I'm a 33-year-old project manager and It's a a small town city with about 21,343 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Ashland sits at 135.4 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Is this normal for Ashland? Thanks for reading.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Christian N.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
39 upvotes
Joshua Miller
Came here for school and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Christian C.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Sadie G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Matthew Morales
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Mia Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Ethan Sanchez
literally same
8 upvotes
Isla Parker
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
Theresa A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Madeline Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
2 upvotes
Clara B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
