Ashland is a charming American town nestled between Cleveland and Columbus in north central Ohio. With a population of around 20000 Ashland maintains a vibrant small town feel while offering amenities and opportunities found in much larger cities. I have lived in Ashland for over a decade and in this article I’ll share what makes it such a great place to live, work, and visit!
A Storied History
Ashland was founded in 1815 by pioneer settler Joseph Henson. Henson built a primitive log cabin along the Black Fork creek realizing the area’s potential for farming and industry. He established a sawmill and gristmill along the creek, attracting more settlers to the fertile land.
By 1846, the small community had grown large enough to incorporate as a village named after statesman Henry Clay’s estate “Ashland” in Kentucky. The village continued expanding through the 19th century with the construction of the Mansfield-Ashland railroad line. This spurred the growth of manufacturing companies producing iron, wheels, carriages, Chesrown stoves, and more.
The discovery of oil in Ashland county in the 1880s led to an oil boom that earned Ashland the nickname “The Oil Capital of Ohio.” Several oil refineries sprung up around the town along with related industries. Ashland’s population boomed to over 10,000 by 1910. While the oil heyday was relatively short-lived, it left an indelible mark on the town’s prosperity.
In the 20th century Ashland became known as a center of education with the establishment of Ashland College in 1878. The college expanded into a full university over the decades, cementing Ashland’s reputation as a college town. The Ashland University Eagles athletics teams are a point of pride for the whole community.
Economic Engines
While no longer reliant on a single industry, Ashland has a diversified modern economy. Major local employers include the Ashland University, Kingston HealthCare nursing home, Archer Daniels Midland agricultural processing plant, and Worthington Industries metal manufacturing. The downtown area boasts a charming Main Street with local shops, restaurants, and businesses.
Ashland is conveniently located near major highways, equidistant from the major metro areas of Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, and Mansfield. This makes it an attractive location for industry and distribution centers. The Ohio State University Mansfield campus provides higher education and workforce development opportunities.
Healthcare is a strong sector in Ashland with Kingston Residence nursing home, UH Samaritan hospital, and a brand new medical complex with outpatient surgery center and cancer center. Nature’s One organic formula company and Catalent pharmaceuticals provide specialized health products.
Quality of Life
Beyond economic factors, Ashland offers an excellent quality of life. The charming downtown has a traditional Main Street vibe with local eateries, antique shops, salons, and more. The summer months bring free concerts, movies in the park, a farmer’s market, and festivals like the Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival.
Ashland residents take advantage of the city’s parks and recreational opportunities. Brookside Park has hiking trails, baseball diamonds, and picnic facilities along the Black Fork creek. The YMCA and city community center offer swimming pools, gyms, sports programs, and camps for all ages.
Excellent schooling options include the Ashland City School district, St. Edward Catholic School, and Ashland Christian School. Higher education is available locally through Ashland University and OSU Mansfield. Ashland High School’s state championship bands and athletic programs are a source of community pride.
The affordable cost of living combined with small town charm make Ashland an ideal place to put down roots. Homebuyers can choose from historic houses near downtown or new construction in the outer subdivisions. Renters can find apartments for reasonable rates. Low property taxes keep housing costs affordable.
Bright Future Ahead
While Ashland cherishes its rich history, the town continues moving forward into the future. Recent years have seen new facilities added like the medical complex, Hampton Inn hotel, and chain restaurants. Downtown developments include loft apartments, a brewery, and concerts at Bandstand Park.
Ashland has enthusiastically embraced green energy. The city operates hydropower dams and installed a large solar array to help power municipal buildings. Many businesses have added solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. The town participates in a commercial composting program to reduce waste.
I’m proud to call Ashland my hometown. Our community celebrates traditions while welcoming progress. Ashland offers the best of small town living combined with amenities found in much larger cities. With its vibrant spirit, natural beauty, and bright future, Ashland remains the “Center of it All” for north central Ohio.
Ashland Craft – I Smoke Weed (Live)
FAQ
What is Ashland or known for?
Ashland is a cultural hub with lots of award-winning art galleries, theaters, and restaurants. It is home to the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival and was ranked in the top 10 of “The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.”
Is it expensive to live in Ashland Oregon?
Our Ashland cost of living calculator shows that it is 2% more expensive than the national average and 3% less expensive than the average city in Oregon. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Food costs in Ashland are more affordable than average in the United States.
What does Ashland company do?
Ashland Inc. operates as a consumer market-focused additives and specialty ingredients company. The Company produces and distributes a wide range of diversified chemicals and thermoplastic resins.
What is Ashland, OH known for?
Ashland became known as “the balloon capital of the world” because of Gill’s work in the balloon business. ” Ashland still celebrates its balloon heritage with its annual BalloonFest. Ashland was designated a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation in 1984.
What does Ashland stand for?
Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is one of the biggest names in specialty materials. It works with customers in many consumer and industrial markets, such as automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.
What is the Ashland brand?
The Ashland brand is our promise to our stakeholders. As we go to market around the world, this is what we stand for. It’s also what we promise about what it will be like to work with us and what we can do together. what do we promise?.
Who is Ashland Global Holdings?
Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a premier specialty materials company with a conscious and proactive mindset for sustainability.
Who is Ashland?
About 3,900 passionate and determined problem-solvers work at Ashland. They love coming up with useful, new, and beautiful answers to tough problems for clients in over 100 countries. Our goal is to responsibly make the world a better place, and we do this by using science to come up with new ideas.
What is Ashland Oregon known for?
The city is the home of Southern Oregon University (SOU) and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). Besides these, restaurants, art galleries, and shops that cater to tourists are also important to Ashland’s economy.
Where is Ashland Oregon located?
Ashland is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. It is on Interstate 5, about 26 km (16 miles) north of the California border, and close to the southern end of Rogue Valley. The city’s population was 21,360 at the 2020 census. The city is the home of Southern Oregon University (SOU) and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF).
