Andover has once again been named among the 260 best places to live in the UK, with the town’s countryside, community life and regeneration plans earning praise in a national lifestyle guide.
The latest Best Places to Live guide, published by Muddy Stilettos on Monday 26 October 2026, highlights Andover as a town with plenty to offer, from its independent businesses and local attractions to its transport links and plans for the future.
Describing Andover as “A rising North Hampshire star in the midst of urban regeneration”, the guide suggests the town is becoming an increasingly attractive option for people looking to settle in Hampshire.
Andover also appeared in the publication’s previous guide, making this another year of national recognition for the town.
More Than Just a Market Town
Among the highlights are Andover’s historic Guildhall, the River Anton and the surrounding Test Valley countryside.
The guide also recognises the town’s independent businesses, including Mooch and At Last, alongside familiar favourites such as Town Mills and The Angel Inn.
Community events get a mention too, with Andover Carnival, the Andover World Street Party and the town’s regular markets helping to showcase what goes on throughout the year.
For families, the guide points to places including Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve, Finkley Down Farm, the Hawk Conservancy Trust and the Army Flying Museum at nearby Middle Wallop.
Andover’s road and rail connections are another selling point, with direct trains to London Waterloo and easy access to the A303.
A Town Looking to the Future
The ongoing plans to regenerate Andover town centre feature prominently in the guide. These include a new riverside park along Western Avenue, improvements to public spaces and plans for a new home for The Lights theatre.
In October, Test Valley Borough Council approved further investment to support major regeneration projects, although much of the work is still to come.
Andover shares its place in the national guide with other Hampshire locations, including Romsey, Alresford, Alton and Petersfield.
While the 260 locations are not individually ranked, Andover’s continued inclusion offers some welcome recognition for a town that has plenty to offer, both now and in the years ahead.
The full Andover review is available on the Muddy Stilettos website.