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, Virginia is a smaller city with a population of 7,819 residents. The majority of Ashland residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Ashland tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 32 is far below the national average. Ashland is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 32% married, this city falls well below the national average.
Living in Ashland can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Virginia, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Ashland and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Ashland to Virginia and the national average.
Ashland has a livability score of 79 out of 100 and is ranked #64 in Virginia and #1,607 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Ashland ranks well in multiple categories! Ashland also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Ashland scores well for cost of living (A-), education (B+) and housing (B)
Ashland has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Ashland has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Ashland has an unemployment rate of 2.67% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Ashland, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 80%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Ashland apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 $195,700, which is 21.2% 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 3.7, which is 2.6% 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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