My parents moved to Ashland when I was 1 yr old and left for financial opportunity in Texas in when I was 6 in 1961. My parents called the area “God’s Country” because of the beauty of the area and said it was a great place to raise a family. They did well here in Texas but always missed Ashland
I live in Ashland right downtown and the nightlife is wonderful and diverse. There is no lack. Especially during the summer. The only time it really does down is in the dead of winter.
I am born and raised in Ashland, moved and travelled, then decided to move back to raise my children here. I find it fascinating that there was no mention of Ashland being a retirement community and that shift occurred rapidly in the late 1990s-2000s. Wealthy retirees moved to the area and now the average age in Ashland is 43. Something to consider if you want a youthful vibe and activities and offerings for young families. The city has catered the the retiree community for the past 20 years but it was much different when I was young. There is a shift now with the latest census showing that we are finally getting more families with children 0-7, and many have moved in from other places versus being local.
This is a wonderful comment, and you're right - we are seeing more people with families moving to the area. This forum has helped make that possibly for at least a few! Thank you for watching and sharing your knowledge.
I went to Ashland High back in the 1980s. I had a teacher named "Mr. Cooley" he was one of my favorite teachers. Couldn't help noticing 'cooley' in your screen name. Ashland is a small town....He even had a daughter named "Melissa" that was my age.
I moved to Ashland in 2017. YES it is a retirement community. Didn't know that when I moved here. Demographics published in November 2022 indicate 30% of the population is over 60, and that % is growing. Another 24% are over 40. The negative ATTITUDE around here about "Rich retirees" is not fair. Just regular folks doing their best to live well, and get by!
I worked at the "Astro" gas station in downtown Ashland from 2002 - 2008. Got to know a lot about the town. I even met a couple of celebrities, who I think were there to see the plays. It's a real nice place to live, if you can afford it. (as far as I know it's still cheaper than many big cities like SF or NYC.)
Thx for info, lived there in 1986 and ‘87, loved it, went to Ashland Middle School- best public school ever. Would love to retire in that area as my grandparents did.
@@tmoddison 2 years, am a career firefighter/Paramedic and my wife is an RN. I’ll only be barely 50, so plan on working still. Am a California native, but lived and worked in Washington DC for 25 years now, wife and I are very ready to come back out west. Sorry for long rant, lol!
Mt Ashland recently added an 18 hole Disc Golf course for play during the off season. It's still developing, but is quite fun with more than one huge downhill shot. I would call them for times and other info.
Before you move to Ashland, you might want to check out Central Point, or Jacksonville. These are other towns in "the Valley" that also offer scenic beauty, but are much more economical. I live in "White City" which really isn't a city, but it's very inexpensive but more :"industrial" and "gritty" . It also has a more "desert" like micro climate. I am also only 3 miles from the rogue river which is a short bike ride away if I want to do some fishing....
Ashland is literally my home town. I was born there. I would say it's both. It's a beautiful place but it's near the state border, so there's a certain "element" there that you don't find in most small towns. Like many people from there I can no longer afford to live there due to "gentrification". We call ourselves the "exiles".
Indeed the air quality can be hazardous during fire season but also during the winter when there are inversion layers over the valley. Smoke from wood-burning fireplaces is trapped near the ground and permeates the area. Not recommended for anyone with breathing troubles
I've been around here since 1977. This place used to perfect, before the fires and covid. Downtown thrived, with locally owned businesses there year after year. Summers downtown buzzed with Oregon Shakespeare theater thriving with full houses daily. There was skiing in winter, and no crime and local college. Fast forward to 2023 - downtown old businesses have fled in droves - no business half the year. Leaving tattoo parlors and speed shopping places. I avoid downtown at all costs. Shakespeare is struggling due to area fires, Covid killed off what was left. Schools ? Local schools come down to one thing. If the student does not rock the boat- you will pass and graduate, no matter what. I experienced the local schools for years and years- and my kid left there having lost all interest in math and science and truly with gaping holes. My advice- find a place that is more user friendly and less expensive for utilities and food, that cares about the downtown thriving. I suggested closing downtown to traffic and was looked at like I was nuts. Perhaps weekends - no traffic - bring in the families to stroll. Food carts . No way Jose. Take realtors videos with a large does of salt.
@thouartit - thank you for your comment. There's no doubt that OSF and other local organizations are struggling after COVID. Regarding the schools, was it a particular level (elementary, middle, high) that you are referencing in your comment?
Thanks for the video! I esp appreciate the honesty about fires. Quick question: how were people towards each other during COVID? Were people mostly respectful of each other's choices (mask/vaccine, etc), kind of like "live and let live" attitude or were there cultural wars? How was the government during COVID? Strict mandates (no mask/vax no entry, etc) or recommendations and advise? Thank you :)
People were patient here, and were kind for the first year or two. As things went on and we reopened, some decided to wear masks, others didn’t. Some people still choose to wear masks, perhaps because their immune system needs the help. We had the same rules and regulations as much of the west coast. In many ways, we did better than other areas because it is less dense here than large cities. Hope this helps.
