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LIVING IN Ashland, VA

A friendly guide to neighborhoods, schools, parks, local events, and what life is really like here.

 Ashland, Virginia—often called “The Center of the Universe” by locals—is a charming small town in northern Hanover County that blends historic character with modern convenience. Known for its walkable downtown, locally owned shops, and strong sense of community, Ashland offers a slower pace of life while remaining just minutes from Richmond and major highways like I-95.

Home to Randolph-Macon College, Ashland has a welcoming college-town feel, tree-lined streets, and a mix of historic homes, established neighborhoods, and newer residential communities. Residents enjoy frequent community events, local dining, parks, and highly regarded schools, making Ashland especially appealing to families, professionals, and those seeking a close-knit atmosphere.

Whether you’re drawn to its small-town charm, convenient location, or strong community pride, Ashland offers a balanced lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere in Central Virginia.

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Table of Contents
NeighborhoodsHousing SnapshotSchoolsComute & Transportation Things to Do in AshlandEvents Happening This MonthUtilities & ServicesNew Construction in the AreaFAQ

POPULAR Ashland NEIGHBORHOODS


Kings Charter

Downtown Ashland

Kings Charter

One of Ashland’s largest and most recognizable communities, Kings Charter is known for planned living, sidewalks, pools, tennis courts, and proximity to high-rated Hanover County schools. It attracts families looking for amenities and a suburban feel while remaining close to downtown Ashland.

Ashland Park

Downtown Ashland

Kings Charter

 Ashland Park is a newer residential community with modern single-family homes and townhomes. It’s popular with buyers who want new construction, open floor plans, and convenient access to I-95 while still being minutes from the town center. 

Downtown Ashland

Downtown Ashland

Downtown Ashland

 Centered around Center Street and the railroad tracks, Downtown Ashland offers historic homes, walkability, and small-town charm. Residents enjoy local restaurants, coffee shops, Randolph-Macon College, and frequent community events. Homes here tend to be older and architecturally distinctive. 

Ashland Heights

Randolph-Macon Area

Downtown Ashland

 Ashland Heights is a quiet residential area with established single-family homes, larger lots, and mature trees. It appeals to buyers seeking a more traditional neighborhood feel with less traffic while remaining close to schools and downtown. 

North Ashland

Randolph-Macon Area

Randolph-Macon Area

 North Ashland is a loosely defined area rather than a single subdivision. It generally features newer developments, easy access to Route 1 and I-95, and a mix of housing styles. It’s often favored by commuters and growing families. 

Randolph-Macon Area

Randolph-Macon Area

Randolph-Macon Area

 The area surrounding Randolph-Macon College includes historic homes, smaller residential streets, and rental properties. It attracts professors, staff, students, and buyers who enjoy a college-town atmosphere with strong community character. 

Ashland HOUSING SNAPSHOT

Stats are sourced from RaRealtors.com

SCHOOLS IN THE AREA


Ashland Elementary School

Henry Clay Elementary School

Henry Clay Elementary School

Henry Clay Elementary School

Henry Clay Elementary School

Henry Clay Elementary School

Liberty Middle School

Henry Clay Elementary School

Patrick Henry High School

Patrick Henry High School

Patrick Henry High School

Patrick Henry High School

Randolph-Macon College

Patrick Henry High School

Randolph-Macon College

Commute & Transportation

Highway Access

Commute to Richmond

Commute to Richmond

Ashland offers convenient access to I-95, making it an ideal location for commuters traveling north or south. Route 54 and Route 1 also run through the area, providing easy connections to nearby towns and commercial corridors.

Commute to Richmond

Commute to Richmond

Commute to Richmond

Located approximately 15–20 miles north of Downtown Richmond, Ashland allows residents to commute to the city while enjoying a quieter, small-town environment. Many professionals choose Ashland for its balance of accessibility and lifestyle.

Rail Access

Commute to Richmond

Local Roads & Getting Around

Ashland is served by Amtrak, with a historic train station located directly in town. Rail service provides an alternative transportation option for travel to Richmond, Washington, D.C., and other major cities along the East Coast. 

Local Roads & Getting Around

Local Roads & Getting Around

Local Roads & Getting Around

The town’s layout makes local travel simple, with short drive times between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and downtown amenities. Many areas near the town center are walkable and bike-friendly 

Air Travel

Local Roads & Getting Around

Air Travel

Ashland is approximately 25–30 minutes from Richmond International Airport, offering domestic and limited international flights. The airport is easily accessible via I-95 and I-64. 

THINKS TO DO IN Ashland

Downtown Ashland

Community Events & Festivals

Community Events & Festivals

Downtown Ashland is the heart of the community, featuring locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and small businesses. The walkable town center is a popular gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Community Events & Festivals

Community Events & Festivals

Community Events & Festivals

Ashland hosts a variety of annual events throughout the year, including parades, street festivals, holiday celebrations, and college-related activities. These events contribute to the town’s strong sense of community and local pride. 

Randolph-Macon College

Community Events & Festivals

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Randolph-Macon College plays a major role in Ashland’s culture, offering athletic events, performances, lectures, and arts programming that are open to the public. The campus also adds to Ashland’s classic college-town atmosphere. 

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Ashland offers several parks, green spaces, and trails for outdoor activities such as walking, running, and casual recreation. These areas provide convenient options for enjoying the outdoors close to home.

