Ashland

Ashland embodies Northern Delaware's countryside essence, and residents embrace the home-down nature of its bountiful walking trails, charming small businesses and cozy cafés. Backroads weave around the community's rural terrain, leading to large homes with an apparent grandeur. "This is a really close-knit community that gives you that charming, small-town feel where everyone knows everyone," says Realtor Tricia Harling of Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate. "It embraces you and makes you feel like you're at home." Born and raised in Wilmington, Harling moved to the city's rural outskirts where she's now been for over 35 years. Harling has sold homes across Delaware for just over 10 years.

No house is the same in Ashland, but one thing is for sure, and that's a high price tag. Homes are commonly priced between $900,000 and $1.2 million. Every property features several acres of private land with an opulent multi-story colonial house to boot. Housing sizes often exceed a sprawling 6,000 square feet, boasting at least five bedrooms. There's a tranquil air to Ashland's pastoral landscapes that lends to a quiet and spread-out community. Roads are windy and tunneled by over-arching trees that make for colorful streetscapes during the fall. "This is truly just a beautiful area," Harling says. "You get that country kind of vibe with a lot of different parks."

Students in Ashland attend schools under the Red Clay Consolidated School District, which Niche gave an overall A-minus. Elementary students kickstart their education at Brandywine Springs School. Students at Brandywine Springs score above average on their tests, receiving an 8 out of 10 on GreatSchools. Students advance to Alexis I. du Pont Middle School, which earned an overall C-plus on Niche. Students progress to Alexis I. du Pont High School, scoring an overall B on Niche. There's something for every high school student, like the Technology Student Association, math league and tabletop gaming club.

There's an inclination to outdoor recreation when you live in Ashland. Strap on your hiking shoes, leash up your pups and head to the Ashland Nature Center, where you can explore over 4 miles of hiking trails. Trail travelers will see all sorts of wildlife, especially at stopping points like the Hawk Watch and the Butterfly House. The nature center has a full calendar of activities and events for those of all ages, like bird walks, educational lectures and birdhouse-building sessions. Ashland is close to several Delaware state parks, like the Auburn Valley State Park. Once named the Auburn Heights Preserve, Auburn Valley is Delaware's newest state park, sporting paved bike paths and woodsy nature trails that intertwine with Red Clay Creek. Historians enjoy tours of the park's Marshall Mansion and the Marshall Steam Museum to learn about the area's industrial history. Residents venture to the state park for Steamin' Days, a popular event on the first Sunday of each month. Bring the family to enjoy train and antique car rides and tours of the mansion. For indoor recreation, about four miles west is the Hockessin Athletic Club. Members have access to a weight room, five pools, saunas, a gymnasium and more.

You'll likely head 5 miles east to Greenville Center for essentials. Locals choose Janssen's Market for groceries or to pick up flowers and plants to decorate their gardens. The shopping center also features several clothing stores, restaurants and cafes. For a pick-me-up and bite to eat, stop by Centreville Place Café and Market. The Parisian-themed café has hand-made finger sandwiches and espresso beverages, boasting a rustic aesthetic with comfy indoor and outdoor garden seating.

Ashland is a great spot to be a golf enthusiast. There are ample private country clubs with large golf courses, like Fieldstone Golf Club. Membership affords access to a nearly 7000-yard golf course, a restaurant and a spacious patio with a scenic view. Other Ashland amenities include the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. See exhibits like the Paleozone or the Skylight Atrium and catch an educational glimpse of nature and wildlife from both the past and the present.

With at least a 5-mile cushion from most retail areas, Ashland lends itself to being a commuter community. If you need to access public transportation, the DART transit system travels up and down Kennett Pike, stopping at many points via bus route 52. For those commuting to nearby cities, you're about 8 miles northwest of downtown Wilmington and 40 miles south of Philadelphia. When traveling, you'll likely hop on Interstate 95, under 10 miles east, or Highway 41, within a mile west. Ashland is a scenic pocket of rural Delaware that offers proximity to state parks and nature centers while affording retail convenience a few miles away.

Written By

Brennen Martin

Photography Contributed By

Conner Baker

Video By

Scott Wiggins