A Postcard from Ashland, Oregon
It’s hard to believe that a setting as beautiful and natural as this offers us daily immersion in Shakespeare, music, and art. Sometimes it feels that simply walking down the street is an artistic experience. And now that we have our second home here, we can come as often as we like. Come visit!

  

About Ashland
Gateway to the beautiful Northwest, Ashland is home of world-class white-water rafting, day and night skiing, and the famous Shakespeare Festival. Outdoors and culture uniquely blend in this town located close to the border between Northern California and Oregon. A small town of 21,000 residents bustles in the Rogue Valley’s temperate climate, allowing four seasons of indoor and outdoor recreation.

Like a solitary diamond shines in all its brilliance, Ashland is even more beautiful because of its distance from any competing city for beauty and interest. Driving up from California on I5, or down from Eugene on the same road, there is just nothing of any comparison to Ashland. It is lively, bright, clean, and exquisite. Despite all influx of visitors for Shakespeare, you never hit traffic jams or congestion on the main roads. Admittedly, it takes skill to find the perfect parking spot at showtime, but that's a small price to pay for attending some of the most brilliant Shakespeare productions in the USA. 

What stands out about Ashland is the community and the way it has created the town with such taste and love for nature. For example, walking about Lithia Park, each tree is labeled with its history, and you can't help but notice the foresight of the residents in planting these trees over 50 years ago, to create a botanic wonder next to the natural wonder of the Lithia river. Small touches like that make you want to be part of the community.

At any time, looking up from the strees of Ashland, the sight of the mountains stills your mind and opens your heart. The main street is full of shops you want to visit again and again, with bookstores, herbal stores, Native American arts side by side with designer clothing and home furnishings. All in all, Ashland is definately a place to have a second home, and most likely, you'll make it your first when retirement nears.

Local History
The Donation Land Claim Act of 1850 allowed settlers a free claim of 320 acres for a single male and 640 acres for a married couple for establishing farms in the Oregon Territory. Subsequently, the first settlers began arriving in the Rogue Valley area. Sawmills, farming, and flour mills were the first industries. Established in 1855, the town with 23 residents officially became the town of “Ashland Mills.” The word “mills” was dropped in 1871. With the completion of a rail link through Ashland between San Francisco and Portland in 1887, the entire United States was now encircled by the rail. On July 4, 1916, Lithia Park was formally dedicated with bubbling natural spring water known as Lithia water. This water has a high concentration of lithium, which had been used for years by the Native Americans for the sick and the elderly. The tradition of Shakespearean plays began as early as 1935 and has continued to grow ever since.

An Average Lifestyle in Ashland
Ashland attracts a population of people who love small town living and a passionate commitment, whether it be to politics, culture, or the environment. Ashland has been cited as one of the top five retirement towns in the nation While the tourist population surges during the Shakespeare Festival, long-term residents find that the influx creates a hub of cultural exchange not often found in small mountain towns. The intellectual stimulation of the University in town coupled with the festival add interest, while the nearby mountains and valley remind you that nature is the reason to be in Oregon.

Housing
Prices have been rising in Ashland, as people hear about this well-kept secret of a place. However, the prices are still reasonable compared to neighboring California. A lovely restored craftsman home in walking distance to town is in the $400,000. You can find two-bedroom artists retreat house above town for $315,000, and even condo's are still under $200,000. Or if you want more, consider 60 acres and 3000 square feet for $995,000. In short, value is great in Ashland. 

Location 
Surrounded by the Cascades and Siskiyou mountain ranges, Ashland is in the Rogue Valley. It is 231 miles south of Portland, and 303 miles north of San Francisco. Interstate 5 connects all three cities.
Elevation: 1951

Distance to other major cities
San Francisco: 400 miles
Eugene: 130 miles
Medford, Oregon: 15 miles

Getting To Ashland
The Rogue Valley International Airport, located in Medford, just 15 miles north of Ashland, offers service via United, United Express and Horizon to and from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Ground transportation is available through shuttle and cab services, as well as rental car agencies.

Weather
Winter: High 41.9 degrees Low 27.6
Summer: High 86.4 Low 45.9
Average Annual Precipitation 23.1 inches

Population
Population: 23825
Percentage of Single Households 59.3% 
Percentage of Married Households 40.7%
Median Age, 39.2 years

Economics
Median Household Income: $34,901
Principle Industries: Tourism, Education

Higher Education
Southern Oregon University