town, offering miles of multi-use trail for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.

History

Andover was incorporated on May 18, 1848, carved out of the neighboring towns of Hebron and Coventry. Its name is a nod to Andover in Hampshire, England — a transatlantic tip of the hat that connects this small Connecticut town to its Old World roots.

Community & Living

Andover is the kind of place where neighbors still wave from their porches and community events genuinely draw a crowd. Residents cherish the town's rural character — the open land, the clean air, and the sense that growth here happens on the community's own terms. It's a peaceful, grounded place to call home, with Hartford close by whenever the city calls.