Ashland KY

Ashland, Kentucky – Nestled along the scenic banks of the Ohio River, Ashland blends small-town charm with a rich sense of history and community spirit. Known for its warm hospitality, peaceful neighborhoods, and thriving arts scene, this hidden gem in Eastern Kentucky offers a slower pace without sacrificing culture or convenience. Whether you're exploring the lush greenery of Central Park, enjoying live performances at the Paramount Arts Center, or savoring local favorites downtown, Ashland welcomes visitors and locals alike with open arms and heartfelt pride.

• Population: ~20,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; mild springs, warm summers, colorful falls, and chilly winters (25-85°F).
• Places To Visit: Paramount Arts Center, Central Park, Highlands Museum & Discovery Center, Ashland Town Center, Poage Landing.
• Top Activities: Strolling riverfront trails, attending music festivals, learning local history, shopping downtown boutiques, savoring Appalachian-inspired dishes.
• Famous Food: Home-style comfort food at local diners, barbecue from The Smokin’ J, homemade pies from neighborhood bakeries, and signature Southern sweet tea.

Ashland, Kentucky is a tight-knit community with strong industrial roots and a growing presence in healthcare, education, and public services. As one of the largest cities in northeastern Kentucky, it offers a variety of employment opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those just entering the workforce. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Ashland.

Top 5 Jobs in Ashland, KY

Ashland, KY might be a small city, but it’s packed with personality and charm—especially for students looking to kick back, relax, and have a little fun between classes. Whether you’re into the outdoors, live music, local eats, or low-key hangouts with friends, Ashland has something for you.

Central Park – Right in the heart of the city, Central Park is the perfect go-to spot for a walk, hammock hangout, or impromptu frisbee game. Grab a picnic lunch, find a shady tree, and just relax. It’s also a great place to study when the weather is nice.

Fat Ash Cigar Lounge & Coffee House – Don’t let the name fool you. Students flock here for the laid-back vibe, board games, comfy chairs, and great coffee. It’s a cozy spot to hang with friends or get lost in a book.

Paramount Arts Center – For those into live performances, this historical gem features concerts, plays, and film showings. It’s a cool cultural break from classwork and a fun place to catch a weekend show.

Superhero Creamery & T-Shirt Factory – Ice cream meets comics in this unique downtown shop. It's a playful getaway where you can grab a sweet treat, browse collectibles, or design your own custom t-shirt. Perfect for a study break that adds some color to your day.

KYOVA Mall Arcade & The Cinema – When you need to unplug, the arcade offers retro games and classic fun. Pair that with a late-night movie at the cinema, and you’ve got one of the best low-key ways to chill in the area without breaking the bank.

Riverfront Park – A peaceful spot by the Ohio River, popular for evening walks, sunsets, or bike rides. There are concerts and community events here during warmer months, and it's a great place to bring a guitar or just vibe out with some music and friends.

Blazer’s Restaurant – This local favorite is affordable, has big portions, and welcomes student vibes. Eat in or grab some takeout with friends and head back to chill at your dorm or meet up at the park nearby.

Summit RV Park Trails – If you're craving some nature, this hidden gem offers trails just outside the city. A great spot to reset your mind, walk off stress, and catch up with friends offline.

No matter what your idea of relaxing looks like, Ashland has something for you. Small towns can be full of big surprises—and the best part is almost everything here is affordable or free, which is always a win for students.

Ashland, Kentucky, offers a welcoming environment for students seeking quality higher education. Nestled along the Ohio River, Ashland serves as an educational hub for Northeastern Kentucky, featuring reputable public and private colleges and universities. Whether you are interested in workforce training, traditional four-year degrees, or specialized programs, Ashland’s institutions are ready to help you achieve your academic goals.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Ashland, KY

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) – As a part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, ACTC provides affordable associate degrees, career and technical certificates, and university transfer programs. Their strong ties with local businesses create excellent internship and employment opportunities.

Morehead State University at Ashland – This regional campus brings Morehead State’s respected bachelor’s and master’s degree programs directly to Ashland, making higher education accessible without a long commute. Their offerings include business, education, and healthcare fields.

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Regional Campus – EKU's Ashland campus works closely with ACTC and local schools to provide bachelor’s and graduate degrees in growing fields like criminal justice, education, and business. Students enjoy personalized attention in a supportive setting.

