In the 18th century, the Shawsheen River and its water power attracted the Ballard Family, who came and built grist and saw mills.

Additional mills were built and shoes, carriages, locomotives, and stoneware pottery were also made in Ballard Vale.

Today the Shawsheen River Reservation, owned and operated by the Andover Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.

Ballardvale is a locally recognized Historic District, with specialized zoning regulating changes made to properties in the area.

Today "Ballardvale" is a stop on the Haverhill line of the commuter rail operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Despite being located within the larger town of Andover, Ballardvale is still a functioning village, with its own local resources.

A U.S. Post Office, fire station, pizza parlor, and retail shops are all located along Andover Street.

The historic St. Joseph's on High Vale Street, built in 1881, is a "mission church" of St. Augustine's in downtown Andover, and remains open for Sunday Mass.

Located around the corner on Clark Road, the Burns Reservation, owned and operated by the Andover Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.)