Rural Nebraska communities center on Ashland
The small town of Ashland sits on a patch of land near Salt Creek, about midway between Omaha and Lincoln. While it serves as a bedroom community for both cities, the town of 3,000 is also a hub for surrounding rural areas. “We’re the small town where everyone wants to go to get away, but it’s not too far,” says lifelong resident Sheri Miller, a Realtor with Lutton Real Estate. The local government teamed up with the Chamber of Commerce and Historic Preservation Committee to enhance the brick-lined streets and historic buildings in the downtown area. “We’ve worked really hard on our downtown, and people come from surrounding communities — and even outside Nebraska — to shop, browse, eat or just relax,” Miller says. “There’s a lot of character here.”
A blend of National, ranch-style and New Traditional homes
Homes in Ashland’s central section are a blend of National builds from the early 1900s and ranch-style houses built between 1950 and 1980. Many streets have narrow sidewalks shaded by mature trees, and lots measure a quarter to half an acre. Ranch-style homes typically cost $170,000 to $300,000, while older Nationals sell for $325,000 to $350,000.
Ashland’s population increased by about 25 percent between 2010 and 2020, and several housing developments accommodate the increased demand. Residential lots are available at Iron Horse, Icehouse Ridge and Whitetail Run, and the latter two include New Traditional homes with built-in garages. These properties are typically priced from $400,000 to $700,000.
Brick-paved streets with locally owned shops and restaurants
Brick-paved streets in downtown Ashland lead past locally owned shops, restaurants, bakeries and boutiques. Glacial Till Cider House & Tasting Room pours vintages from a nearby vineyard, and locals gather for pub grub and Keno at BW’s Pub & Grill. More dining options can be found near U.S. Route 6, including Ruhlman’s Steakhouse, Mexican restaurant Luna Azul and Cellar 426 Winery. Family Fare supermarket is a few blocks from Wiggenhorn Memorial Park.
Family-friendly attractions include sports, splash pads and safaris
Wiggenhorn Memorial Park is tucked between residential streets near the city’s western edge. The green space features pickleball courts, a playground, a gazebo, a pool and a splash pad. Hikers and mountain bikers can hop on the OxBow Trail System just outside the downtown area. A short drive away, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers more hiking and biking trails, an observation deck overlooking the Platte River and an aquatic center with waterslides and a wave pool. Sledding, cross-country skiing and ice skating are popular winter activities. Also nearby is the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, a drive-through experience featuring bison, elk, grey wolves, an eagle aviary and pelican wetlands. Ashland is home to several scenic golf courses, all open to the public. Iron Horse, Quarry Oaks and Ashland Golf Clubs all boast 18-hole courses, and the nine-hole Country Drive Golf Course hosts live band events. Several established churches are located on residential streets, within walking distance of many homes.
Recent expansion at Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools
The Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools district recently completed a multiphase expansion project that split the elementary school in two. Ashland-Greenwood Primary School serves students from prekindergarten through second grade, while Ashland-Greenwood Intermediate School serves students from third through fifth. The new schools are currently ungraded by Niche, but the former elementary school was rated A-minus. Ashland-Greenwood Middle School is rated B-plus, and Ashland-Greenwood High School is rated B. The Nebraska Department of Education recently honored the district with the Diamond Badge, its highest award for school safety.
Family-friendly fun during Stir-Up Days in July
Themes for the “Stir-Up Days” festival in July can vary from year to year. The 2025 celebration centered on a “Lift Off With NASA” motif, with a space-themed family-friendly movie night and a balloon glow. Other highlights of the four-day event include art and craft shows, a duck derby, a parade, carnival rides, a car show and a tractor pull.
Commuting to Omaha and Lincoln on Interstate 80
Ashland’s primary traffic artery is Route 6, which connects with Interstate 80 about 2 miles away. Commuters have a 35-mile drive to Omaha and Eppley Airfield or a 30-mile ride to Lincoln. The nearest hospital is CHI Health Lakeside, about 20 miles away in western Omaha. Nebraska Highway 66 also passes through downtown Ashland.