Ohio University Southern (Nearby in Ironton, OH) – While located just across the river, many Ashland residents pursue higher education at Ohio University Southern. The campus provides a blend of associate, bachelor’s, and continuing education in a friendly environment.

Marshall University (Nearby in Huntington, WV) – Only a short drive from Ashland, Marshall offers competitive undergraduate and graduate programs. It’s a popular choice for Ashland students interested in everything from the arts to sciences and health professions.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Ashland, KY

Kentucky Christian University (Grayson, KY – Nearby) – Just a short drive from Ashland, KCU is a vibrant private Christian university known for its ministry, nursing, education, and business programs, with a warm campus community focused on leadership and service.

Ohio Valley University (Vienna, WV – Regionally Accessible) – While not in Ashland itself, students from the region often attend OVU for its small class sizes and Christ-centered approach. It offers strong liberal arts and education programs.

Mountwest Community & Technical College (Huntington, WV – Nearby) – Mountwest, a short commute from Ashland, is a private institution offering specialized associate degrees and certifications, especially in healthcare, culinary arts, and technology.

Daymar College (Formerly in Ashland, KY) – While its physical campus in Ashland has closed, Daymar was once a respected provider of career-focused education in nursing, business, and technology, with online programs still available to area students.

Huntington Junior College (Huntington, WV – Nearby) – Located minutes from Ashland, this private, accredited institution is known for workforce training, business, and healthcare diplomas that help students quickly enter the job market.

Whether you’re looking for large public options or small, private campuses with supportive learning environments, the Ashland area has a diverse range of colleges and universities ready to launch your future.

Ashland, Kentucky, may be a small city, but when it comes to education, it has a big heart. With a variety of high schools—both public and private—Ashland offers quality education choices for families looking to prepare their kids for college, careers, and beyond.

Here’s a look at the top public and private high schools in the Ashland, KY area based on academic reputation, extracurricular opportunities, and community feedback.

Top Public High Schools in Ashland, KY

• Paul G. Blazer High School – As the main public high school in Ashland, Blazer High stands out for its solid academic programs, competitive sports teams, and impressive music and arts departments. It offers a range of AP classes and dual-credit opportunities with nearby colleges.
• Russell High School – Located just minutes from Ashland, Russell High is known for its strong community support, dedicated staff, and top-tier performance in academics and athletics. The school's graduation and college readiness rates are among the best in the region.
• Boyd County High School – This school serves students across Boyd County and brings together academic rigor with hands-on career and technical education (CTE). Students benefit from varied programs such as engineering, healthcare, and agriculture pathways.
• Greenup County High School – Although a bit outside of Ashland, Greenup County High draws students from nearby areas and has a positive reputation for academic improvement, personalized support, and a wide range of extracurriculars.
• Fairview High School – A smaller school with a close-knit community feel, Fairview offers a more personalized approach to learning, and the staff prioritize both academic success and character building.

Top Private High Schools in Ashland, KY

• Rose Hill Christian School – An established private school in Ashland, Rose Hill provides a Christ-centered education with academic excellence, small class sizes, and a warm community. It offers dual-credit college courses and a variety of student activities.
• Holy Family School (Grades PreK–8, transitioning to add high school levels) – While currently focused on elementary and middle school, Holy Family is expanding to offer high school grades. Its strong academic foundation and faith-based curriculum make it a popular choice for families dreaming of a K–12 private school experience.
• Our Lady of Bellefonte Academy (New Institution) – A newly forming private institution, this Catholic-affiliated academy is in development after the closure of Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital. It aims to continue a legacy of faith-based education in the region.
• Carter Christian Academy – Located in nearby Grayson, this private school provides a Christian education in a nurturing environment. High school students enjoy a mix of college prep academics and spiritual growth opportunities.
• Tri-State STEM+M Early College High School – Just across the river in South Point, OH, and accessible to Ashland families, this innovative public-private hybrid focuses on science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. It’s a great option for students seeking advanced training and college credits.

Choosing the right high school is a big step, but Ashland, KY offers strong options for families. Whether you're looking for faith-based learning, college preparation, or career and technical training, this community is committed to helping students thrive both in class and in life.

While Ashland, Kentucky may not have any professional sports teams of its own, the region is full of passionate sports fans who proudly support nearby teams and local athletics. Located in northeastern Kentucky, Ashland shares much of its sporting culture with nearby cities in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Residents have easy access to a range of professional sports events just a short drive away, and the community itself places great importance on high school and college sports.

