Home of the Randolph-Macon College Yellow Jackets, Ashland, Virginia, is a small town with a big personality. With about 7,700 residents, it’s tucked into Hanover County, a place with a rural feel about 20 miles north of the state capital, Richmond. Locals and visitors know the area for its little downtown, historic architecture, tree-lined streets and vibrant murals. A dozen trains pass through the double-track rail line in the center of town, and residents are used to the sounds of whistles. “I think people think it’s part of the charm,” says Stephanie Ward, a Realtor and principal broker at Forward Realty Virginia with 32 years of experience selling in the area. “They call it 'Train Town' for that reason. Most people, once they get acclimated to it, are not concerned with it at all. Some people say they even find a little comfort in the rumble.”
The downtown hub of Ashland is alive and bright.
New mural in the works in downtown Ashland.
Ashland's central piece of transportation are the train tracks that run through the city.
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Local dining and shopping along Thompson Street and Railroad Avenue
“It’s a very diverse, fun town that’s a mix of old and new,” Ward says. “There’s a lot of fun new businesses and restaurants all within walking distance of downtown Ashland, so you get a nice Southern comfort feel from the area, but you also get all the conveniences of city living without the big city feel.” Ashland’s walkable, eclectic downtown draws many homebuyers in. “They can walk to get coffee, they can walk to the library, they can walk to events, they can hear live music, they can enjoy the train tracks,” Ward says. According to Ward, everyone loves Iron Horse Restaurant, where visitors can sit outside the historic building — once a department store — to eat while watching trains pass by. Origin Beer Lab is always concocting something new for locals to enjoy in its dog-friendly beer garden, while Jake’s Place Restaurant & Market is popular for its brisket and homemade hushpuppies stuffed with pulled pork. Ashland Theatre offers performance arts, live music and movies alongside dining and cocktail options. The Art Deco theater completed a two-year, $2.1 million restoration in 2018.
While Ashland has big box stores like Food Lion and Walmart, independently owned shops reign here, including craft and hobby shops, a tattoo parlor and Caravati's, an architectural salvage shop. Founded in Richmond in 1939, Caravati's moved to Ashland in 2021. The Ashland Feed Store, opened in 1918, goes beyond lawn and garden fare by providing livestock and poultry guidance under the supervision of its two store cats. Cross Brothers Grocery dates to 1912, and its Ashland Meat Company offers locally sourced meat cut to order. Ashland Berry Farm has a garden center and a 30-acre pumpkin patch with hayrides in autumn.
Major employers in the area include Nayar Health Care, which provides home hospice care, and several retail establishments, such as Food Lion and Sheehy Ford of Ashland. The town is also home to the North Richmond Industrial Park, which has expanded to include new commercial spaces. Hanover County’s economy is bolstered by a mix of industries, including recent arrivals like Performance Food Group, U.S. Cabinet Depot and National Tank & Equipment. The county School Board, Amazon Fulfillment Services, Bon Secours Health Systems and the county government each employ more than 1,000 people.
Residents visit Ashland's Richard S Gillis Public Library to pick up their next page turner.
Food Lion is an Ashland staple to stock up the family pantry. .
Visit the Ashland Wal-Mart to replenish your family's needs.
Ashland residents can visit Caravati's for their historic home supplies.
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Historic homes along train tracks
Containing two historic districts, Ashland is known for its colonial, Victorian and Queen Anne homes, which date back as far as the 1800s. Newer homes range from Cape Cods and ranch styles to contemporary properties. Prices can range from about $200,000 to $700,000. "The houses along the train tracks are the crème de la crème," says Jacob Kroko, an Ashland resident and Realtor with Hometown Realty, noting the huge Victorians and colonials, some with double porches, offer a stunning sense of history. The variety in Ashland, especially when it comes to historic homes, is a draw for many. “I think people just love being able to leave their homes, take a nice walk and see beautiful, historic homes that have been restored,” Ward says.
Beautiful historic homes line the tracks through Ashland.
Ashland has a vast selection of ranch homes for families to choose from.
Beautiful Queen Anne homes are found in Ashland.
Find modern construction sprinkled throughout Ashland.
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Beating the heat at Carter Park’s pool
Ashland residents experience all four seasons. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. Although snow and ice can occur, they usually don’t stick around for long. Spring brings moderate temperatures, usually ranging from 50 to 70 degrees. Summers are hot and humid, with highs in the 80s and 90s, accompanied by thunderstorms, especially during late summer afternoons. Autumn is cool and crisp, bringing vibrant foliage. Temperatures fall to the 70s in early fall and the 50s around November.
