Living in
Andover.

This is a solidly upper-middle-class suburb where you'll find plenty of families and married couples—nearly 72% of households are married couples, and about 40% have kids under 18. The median household income of $137,593 is significantly higher than national averages, and home values sit around $410,000, which reflects its desirability but also means it's not an affordable option. The job market is fairly tight with unemployment at 3.4%, and most residents work elsewhere, with an average commute of 26 minutes, so you should expect to drive to employment centers in Minneapolis or surrounding areas.

Schools are part of the well-regarded Anoka-Hennepin district, which matters if you have school-age kids. For outdoor recreation, Crooked Lake offers some water access on the southern border, though most of it sits in neighboring Coon Rapids, and you're within reasonable distance of the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area and Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. The trade-off is that this is car-dependent suburban living—you'll need reliable transportation, and the sprawling layout means most errands and activities require driving.

It's a good fit if you want a family-friendly, affluent suburb with solid schools and a predictable lifestyle, but less appealing if you're seeking urban walkability or significantly lower housing costs.