Andover is one of the cornerstones of Test Valley, and is growing in demand as a destination to live in.

Despite reviews that are sometimes less than complementary, there’s plenty to be proud of in our corner of Hampshire, and plenty of things that make it a quirky place to live.

Here’s some of the things one of our Andover reporters picked up on after moving to the town:

#1 The history of the area

As you’ll know from reading our history columns, there’s plenty of interesting facts and pieces of information surrounding Andover. It’s hard to get away from it when you walk the streets in the centre of town, where you are surrounded by the splendour of the Guildhall and the streets leading up towards the church.

As part of my work, it’s always interesting to find out more about how the politics and geography of Andover have evolved as part of my articles, and as someone from a military family, the history of RAF Andover is also one we should be rightly proud of.

There’s also plenty of opportunity to find out more and visit other places, whether that’s the Andover museum, or further afield to sites like Danebury Hill Fort, Ludgershall Castle or Stonehenge.

#2 Our watering holes

We all love a good pub, whether that’s for the products it serves or for the opportunity to dive into the atmosphere and enjoy a chat with everyone else propping up the bar. And in Andover, we’ve got plenty of choices!

You can begin at the former home of the Advertiser in the John Russell Fox, or enjoy the historic surrounds of The Angel and Town Mills. If you want something a bit more modern, there’s The Globe, The White Hart or The Folly to name but a few, offering a pub for every occasion.

They may be shut at the moment, but I’m looking forward to them coming back.

#3 Our businesses

Sadly, as part of this job, I do have to talk about sad business stories when stores shut up shop and head out of town. But while that may be the case, there’s a lot of businesses that are bucking the trend.

Andover is home to plenty of major businesses, be that Stannah or Co-op, Twinings or Ocado, and there are still more looking to move in, like Berry Bros. & Rudd.

And while big business is all well and good, who can forget our local businesses? Burgo’s is a wonderful place to admire some potential new animal friends, while coffee shops and cafés like Canto Gelato are always worth popping in to, both for a lovely drink and the conversation.

#4 The open spaces

While there is a lot of construction work in Andover at the moment, it’s important to remember that actually, it’s still pretty green! Vigo Park and others like it offer a bit of tranquillity in the centre, but it doesn’t take that much walking to reach Anton Lakes and Rooksbury Mill, where you can be at one with nature while still in town.

If you venture beyond Andover’s borders, then you can find yourself with plenty of other places to visit. The North Wessex Downs offer fabulous views and walking opportunities, while there are countless tracks to link up the many villages that sit like satellites around the town.

#5 Driving in my car

If walking isn’t for you, then you can also experience all the surrounding areas by heading out on a drive. Andover is a town built for cars as the 'King of the Road', with countless roundabouts and fast A roads to take you right through the heart of town.

As we get into the centre, there’s never a fight for a car parking space, especially at the moment, and there continue to be all manner of strange road paraphernalia, be that the gyratory by the Chantry Centre or ornaments like the Millennium Man.

Mentioning the Chantry Centre, that leads me onto my next point…

#6 The future

There are big plans coming for Andover, and it’s exciting to see how they’re going to pan out.

The masterplan is certainly a very nice looking plan, and the new buildings, green spaces and opportunities are ones to look forward too. It may take some time, but change looks like it’s coming to Andover, and the Advertiser will be looking to keep you informed.

Beyond the Masterplan, there’s also a lot of other questions for the future. Will the constituency boundaries change? Will the railway to Ludgershall reopen? How will new housing shape the town in the years to come? We don’t know yet, but it’ll be fascinating to find out!

• What did you notice when you first moved to Andover? Let us know in the comments below or email newsdesk@andoveradvertiser.co.uk