|
|
Ashland, Oregon
has both historic homes built at the turn of the century and modern developments and condominiums. In “The Great Small Towns of Oregon,” Ashland was rated number one in both quality of life and downtown vitality. Real estate sales in the area remain good. According to the Southern Oregon Multiple Listing Service, the average price of a single family home inside the Ashland city limits in 2005 was $457,000 (the median price was $420,000). These homes varied in square footage and age. Rural properties around Ashland vary greatly in price depending on size, acreage and location. In Ashland, 42 rural properties sold in 2005 in a price range of $125,000 to 2.7 million depending on location, size of home and acreage. The median price per home in 2005 was up 20% from 2004. The average price was up 17% from 2004. These figures may not represent real estate in all of the city of Ashland, and in an ever changing real estate market, these figures, of course, vary from year to year.
Ashland has a distinct Urban Growth Boundary created to avoid urban sprawl. Newer homes are built in Ashland to compliment existing homes and the use of natural materials are used to blend with the spectacular surroundings. Older homes are lovingly restored to their original beauty. Many people are now applying “green building” strategies to new construction in Southern Oregon. The City of Ashland is also very committed to green building practices. The Ashland Conservation Division was established more than twenty years ago and is responsible for operating water, recycling, air quality and energy conservation programs. The division works with the Ashland School District, Southern Oregon University, Ashland businesses and homeowners to increase the efficiency of their resource usage. Solar water heating incentives, including tax credits, are available through the Oregon Department of Energy.
Ashland offers a high quality of life to residents with a mild, favorable climate, beautiful natural scenery, a variety of cultural attractions, a well-educated labor force and excellent health care and education. Ashland’s location just off Interstate 5 and the city’s proximity to the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, gives it easy access to other parts of the state and northern California. Ashland is widely known for its Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which attracts more than 100,000 people annually. It is also the location of the only federally funded wildlife forensics lab and research facility in the country. The Southern Oregon University also plays a big part in Ashland's economy, with about 5,000 students and 750 faculty and staff. In 2001, “Offspring Magazine” named Ashland public schools as one of the top 100 school districts in the country. Public elementary, middle and high schools in the region are consistently strong on state and national levels. Ashland also offers first class medical facilities, as well as a variety of alternative medicine providers.
|
|
|