Granted it is a beautiful area and I love the Shakespeare Festival. But I don’t like the traffic and high taxes. So I live south of the border in Cali.
There are lots of jobs in Ashland. It's just most of them don't pay enough to support living there. My roommate rides the bus back and forth for 4hours a day to work there.
3:54 I think you might not be hanging out with the right crowd, sir. I just moved here but my friends who are millennials and generation Z, tell me that they are staying out till 3- 4 AM in the morning drinking in downtown in Ashland. That’s not my vibe but I think there’s definitely a nightlife still there for the Younghans😅
People escape to Ashland to stay asleep to the global awakening but no one will be free from the great awakening,In life you go with the flow or it will drag you there anyways,the truth is most Americans are asleep and it is their wake up call.
The homeless and drug problem in the rogue valley has gotten really bad. I agree it’s disgusting. I pay extra to live in a nice place not a public dump and urinal!
@@shelbielucas Hi. Sorry for that snarky comment. I live in Portland which is also covered in litter and I volunteer constantly to pick it up. I went to Ashland to check it out as a new place to live wishing it would be pristine but it was in basically the same state as Portland litter wise. I think there is a criminal element involved because the type of litter and the way it was placed on the ground every 5 to 10 feet everywhere I went was exactly the same as it is in Portland down to the toothpick dental floss things and packing peanuts. And litter hidden in bushes and under rocks. Just like Portland. I found it disturbing to think that organized crime has infiltrated the state so seemlessly that they can even make sure that every city is covered in litter. Everywhere I stopped on the way down there was the same. Even Eugene. So I think something fishy is going on. The point is I was a visitor there and I was the only person I saw picking up litter. I must have picked up five paper shopping bags full in 4 days. So..... Maybe start a volunteer program to pick up. We have SOLVE here in Portland and even with thousands of volunteers a month we can't get ahead of it. It's being perpetrated by someone. It's not random. Ok. Have a great day. Doug
@@DouglasESmith-fu7di that’s awesome! Yeah I’ve been saying that Ashland is turning into a mini portland. I lived in Vancouver WA for a while and has to go to Portland regularly. It’s awful!
@@shelbielucas I know. I'm heartbroken and I can't find any work playing music anymore but I don't know where to move to. That is why I checked out Ashland. But I don't want to move from one trashed city to another. I want to be somewhere pristine. And I will help keep it that way. But I don't know where that is. Any suggestions? I'm starting to look at other countries that take pride in their cities. I love the USA but it just isn't lovin' me back. Ugh!
@@DouglasESmith-fu7di I feel that and I don’t have any suggestions in Oregon. I’ve thought about moving out of the US as well as it has become a corrupt land. I wish you all the best in finding your forever home ♥️
I never go to Grants Pass or Ashland without my AR-15 in the trunk! You would be surprised how dangerous Ashland and Grants Pass are, I have lived in both these cities, too much welfare! Marshall Wright
What?? 😂😂😂 Ok kid. I’ve lived in many cities, like actual cities. And I’ve never carried a gun. Ever! Gun for home protection but in city while out and about? Why? Grown up in cities, maybe small towns are more dangerous but I doubt it. It’s not the towns, it’s you buddy. You’re the dangerous one. So stay home for everyone’s sake.
Long story short. I lived down there before the people whom had retirement property in that area came home to roost in their final home. Was a great place in the late 99’s .
The footage you use of “crowds” in this video is extremely misleading. It only is that crowded on the Fourth of July, and maybe Halloween. The rest of the time tourist crowds are nothing like that.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
My parents moved to Ashland when I was 1 yr old and left for financial opportunity in Texas in when I was 6 in 1961. My parents called the area “God’s Country” because of the beauty of the area and said it was a great place to raise a family. They did well here in Texas but always missed Ashland
Y’all are always welcome back here!!
you will never go wrong with travis as your real estate person he is great at what he does
Thank you Barbara! ❤️ You’re great at being amazing!!
@@tmoddison your welcome i like heiping my friends out networking is great
I live in Ashland right downtown and the nightlife is wonderful and diverse. There is no lack. Especially during the summer. The only time it really does down is in the dead of winter.
Roger that! Do you like living downtown?
Great local music and musicians!
don't praise ashland you will californicate ashland
I am born and raised in Ashland, moved and travelled, then decided to move back to raise my children here. I find it fascinating that there was no mention of Ashland being a retirement community and that shift occurred rapidly in the late 1990s-2000s. Wealthy retirees moved to the area and now the average age in Ashland is 43. Something to consider if you want a youthful vibe and activities and offerings for young families. The city has catered the the retiree community for the past 20 years but it was much different when I was young. There is a shift now with the latest census showing that we are finally getting more families with children 0-7, and many have moved in from other places versus being local.