There are plenty of opportunities for residents to get outside. DeJarnette Park attracts anglers and bird watchers with its greenery and freshwater pond. Carter Park lures visitors from Memorial Day to Labor Day with its public swimming pool, and Pufferbelly Park is known for its playground and the Ashland Skate Park. Locals can also head to Ashland Skateland for indoor roller skating.
DeJarnette Park has a beautiful fishing hole in Ashland.
Carter Park in Ashland, Virginia has a playground within walking distance from downtown.
Families enjoy going to Ashland Skateland to get some exercise in.
Skateboarders are enjoying the sunshine at Ashland Skatepark.
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Cheering for the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets
Niche gives Hanover County Public Schools an A-minus and calls it the second-best district in the Richmond area. Ashland residents are zoned for B-rated Patrick Henry High School, which offers a career counseling program for students. The school's boys volleyball program took home Class 4 Championships every year from 2017 to 2023. Randolph-Macon College, a liberal arts institution with 1,500 undergrad students founded in 1830, is also located in Ashland. Thousands of alumni crowd to watch the Yellow Jackets play their rivals, the Hampden-Sydney College Tigers, during football season in what is simply called “The Game.”
Students can pursue their academic dreams at Henry Clay Elementary in Ashland, Virginia.
Located in Ashland, Liberty Middle School is a proud partner with the local community.
Patrick Henry High School has been serving the Ashland, VA community since 1959.
Randolph Macon College has a 200 year history in Ashland.
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Local events bring Ashland residents together
Local events are a big part of life in Ashland. “Most of their events are family-friendly, which is wonderful,” Ward says. “If you have little ones, it’s not a situation where you’d be concerned about taking them out. They’re going to be a part of everything and love it.” Thousands of people enjoy four days of Halloween celebrations along the train tracks, and locals from all over Richmond visit Ashland Berry Farm for “Terror on the Farm” or head to Red Vein Haunt for a serious thrill. Just as many come to see the annual Christmas Parade’s 200 floats. The Strawberry Faire is a midyear jam, and then there's Train Day, which might be the best reflection of Ashland’s spirit. “Everything revolves around the train tracks, and there are vendors outside and music, and there is lots of activity going on,” Ward says. The Ashland Farmers Market is open each Saturday from May through October, selling only products grown, baked or made within 30 miles of Ashland.
Ashland Train Day is an annual event that brings train enthusiasts from across the country.
Getting around Ashland
U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Interstate 95 run through Ashland, and downtown Richmond is just 19 miles away. The Richmond International Airport offers direct service to 30 major domestic destinations, including hubs for Delta, American and United Airlines. Ashland also has Amtrak service. “You can catch a train and go north or south, which is pretty great,” Ward says.
With a direct road that leads to I-95, Ashland is 25 minutes from Richmond.
Ashland residents can take Interstate 95 for a quick commute to Richmond.
Ashland residents are only minutes away from enjoying downtown Richmond.
US 1 is a central hub for most traffic in and out of Ashland.
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Crime
In Ashland, the crime rate is lower than national averages, with a total rate of about 18 incidents per 1,000 residents, according to the local police department. Violent crimes occur at a rate of about 1 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes are more prevalent, with thefts accounting for about 8 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Ashland residents find a sense of peace with the police department being centrally located.
I am a seasoned Realtor with well over a decade of experience in the dynamic real estate world. When I stepped into this industry, I knew I had found my passion. My extensive knowledge and expertise in the field have made me a trusted advisor to clients throughout the years. One of my most marked qualities is my ability to cater my services to your needs. Whether I'm working with first-time home buyers eager to step into home ownership, seasoned sellers looking to downsize, or an investor managing a portfolio, I approach each transaction with the same level of enthusiasm and dedication. My commitment to understanding each clients' unique needs ensures that everyone receives personalized attention throughout the entire process. I commit to being a trusted real estate professional and a friendly and reliable partner.
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When I'm not working I can be found exploring the vibrant music and dining scene or hiking with my family. Also, as a 'sports mom,' my heart beats for basketball. Whether cheering on my favorite NBA team or watching local youth and school teams, I believe in the spirit of teamwork and apply this same philosophy when collaborating with clients, and colleagues alike. I have a trusted team around me, ready to work for you!
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