Ashland OR

Nestled in the heart of Southern Oregon, Ashland is a charming small town with big personality. From the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival to the breathtaking beauty of Lithia Park, this arty, outdoorsy paradise invites you to slow down and soak in its unique vibe. Whether you're strolling along quaint downtown streets, enjoying farm-to-table cuisine, or hiking the scenic trails of the Siskiyou Mountains, Ashland offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and warmth that welcomes visitors year-round.

• Population: ~21,000
• Weather: Four-season climate; warm, dry summers (70-90°F) and cool, wet winters (30-50°F)
• Places To Visit: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, Mount Ashland, Ashland Art Center
• Top Activities: Theater performances, wine tasting, art walks, hiking, skiing in winter, browsing local boutiques
• Famous Food: Organic farm-to-table dishes, local wines, wood-fired pizzas, fresh-baked breads, and regional cheeses

Ashland, Oregon is known for its vibrant arts scene, natural beauty, and progressive community. While it’s a smaller city, Ashland offers a variety of career opportunities in education, healthcare, tourism, and the creative arts. Thanks to institutions like Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the city blends educational and cultural employment with steady work in essential services.

Top 5 Jobs in Ashland, Oregon

Ashland, Oregon may be small, but it’s packed with charm, art, and tons of cozy, fun places where students can relax, recharge, and hang out with friends. Whether you’re catching a play, grabbing some local eats, or enjoying nature, this town makes it easy to have a great time outside the classroom.

Lithia Park – Right in the heart of Ashland, this peaceful park is the go-to place to walk, read, or just vibe under the trees. With its duck pond, mellow trails, and fresh air, it’s perfect for clearing your head or having a picnic with friends.

Downtown Ashland – Packed with quirky shops, local cafes, and street performers, downtown makes for a sweet afternoon stroll. Places like Mix Bakeshop or Noble Coffee are ideal for cozy study breaks or catching up with friends over a latte.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) Green Show – If you want a bit of culture sprinkled into your chill time, head over to the free Green Show in the summer. It’s a casual, outdoor performance series that brings music, dance, and fun vibes without the formal theater setting.

Calle Guanajuato – Tucked behind downtown and overlooking a little creek, this hidden gem is lined with outdoor restaurants and colorful murals. It’s a great spot for dinner dates or just hanging out with tacos and good company.

Mount Ashland – When you’re craving adventure, take a short trip up the mountain. In the winter, it’s all about snowboarding and skiing. In warmer months, it’s perfect for hiking or just enjoying the epic views with your crew.

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum – It’s not just for kids—it’s way more fun than you’d expect. A favorite for spontaneous weekend fun, ScienceWorks has interactive exhibits and frequent adult-friendly events that mix learning with play.

The Varsity Theatre – When you’re in the mood for a chill movie night, this historic theater downtown plays indie films, documentaries, and the occasional blockbuster. It’s got that classic small-town movie house charm, too.

Emigrant Lake – Just ten minutes from town, this scenic lake is Ashland’s go-to spot for summer escapes. Think kayaking, swimming, or just stretching out on a towel while soaking up some sun.

Ashland is full of laid-back, student-friendly places that prove you don’t need a big city to have a good time. No matter your vibe—coffee, nature, creativity, or just kicking back—there’s a spot here that fits just right.

Ashland, Oregon, is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, natural beauty, and a welcoming community. While it is a smaller city, Ashland attracts students from all over thanks to its distinguished colleges and universities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Ashland

Southern Oregon University (SOU) – The heart of higher education in Ashland, SOU is known for its excellent programs in liberal arts, business, education, and natural sciences. SOU is especially renowned for its Theatre Department and close ties to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Rogue Community College (RCC) – Table Rock Campus (nearby in White City) – RCC provides accessible community college education, with flexible associate degree and technical programs. Many students from Ashland benefit from its transfer agreements with Southern Oregon University.

Oregon State University Extension Service – Jackson County – While not a traditional campus, this extension offers workshops, continuing education, and community programs in agriculture, forestry, and youth development, serving Ashland and the surrounding region.

Crater Lake Charter Academy (serves Southern Oregon) – Offering innovative public online education, this charter institution supports Ashland-area students looking for alternative high school and college-prep pathways.