Here’s a look at some of the closest professional sports teams Ashland, KY fans often cheer for—and where they go to get their fix of high-level athletics:

Basketball – Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)

• Cleveland Cavaliers – About three hours from Ashland, the Cavaliers are the closest NBA team for many Kentucky fans in the region. The team made history by winning their first NBA Championship in 2016, led by hometown legend LeBron James. The Cavs continue to be a competitive force in the NBA's Eastern Conference, drawing loyal fans across state lines.

Baseball – Cincinnati Reds (MLB) & Cleveland Guardians (MLB)

• Cincinnati Reds – Located just over two hours away, the Reds are one of baseball’s oldest and most storied franchises. They’ve won five World Series titles, most famously as part of the “Big Red Machine” era in the 1970s. Many Ashland fans make regular trips to Great American Ball Park to catch a summer game.
• Cleveland Guardians – Also within reach, the Guardians boast a rich baseball heritage and two World Series championships, with the last coming in 1948. The team remains a key attraction for fans in northern Kentucky.

Football – Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) & Cleveland Browns (NFL)

• Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals have gained significant popularity in the Ashland area, especially following their recent Super Bowl LVI appearance in 2022. Led by quarterback Joe Burrow, the team has become one of the most exciting in the league, connecting with fans from across Kentucky and Ohio.
• Cleveland Browns – Though often considered underdogs, the Browns have an extremely passionate fanbase. With a storied history dating back to the 1940s, the team continues to build momentum and draw support from nearby regions, including northeastern Kentucky.

Hockey – Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)

• Columbus Blue Jackets – Based about two and a half hours from Ashland, the Blue Jackets offer the closest access to professional hockey. Founded in 2000, the team has developed a loyal following and reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs several times, offering fans high-speed, hard-hitting action on the ice.

Soccer – FC Cincinnati (MLS) & Columbus Crew (MLS)

• FC Cincinnati – As an emerging force in Major League Soccer, FC Cincinnati has quickly built a passionate fanbase since joining the league in 2019. Their home games at TQL Stadium are known for their electric atmosphere, drawing soccer fans from across the tri-state area.
• Columbus Crew – One of the founding teams of MLS, the Crew have won three MLS Cups (2008, 2020, 2023) and continue to be a top club. With a commitment to the sport’s growth, the Crew represent a great destination for Ashland-area residents who love world-class soccer.

While Ashland may not host its own major league franchises, the town celebrates sports proudly—from Friday night high school football to community basketball tournaments. The city also supports nearby Marshall University and the University of Kentucky, whose teams compete at the Division I college level and carry the dreams of many local fans. Whether it’s a road trip to Cincinnati or an evening cheering from the couch, Ashland’s love for sports runs deep and wide.

Ashland, Kentucky, is a charming city nestled along the Ohio River with a surprising mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or just someone curious, here are 10 fun facts about Ashland that might just make you want to pack your bags and check it out:

1. Hometown of a Country Music Legend – Did you know Ashland is the birthplace of Nashville Hall of Famer Naomi Judd? She and her daughter Wynonna formed the famous country duo, The Judds.
2. Central Park Charm – Ashland’s Central Park covers 47 acres and dates back to the early 1900s. It’s still a favorite go-to for events, family picnics, and weekend walks.
3. Steel City Roots – Ashland once played a major role in the American steel industry. The city was powered in part by the historic Armco Steel Plant, one of the area’s major employers through much of the 20th century.
4. Legendary Live Performances – The Paramount Arts Center, built in 1931, is one of the oldest Art Deco theaters in Kentucky and still hosts concerts, plays, and film screenings today.
5. Historic Trails – Ashland sits along part of the old Midland Trail, a historic route used by pioneers and settlers heading west in the 1800s.
6. Arts in the Alley – Ashland boosts its local culture with events like First Friday Art Walks and Arts in the Alley, where creativity takes over downtown streets.
7. Birthplace of Billy Ray Cyrus – That’s right – you can thank Ashland, KY, for giving the world Achy Breaky Heart and paving the way for Miley Cyrus, too!
8. Ohio River Views – Ashland’s riverfront boardwalk offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River and is a popular place to catch sunsets and local events like Summer Motion.
9. Great for Train Lovers – The Ashland Train Depot, now a beautifully restored historical site, was once a major railroad hub for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway.
10. Small Town with Big Events – From Poage Landing Days to the lively Christmas Parade, Ashland knows how to throw a community celebration that brings folks together old-school style.