Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Ashland is a small city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 8,026 residents. At 67%, the majority of the Ashland population is White; this is followed by 20% Black and 1% Asian. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Ashland residents is 32. In Ashland, only 32% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle.
Are you trying to decide if living in Ashland is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Ashland and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Virginia and national averages.
Ashland, VA receives 79/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #67 in Virginia and #2,001 in the USA. Clearly, Ashland is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Ashland has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Ashland has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (B+), education (B+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Ashland ranks poorly for, including: crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Ashland, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Ashland undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Ashland, the average school test scores are an impressive 80%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Ashland market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Ashland. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Ashland are affordable. The median home price for Ashland homes is $344,430, which is 20.8% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ashland, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 4.4% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Ashland | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.5% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.2% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.7% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 9.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.1% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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