Dining & Local Favorites

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Railroad Viewing & History

From casual eateries to sit-down dining, Ashland has a growing food scene with options ranging from American comfort food to international cuisine. Many restaurants are locally owned and community-focused. 

Railroad Viewing & History

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Railroad Viewing & History

Ashland is known for its active railroad running through the center of town. Train viewing, historical landmarks, and preserved architecture reflect the town’s long-standing connection to rail history.

Utilities & Services

Water & Sewer

Water & Sewer

Water & Sewer

 Public water and sewer services in Ashland are provided and maintained by the Hanover County Department of Public Utilities. They handle billing, maintenance, and connections for residences in town. 

Electricity

Water & Sewer

Water & Sewer

Residential electricity service in Ashland is provided by Dominion Energy. Customers can start, transfer, or manage service, report outages, and pay bills through Dominion’s customer portal.
 

Natural Gas

Water & Sewer

Trash & Recycling

 Natural gas service is available through Virginia Natural Gas (or in some areas, other suppliers like Columbia Gas depending on exact location). You can start, transfer, or stop residential gas service by contacting the provider.
 

Trash & Recycling

Communications & Internet

Trash & Recycling

 Curbside trash collection in Ashland is managed by the Town’s Public Works Department in partnership with the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) and contracted haulers like Waste Management. Trash is collected weekly (typically Mondays) for single-family homes within town limits at no additional fee.
 

Public Works Services

Communications & Internet

Communications & Internet

The Town of Ashland Public Works department handles local infrastructure maintenance including street and sidewalk upkeep, brush and leaf collection, and stormwater management.
 

Communications & Internet

Communications & Internet

Communications & Internet

 Phone, internet, and cable services are provided by major regional carriers serving Hanover County (e.g., Verizon, Comcast, AT&T) depending on address and service availability.
 

New Construction in Hanover

Hickory Grove – 55+ Community

Hickory Grove – 55+ Community

Hickory Grove – 55+ Community

A 55+ focused community offering low-maintenance single-family homes with first-floor primary suites. Ideal for active adult buyers seeking modern layouts close to downtown Ashland and major routes like I-95.

The Oaks at Hickory Hill

Hickory Grove – 55+ Community

Hickory Grove – 55+ Community

Planned community with a range of new homes (typically 3-5 bedrooms) sized for families looking for more square footage and modern features. Floorplans span mid to larger size homes.

The Reserve at Campbell Creek

Hickory Grove – 55+ Community

New Construction Listings (Varied Scales & Builders)

 A semi-custom and custom home enclave on larger lots (10-17+ acres). This community appeals to buyers who want a more private setting with space for outdoor lifestyles and customizable home plans. 

New Construction Listings (Varied Scales & Builders)

New Construction Listings (Varied Scales & Builders)

New Construction Listings (Varied Scales & Builders)

Across Ashland, there are numerous single-family new homes on the market, from starter-friendly houses to larger custom builds, with prices ranging from approximately mid-$300K up to luxury levels based on size and finishes. Listings often include features like granite counters, modern open floor plans, and multiple bedrooms.

Condo & Townhome New Construction (Nearby)

New Construction Listings (Varied Scales & Builders)

Condo & Townhome New Construction (Nearby)

While Ashland itself has limited large-scale condo/townhome projects, broader search tools show several townhouse developments in the greater Richmond-Petersburg area accessible to Ashland buyers. These may be of interest for new multi-family construction options.

Build-Your-Own / Custom Options

New Construction Listings (Varied Scales & Builders)

Condo & Townhome New Construction (Nearby)

There are build-on-your-own-lot builders serving Ashland and Hanover County if buyers want a custom home designed to their specifications. These are often ideal when zoning and property size allow private construction without a large community framework.

EVENTS HAPPENING THIS MONTH

🍫 Chocolate Fest 2026

 📍 Center of the Universe Brewing Co., Ashland
A community festival celebrating all things chocolate — tastings, local vendors, and sweet treats. Perfect for families and food lovers alike.
🗓 Saturday, February 7, 2026
⌚ 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

🎬 Ashland Theatre — February Showings & Events

  Ashland Theatre, Downtown Ashland
Ashland Theatre hosts a variety of cultural events, film showings, and performances throughout the month, including tribute concerts and classic films.
🗓 February 5–15, 2026 

 🎟️ Check tickets locally 

📚 February Programs — Ashland Branch Library

 📍 Ashland Branch Library
Ongoing family and educational events hosted by the Ashland Public Library all month long. Useful for families and kids looking for local activities.
🗓 Feb 2 – Feb 28, 2026
Includes weekly children’s story times, workshops, and community programs.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at sebastiandp@htrsi.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Ashland is a small town in Hanover County, Virginia, located approximately 15–20 miles north of Richmond. It sits along the I-95 corridor, making it convenient for regional travel.


Ashland is known for its walkable downtown, active railroad through the town center, historic homes, community events, and its college-town atmosphere anchored by Randolph-Macon College.


Ashland appeals to residents looking for a small-town feel, local amenities, and proximity to a larger metro area. Many people choose Ashland for its community character, location, and limited housing supply.


Contact Us

Plata & Co.

7176 Ellerson Mill Circle, Mechanicsville, VA

8049431286

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