This is a wonderful comment, and you're right - we are seeing more people with families moving to the area. This forum has helped make that possibly for at least a few! Thank you for watching and sharing your knowledge.
I went to Ashland High back in the 1980s. I had a teacher named "Mr. Cooley" he was one of my favorite teachers. Couldn't help noticing 'cooley' in your screen name. Ashland is a small town....He even had a daughter named "Melissa" that was my age.
I moved to Ashland in 2017. YES it is a retirement community. Didn't know that when I moved here. Demographics published in November 2022 indicate 30% of the population is over 60, and that % is growing. Another 24% are over 40. The negative ATTITUDE around here about "Rich retirees" is not fair. Just regular folks doing their best to live well, and get by!
I worked at the "Astro" gas station in downtown Ashland from 2002 - 2008. Got to know a lot about the town. I even met a couple of celebrities, who I think were there to see the plays. It's a real nice place to live, if you can afford it. (as far as I know it's still cheaper than many big cities like SF or NYC.)
What a cool story! You gonna move back?
Thx for info, lived there in 1986 and ‘87, loved it, went to Ashland Middle School- best public school ever. Would love to retire in that area as my grandparents did.
You are most welcome! You are always welcome back! How for off is retirement?
@@tmoddison 2 years, am a career firefighter/Paramedic and my wife is an RN. I’ll only be barely 50, so plan on working still. Am a California native, but lived and worked in Washington DC for 25 years now, wife and I are very ready to come back out west. Sorry for long rant, lol!
Mt Ashland recently added an 18 hole Disc Golf course for play during the off season. It's still developing, but is quite fun with more than one huge downhill shot. I would call them for times and other info.
Before you move to Ashland, you might want to check out Central Point, or Jacksonville. These are other towns in "the Valley" that also offer scenic beauty, but are much more economical. I live in "White City" which really isn't a city, but it's very inexpensive but more :"industrial" and "gritty" . It also has a more "desert" like micro climate. I am also only 3 miles from the rogue river which is a short bike ride away if I want to do some fishing....
You go fish at Dodge Bridge ever?
You go fish at Dodge Bridge ever?
Ashland is literally my home town. I was born there. I would say it's both. It's a beautiful place but it's near the state border, so there's a certain "element" there that you don't find in most small towns. Like many people from there I can no longer afford to live there due to "gentrification". We call ourselves the "exiles".
Indeed the air quality can be hazardous during fire season but also during the winter when there are inversion layers over the valley. Smoke from wood-burning fireplaces is trapped near the ground and permeates the area. Not recommended for anyone with breathing troubles
Great comment! Thanks for looking out for others! You an ashlander?
Hey Mr. Moddison. I've been on a binge of your videos. I have some questions for you. Is there a way to get a hold of you?
Sure Cameron, send me an email. travis.moddison@gmail.com. Thanks for watching!
Lithia Park is awesome for a small city park! You barely mentioned it... I would recommend it!
dont recommend anything you will bring all the tourist over flow
I've been around here since 1977. This place used to perfect, before the fires and covid. Downtown thrived, with locally owned businesses there year after year. Summers downtown buzzed with Oregon Shakespeare theater thriving with full houses daily. There was skiing in winter, and
no crime and local college. Fast forward to 2023 - downtown old businesses have fled in droves - no business half the year. Leaving tattoo parlors and speed shopping places. I avoid downtown at all costs.
Shakespeare is struggling due to area fires, Covid killed off what was left. Schools ? Local schools come down to one thing. If the student does not rock the boat- you will pass and graduate, no matter what. I experienced the local schools for years and years- and my kid left there having lost all interest in math and science and truly with gaping holes.
My advice- find a place that is more user friendly and less expensive for utilities and food, that cares about the downtown thriving. I suggested closing downtown to traffic and was looked at like I was nuts.
Perhaps weekends - no traffic - bring in the families to stroll. Food carts . No way Jose. Take realtors videos with a large does of salt.
@thouartit - thank you for your comment. There's no doubt that OSF and other local organizations are struggling after COVID. Regarding the schools, was it a particular level (elementary, middle, high) that you are referencing in your comment?
Thanks for the video! I esp appreciate the honesty about fires. Quick question: how were people towards each other during COVID? Were people mostly respectful of each other's choices (mask/vaccine, etc), kind of like "live and let live" attitude or were there cultural wars? How was the government during COVID? Strict mandates (no mask/vax no entry, etc) or recommendations and advise? Thank you :)
People were patient here, and were kind for the first year or two. As things went on and we reopened, some decided to wear masks, others didn’t. Some people still choose to wear masks, perhaps because their immune system needs the help. We had the same rules and regulations as much of the west coast. In many ways, we did better than other areas because it is less dense here than large cities. Hope this helps.