Klamath Community College (KCC) – Distance Learning for Ashland Residents – While based further away, KCC enrolls students from Ashland through online courses, providing affordable pathways into degree programs and trades.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Ashland

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing – Ashland Campus – Located on the SOU campus, OHSU’s Ashland site offers leading nursing degrees and is known for exceptional clinical training and health education in Southern Oregon.

Global Education Oregon (GEO) Ashland – This study-abroad-focused nonprofit occasionally hosts programs in Ashland, giving students a unique international and intercultural education hub.

Pacific Bible College (Medford, serving Ashland students) – This Christian college offers associate and certificate programs in biblical studies. Many Ashland residents attend for faith-based education and leadership training.

Artisan Academy of Ashland – Artisan Academy provides private, fine arts-based education, focusing on individualized learning paths. Its innovative approach appeals to aspiring artists in the Ashland area.

St. Mary’s School (Medford, with students from Ashland) – While mainly a college-prep high school, St. Mary’s partners with local universities for dual-credit courses, and many graduates go on to top private colleges nationwide.

Ashland’s academic community combines a dynamic arts environment, strong public education, and innovative private learning options. Students in Ashland have access to deeply supportive, diverse educational pathways to help them thrive and achieve their dreams.

Ashland, Oregon, is a charming small town best known for its vibrant arts scene and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But beyond the cultural allure, Ashland also offers families access to high-quality education. Whether you're looking for a rigorous academic curriculum, dedicated faculty, or a nurturing learning environment, there are great high school options in this Southern Oregon gem.

From award-winning public schools to outstanding private institutions, here are the top public and private high schools in Ashland, OR.

Top Public High Schools in Ashland, OR

• Ashland High School – The crown jewel of public education in the city, Ashland High offers a strong college-prep curriculum, extensive AP courses, robust arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school consistently ranks among the top public high schools in Southern Oregon.
• John Muir Outdoor School – While it’s technically a K–8 program, it leads into Ashland High with a focus on environmental education and experiential learning. It's ideal for students who value hands-on, nature-based instruction before high school.
• SOU Prep Academy – A collaboration between Ashland’s public schools and Southern Oregon University, this unique dual-credit program allows high school students to earn college credits—perfect for motivated learners ready to get ahead.
• Bellview Online Academy – This is a flexible public high school option supported by the Ashland School District. It's best for students who excel in self-paced and independent learning environments.
• Phoenix High School (near Ashland) – Located just outside Ashland, Phoenix High School is an accessible option for some Ashland residents. It features award-winning programs in music, STEM, and athletics.

Top Private High Schools in Ashland, OR

• Waldorf School of the Rogue Valley – Emphasizing creativity and critical thinking, this Waldorf high school nurtures the whole child. Expect arts-infused academics, small classes, and a strong sense of community.
• The Siskiyou School – A well-regarded private institution based on Waldorf principles, The Siskiyou School continues into middle grades but partners with families transitioning into compatible private high school programs.
• Rogue Valley Adventist Academy – A Christian-based education offering strong academics and character development, RVAA welcomes students from Ashland and surrounding areas. Its smaller class sizes support individualized attention.
• St. Mary's School (Medford) – Though about 20 minutes from Ashland, St. Mary's is a top-tier private college-prep school known for producing high-achieving students. AP options and global exchange programs set it apart in Southern Oregon.
• Cascade Christian High School – Also located in the nearby Medford area, this private Christian school offers rigorous academics, faith-based learning, and a variety of extracurriculars, including top-ranking sports teams.

Whether you prefer a public pathway filled with AP opportunities or the personalized touch of a private institution, Ashland delivers quality options to help students thrive. With a close-knit community and a passion for lifelong learning, it’s no wonder Ashland is a favorite for families prioritizing education.

While Ashland, Oregon, is widely known for its vibrant arts scene, picturesque outdoors, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, it does not have any major league professional sports teams of its own. However, the town actively supports athletics on a regional level and enjoys a deep connection to sports culture through minor league teams, college athletics, and easy access to professional franchises in nearby cities.

Here’s a look at the sports environment in and around Ashland.

