The Pacific Northwest region is home to a beautiful town called Ashland, Oregon. Known for its scenic mountain views, vibrant arts scene, and friendly people, it has a rich cultural heritage. There is a thriving arts community in Ashland, Oregon, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Ashland, Oregon, was one of the towns in the Rogue Valley that were founded and impacted by the Donation Land Act and the gold rush in Jacksonville in 1852. To turn timber into lumber for settlers, early settlers of Ashland built a sawmill along Mill Creek, later called Ashland Creek. In 1854, Helman, Emery, and another immigrant, M. B. Morris, made a second mill, Ashland Flouring Mills, to grind local wheat into flour. Ashland Mills became known as the community surrounding the mill. The Ashland Mills post office was established in 1855 with Helman as postmaster.
The community grew in the 1860s and 1870s, with schools, churches, businesses, and Ashland Woolen Mills, which made clothing and blankets from local wool. Ashland's name was changed to Ashland in 1871 after the Post Office dropped the "Mills" from it. And the predecessor of Southern Oregon University, Ashland Academy, was founded in 1872 by Reverend J. H. Skidmore.
A park was petitioned for by the Women's Civic Improvement Club in 1908. The town commissioned John McLaren, the landscape architect of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, to design the park named Lithia Springs Park, later shortened to Lithia Park. After lithia water was discovered nearby, a mineral spa was planned at Emigrant Lake. Mineral water would be piped from Emigrant Lake to Ashland as part of the project. Although the park was popular, local taxpayers could not afford the mineral spa, so the plans were abandoned in 1916. Even so, entrepreneurs continued to sell mineral waters bottled from the springs in the area.
In 1935, Angus L. Bowmer organized the first Oregon Shakespeare Festival performances during the Fourth of July celebration. Since the 20th century, the festival has grown into an award-winning and internationally-recognized regional theater.
Ashland has become a suburb with a population of 21,138. Ashland is home to many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks as a densely populated suburb. Many young professionals and retirees live in Ashland, and the population tends to lean conservatively and provides a highly regarded school system. In Jackson County, Ashland is continuously voted one of the best places to live in Oregon.
Do you think Ashland is right for you? Here's what you need to know.
WELCOME TO SOUTHERN OREGON'S CULTURAL CAPITAL
As the cultural capital of Southern Oregon, Ashland is nestled among the trees in Oregon's scenic Rogue Valley, just 15 miles from the California border. The lifestyle in Ashland, Oregon, is easy. Almost everywhere is walkable, people wave to you on the street, and locking your doors is more of a personal preference than a necessity. It has a friendly, laid-back vibe, and the sun shines 200 days a year, so Ashland is a great place to settle down if you're looking for a mild climate and four seasons.
Ashland has cultural amenities rival the nation's biggest cities, and its rich heritage of art, theater, and music keeps things interesting. In Ashland, Oregon, there are dozens of art galleries, the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival has its campus down on the plaza, and live music is plentiful all year.
THIS SMALL TOWN HAS A BIG PERSONALITY
More than 20,000 people call Ashland home, so it's easy to feel like a part of the community. Living in Ashland, Oregon, despite its small-town vibe, is an excellent mix of college town perks and tourist attractions, thanks to Southern Oregon University.
THE ART OF EXPRESSION
The City of Ashland has something for everyone - outdoor recreation, arts, music, theatre, and dining - with a quality of life that draws from many different aspects. Art and expression are valued in Ashland, which attracts big-name musicians, independent films, and countless festivals. As a result of the synergy created by Ashland's culture, student population, and tourism, this city has sophisticated amenities that everyone can enjoy.
One of the best theater companies in the country, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) reinvents Shakespeare and other notable playwrights, both classical and contemporary, in elaborate productions.
FOOD TO DIE FOR
The food scene in Ashland is great for foodies. Ashland has an excellent reputation as a culinary destination because of its quality restaurants and fresh ingredients. More than 100 restaurants are in the city (unusual for a town this size), and the climate here creates perfect growing conditions. Rogue Valley is also home to numerous wineries and breweries.
A LIFE IN ASHLAND, OREGON, MEANS LIVING IN NATURE
There are plenty of parks and open spaces to play in in Ashland, which is proud of its well-developed network of parks. It's nestled between the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, surrounded by forests, creeks, and a large lake. More than 41 miles of trails and nearly 1,000 acres of parkland.
Lithia Park, which covers 93 acres around the OSF campus and plaza, is a mystical forest park. The park features a crystal clear creek, lush lawns, elegant landscaping, walking paths, tennis courts, playgrounds, duck ponds, a swimming pool, a Japanese garden, and picnic spots. Stroll through the park, and you'll find dozens of boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and other fun things to do in downtown Ashland.
ASHLAND'S RESIDENTS LOVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Residents of Ashland, Oregon, take health and wellness seriously, and outdoor activities are a significant pastime. Most of the population is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying trail running, hiking, mountain biking, skiing (Mt. Ashland Ski Area is only 25 minutes away), and water sports (as well as many other outdoor activities). In Ashland, locals have year-round access to outdoor activities and adventures that require significant travel to other parts of the U.S.
EDUCATION OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY
It is a wise choice to start a family in Ashland, Oregon, because of its thriving culinary and arts culture and outdoor activities. According to Niche, which ranks towns based on housing, education, family friendliness, and diversity, Ashland ranks 9th for education in Oregon. According to U.S. News and World Report, Ashland High School consistently ranks among the country's top ten percent of high schools.
ASHLAND, OREGON, HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER! COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!
Living in Ashland, Oregon, maybe the perfect combination of natural beauty, culture, and quality of life. It would be great to have you visit us someday!