Entertainment and cultural center in Eastern Kentucky
Ashland is a small city with a thriving downtown, offering proximity to rural settings along the Ohio River. Despite seeing a 10% population decrease since 1990, the city’s population of 21,000 makes it the largest in Boyd County. The city was built around the pig iron industry, but now its major employers are King's Daughters Hospital and Ashland Oil and Refining Company. Amenities like the Paramount Arts Center, the Camayo Arcade and The Highlands Museum & Discovery Center have also helped to revitalize the city's downtown. As more walkable businesses and entertainment options come to town, Ashland balances small-town amenities with access throughout the Tri-State region.
There are lots of amenities for residents downtown Ashland.
Ashland City Center is a great place to invest in real estate.
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Boyd County homes from vintage to new
Original home inventory here dates back to the 1800s. Known for their vintage character and handmade designs, these homes have been preserved through the years with style restrictions. "Historic Classical Revivals and American Foursquares are a great feature in older areas like Central Park,” says Gennie Craigmiles, a local and real estate agent with Geneva Properties. “The restrictions are the reason you won't find newer styles until you get to the outskirts of the city.” Outlying suburban areas like Valley View feature more contemporary designs. The median sales price for homes in Ashland has risen to $222,000, which is still lower than the Huntington or U.S. median prices. Properties range from historic townhouses selling for as low as $75,000 to larger, newly constructed homes selling for over $500,000.
Normal was named after the Eastern Kentucky Normal School that opened in 1867.
The median real estate price in Ashland City Center is approximately $187,000-$190,000.
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Ashland Independent Schools in the community
Ashland Independent Schools earns a B-plus rating and is named the second-best district in the Huntington area on Niche. The system serves over 3,200 students, with eight schools. Paul G. Blazer High is the district's only high school and offers dual enrollment classes and AP courses.
Ashland Community & Technical College also has two campuses in the city. The Roberts Drive Campus offers nursing and automotive technology, while College Drive has business administration, an associate arts program and specialty courses.
Ashland Middle School is ranked #187 in Kentucky Middle Schools.
Paul G. Blazer High School is a public high school in Ashland, Kentucky.
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Shopping and dining along Winchester Avenue
For a city of its size, Ashland still packs a punch when it comes to shopping. The city has two of the region’s only shopping malls, Midtown Mall and Ashland Town Center. Downtown Winchester Avenue has walkable storefronts, hotels and the Camayo Arcade, Kentucky's first indoor mall that still looks like it did when built in 1926. "The Camayo Arcade is a must-see. They have little cute shops, and it just feels like you're in a different time," says Allison Goble, who lives in the area and is an agent with RE/MAX Realty Connection.
Camp Landing Entertainment District is the newest addition to Ashland, 7 miles south. The space has indoor entertainment options and an amusement park. Sandy's Racing and Gaming is next door with a 4,000-square-foot gaming facility and a horse-racing track that's soon to come.
The Camaro Arcade was the first indoor shopping mall built in the state of Kentucky in 1926.
The Mill is a unique dining experience in a casual setting located in Ashland, KY.
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Community-wide events and the Paramount Arts Center
In the midst of a rural region, Ashland is a local destination for events and entertainment. "As Ashland's downtown has been coming back to life, the Paramount Arts Center has really been a staple and a great place for families. They have great shows, Goble says. The Highlands Museum & Discovery Center is another popular attraction, with child-friendly exhibits and displays on the history of Boyd County. Summer Motion is one of Ashland's largest festivals. The event celebrates Independence Day in the Port of Ashland with food trucks, carnival rides and live music.
The Highlands Museum & Discovery Center exhibits local history and science for residents.
Theater performances, concerts, and private events are what visitors to the Paramount see.
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Heading outdoors near the Ohio River
Ashland's Parks and Recreation Department maintains eight parks. Oliverio Park is a small neighborhood playground, while Central Park features sports fields and walking trails. The Port of Ashland is a scenic location that's used as an event venue. Heavy industry on the Ohio River prevents most people from swimming, but fishing is still popular. In colder weather, the Ashland Area YMCA is an at-cost option with indoor basketball courts, swimming pools and a fully equipped fitness center.
Ashland experiences the four seasons, with cold winters that bring lots of snow. Flood damage from the Ohio River is considered unlikely, with a 3-mile system of concrete floodwall and earthen levees guarding against it. FEMA may require various levels of flood insurance for properties close to water.
Ashland City Center combines a close proximity to amenities with a small-town vibe.
Central Park in the Winslow community is one of the largest park in all of Kentucky.
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Getting around the Ashland area
Interstate 64 and the Ohio River Scenic Byway connect Ashland to the great Tri-State region. The Ashland Bus System, the city’s public transportation, has five routes around downtown. "Most people don't use the bus too much,” Craigmiles says. “Our highways are really great, there's hardly ever traffic and you can go from one state to the next in minutes." Huntington is 15 miles east of Ashland and is home to the Huntington Tri-State Airport. King's Daughters Hospital is one of the city's largest employers and downtown Ashland.
Important to know
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Huntington's violent and property crime rates are both less than the national average. Rates for violent and property crimes have decreased in the last decade by more than 50%. The Ashland Police Department has worked in the community by setting up neighborhood watches and celebrating National Night Out.
Written By
Bayley Malo
Photography Contributed By
Perez Folds
Video By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alison Christie,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Ashland, KY sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ashland, KY over the last 12 months is $155,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully Updated Home with Private Pool in Sought-After Location Don’t miss your opportunity to own this stunning, move-in ready home located in desirable South Ashland area—just minutes from both the city and the county. Step inside to find a newly renovated kitchen, gleaming hardwood floors throughout, and generous living space. The home features two separate family rooms—perfect for
Track of land in the 27th Block of Carter Avenue measuring 225x142.5 plus an additional lot across the street measuring 25x142.5. Zoned B2 and R4. Close to UK Kings Daughters Medical Center. This would be a great location for a medical office or multi-tenant apartments. Possibilites are limitless.
Nestled in the heart of old Bellefonte, this private and secluded Southern Colonial home offers a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Nestled on 2.11 acres, with an option to purchase an additional 1.43 acres, the property provides a serene and expansive retreat. Step inside and you are greeted with a two-story marble entryway, a stunning open-concept design highlighted by a
Convenient location. Investors here is your next renovation. Repair or replace some options there. Being sold as is for land and improvements. Home is not move in ready.
WATER, SEWER AND TRASH INCLUDED IN PRICE! Affordable living in the Ashland area! Providence Hill Apartments offers luxury and convenience to its resident. The spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment homes are beautifully crafted with an incomparable amenities package. The highly sophisticated clubhouse offers a party room, aerobic facility, fully equipped weight room, and 24-hr laundry facility,
Downtown Ashland Loft with Stunning Views & Walkability**Experience the best of Ashland living in this stylish downtown loft apartment. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, this modern space offers unbeatable walkability. Walking distance to three scenic parks, a variety of locally loved restaurants, and the historic Paramount Arts Center. Whether you’re heading to a summer street
** For Rent**Charming 3BR Home Steps from Central Park – 426 19th Street, Ashland, KYLooking for a home with heart in the perfect location? Welcome to 426 19th Street — a stunning blue two-story house full of charm, character, and comfort. Features:•3 cozy bedrooms•1 full bathroom•Covered garage•Gorgeous front porch – ideal for sipping your morning coffee while
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