College Athletics – Southern Oregon University Raiders (NAIA)

• Southern Oregon University (SOU) – Located right in Ashland, SOU competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Southern Oregon Raiders represent the school in a variety of sports including football, basketball, wrestling, track & field, and volleyball.
• The SOU Raiders football team is particularly notable, having won the NAIA Football National Championship in 2014. The team has remained a strong competitor in the Frontier Conference.
• SOU Wrestling has earned national recognition over the years, producing numerous All-Americans and national contenders under seasoned coaching staff and a dedicated program.

Nearby Professional Sports Teams – Portland and the Bay Area

• Although Ashland itself doesn’t host professional sports franchises, fans can head north to Portland (about a 4 to 5-hour drive) or south to the San Francisco Bay Area (roughly 6 hours away) to enjoy world-class professional sports action.

Basketball – Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)

• Portland Trail Blazers – Based in Oregon’s largest city, the Trail Blazers are the state’s only NBA team. They won their only NBA Championship in 1977 and have been home to stars like Clyde Drexler, Brandon Roy, and most recently, Damian Lillard.

Soccer – Portland Timbers & Portland Thorns (MLS & NWSL)

• Portland Timbers – Competing in Major League Soccer, the Timbers are known for their passionate fan base and have won the MLS Cup once, in 2015.
• Portland Thorns FC – One of the most successful and popular teams in women’s soccer, the Thorns compete in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and have claimed multiple championships, including in 2013, 2017, and 2022.

Baseball – San Francisco Giants & Oakland Athletics (MLB)

• San Francisco Giants – Fans of MLB in southern Oregon often root for Bay Area teams. The Giants have a rich history with eight World Series titles, three of which came recently in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
• Oakland Athletics – Known for their “Moneyball” strategy and deep history, the A’s have won nine World Series championships and continue to develop young, promising talent.

Football – San Francisco 49ers & Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

• San Francisco 49ers – One of the most historic franchises in the NFL, the 49ers have won five Super Bowl titles and have had legends like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young.
• Seattle Seahawks – Located in the Pacific Northwest, the Seahawks have a large fan base in Oregon. They claimed their first Super Bowl victory in 2013 and are known for their “12th Man” fan culture at Lumen Field.

Hockey – San Jose Sharks (NHL)

• San Jose Sharks – A popular NHL team among Oregon hockey fans, the Sharks have made several deep playoff runs and are known for their strong fan support and energetic home games at the SAP Center.

While Ashland itself may not be home to professional sports teams, the town’s love for athleticism is clear through college sports, local youth leagues, and an engaged community of sports enthusiasts. And for those craving pro action, incredible teams and stirring rivalries are only a road trip away!

Ashland, Oregon is more than just a charming town tucked into the mountains—it's a place filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a visitor or a lucky local, there's always something fun to discover. Here are 10 fun facts about Ashland you might not know:

1. Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Ashland is world-famous for its Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which began in 1935. It draws hundreds of thousands of theater lovers each year!
2. It Wasn’t Always Called Ashland – The city was originally known as Ashland Mills because of the sawmills and flour mills along Ashland Creek.
3. Natural Lithium Water – Ashland's Lithia Park gets its name from Lithia water, a naturally occurring spring that's high in lithium—yes, the mineral known for boosting mood.
4. Art Around Every Corner – With a strong focus on creativity, Ashland was once named one of the Top 10 Best Small Art Towns in America.
5. College Town Vibes – Southern Oregon University calls Ashland home, adding a vibrant energy and youthful spirit to this quaint mountain town.
6. History Buff's Paradise – The city has more than 40 registered historic buildings, including charming homes and old commercial buildings from the 1800s.
7. Lithia Park is Huge – At 93 acres, Lithia Park stretches from downtown into the mountains and is often compared to Central Park—just a bit more peaceful.
8. Rabbit Island – Yes, there’s a local spot called Rabbit Island in the middle of Emigrant Lake. Keep your eyes peeled—it lives up to the name (especially in spring!).
9. First-Class Food Scene – For a small town, Ashland has an amazing collection of gourmet restaurants, organic cafes, food trucks, and local wineries. A true foodie’s hideaway.
10. Gateway to Crater Lake – Just a short drive away, Ashland makes a perfect starting point for visiting Crater Lake, one of the most stunning natural wonders in the U.S.