Great question. Respect of others is so important ❤
Granted it is a beautiful area and I love the Shakespeare Festival. But I don’t like the traffic and high taxes. So I live south of the border in Cali.
There are lots of jobs in Ashland. It's just most of them don't pay enough to support living there. My roommate rides the bus back and forth for 4hours a day to work there.
3:54 I think you might not be hanging out with the right crowd, sir. I just moved here but my friends who are millennials and generation Z, tell me that they are staying out till 3- 4 AM in the morning drinking in downtown in Ashland. That’s not my vibe but I think there’s definitely a nightlife still there for the Younghans😅
so what
@@vonstekThey're calling the realtor a boomer.
People escape to Ashland to stay asleep to the global awakening but no one will be free from the great awakening,In life you go with the flow or it will drag you there anyways,the truth is most Americans are asleep and it is their wake up call.
yes those younghans who think they are entitled and are very asleep to the great awakening.
Summertime in Ashland can be brutally hot…
Yes it can!! You have any favorite swimming holes??
And smoke!
is it incredible?
Did you watch the video??
Too many hippies..
I just visited Ashland and it was covered in litter everywhere even inside the coffee shops. And all over the campus of the University. Disgusting.
The homeless and drug problem in the rogue valley has gotten really bad. I agree it’s disgusting. I pay extra to live in a nice place not a public dump and urinal!
@@shelbielucas Hi. Sorry for that snarky comment. I live in Portland which is also covered in litter and I volunteer constantly to pick it up. I went to Ashland to check it out as a new place to live wishing it would be pristine but it was in basically the same state as Portland litter wise. I think there is a criminal element involved because the type of litter and the way it was placed on the ground every 5 to 10 feet everywhere I went was exactly the same as it is in Portland down to the toothpick dental floss things and packing peanuts. And litter hidden in bushes and under rocks. Just like Portland. I found it disturbing to think that organized crime has infiltrated the state so seemlessly that they can even make sure that every city is covered in litter. Everywhere I stopped on the way down there was the same. Even Eugene. So I think something fishy is going on. The point is I was a visitor there and I was the only person I saw picking up litter. I must have picked up five paper shopping bags full in 4 days. So..... Maybe start a volunteer program to pick up. We have SOLVE here in Portland and even with thousands of volunteers a month we can't get ahead of it. It's being perpetrated by someone. It's not random. Ok. Have a great day. Doug
@@DouglasESmith-fu7di that’s awesome! Yeah I’ve been saying that Ashland is turning into a mini portland. I lived in Vancouver WA for a while and has to go to Portland regularly. It’s awful!
@@shelbielucas I know. I'm heartbroken and I can't find any work playing music anymore but I don't know where to move to. That is why I checked out Ashland. But I don't want to move from one trashed city to another. I want to be somewhere pristine. And I will help keep it that way. But I don't know where that is. Any suggestions? I'm starting to look at other countries that take pride in their cities. I love the USA but it just isn't lovin' me back. Ugh!
@@DouglasESmith-fu7di I feel that and I don’t have any suggestions in Oregon. I’ve thought about moving out of the US as well as it has become a corrupt land. I wish you all the best in finding your forever home ♥️
I never go to Grants Pass or Ashland without my AR-15 in the trunk! You would be surprised how dangerous Ashland and Grants Pass are, I have lived in both these cities, too much welfare! Marshall Wright
What?? 😂😂😂 Ok kid. I’ve lived in many cities, like actual cities. And I’ve never carried a gun. Ever! Gun for home protection but in city while out and about? Why? Grown up in cities, maybe small towns are more dangerous but I doubt it. It’s not the towns, it’s you buddy. You’re the dangerous one. So stay home for everyone’s sake.
There's also the beheading of some years ago. Not a tourist activity...just an everyday murder.
Indeed there was. That was over 10 years ago... like 2011 I think?
don't move there, too small
But what about us low level plebs that what to jump off the vicious cycle ship. Sorry, I don't deal with real estate dudes.
Hey, thanks for your comment. What vicious cycle ship are you trying to jump off?
I lived down there for a decade. Moved to Portland for real jobs. I still love the geology and location of Ashland. I miss it. But economy dictates.
@@apetech totally understand that. What industry?
Long story short. I lived down there before the people whom had retirement property in that area came home to roost in their final home. Was a great place in the late 99’s .
The footage you use of “crowds” in this video is extremely misleading. It only is that crowded on the Fourth of July, and maybe Halloween. The rest of the time tourist crowds are nothing like that.