Front elevation of Home, with lawn
Ashland, Wisconsin is a hidden gem of a place in Northern Wisconsin. Known as the heart and soul of Chequamegon Bay, Ashland is home to friendly residents who are passionate about maintaining and enjoying their beautiful pristine surroundings.
Now is a good time to buy property in Ashland. Here are just some of the reasons why:
- Unparalleled outdoor living
Ashland was named by Outdoors Life magazine as one of the top places to live and enjoy the four seasons outdoors. Located along the shores of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, Ashland offers an array of outdoor attractions and activities all year long.
The city is a popular fishing destination. In the summer, you can enjoy smallmouth bass fishing on the bay, as well as near-shore and deepwater fishing for walleye, northern pike and panfish. In the winter, the area is a haven for ice fishing, producing a bountiful catch of walleye, northern pike, panfish and all trout varieties.
Ashland County boasts 200 miles of trails for snowmobiles, as well as for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In the summer, the city’s trails and parks offer great hiking, biking, and birding opportunities.
The bay provides the perfect venue for boating, kayaking, cruising, swimming, and other water adventures.
- Low cost of living and housing
Ashland’s cost of living is 14.9% below the US average. Sperling’s Best Places puts Ashland’s housing cost index at 44 – well below the national average of 100. Living in Ashland is much cheaper than in other parts of the country.
You’ll find plenty of real estate options here, including spacious single-family homes on large acreages, or smaller properties that make perfect starter homes. Townhomes and condos are also part of the housing mix, giving homebuyers and renters a wide range of choices.
- Educational opportunities for all ages
Ashland is served by the Ashland School District, which includes 6 schools providing Pre-K to high school education. There are also a few private schools including Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School, which was founded in 1881.
Ashland is home to Northland College, a private liberal arts college with a well-regarded environment studies curriculum. The Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is also found in the city, offering 2-year associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates, as well as continuing education for professionals.
- Vibrant arts and culture scene
Travel Wisconsin has ranked Ashland third on its list of Man Made Wonders of Northern Wisconsin. The city’s downtown features an 8-block business district where you’ll find 15 large murals depicting Ashland’s founders, pioneers, veterans and everyday life. The district itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is home to the Ashland Historical Society Museum, as well as the Chequamegon Theater Association, which produces four plays and holds a summer children’s workshop every year.
- Excellent healthcare
The healthcare industry is one of Ashland’s top employers. The recently opened Northwest Wisconsin Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care at its location in the Memorial Medical Center, a Critical Access Hospital that serves 7 Wisconsin counties. The city is also served by Essentia Health, an integrated health system that facilitates access to healthcare services for residents.
Ashland is going places, but remains deeply committed to preserving its wonderful small-town lifestyle. Explore your real estate options here, as well as in Bayfield, Washburn, and neighboring communities with the expert guidance of By the Bay Realty. Call 715-682-7337 or get in touch with us here.
