Ashland-VA : Virginia

Ashland is a very charming small town of about 7,000 people that is 15 miles north of Richmond.  Ashland was originally developed as a resort for the wealthy of Richmond. It is an interesting mix - there are nice shopping plazas and a large YMCA as you come off of I 95 towards town, followed by the classic old town of Ashland. The main street is split by the main railroad from Washington to Richmond, which creates an unusual but very  pleasant ambiance. The town is a popular spot for train watchers.There is a working train station which doubles as a tourist bureau. There are good restaurants, an inn, and the campus of Randolph-Macon College right downtown.

There is a retirement home in town but no active adult communities we are aware of.  The town has some very charming neighborhoods, two of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. Home prices have been on the rise during 2014, with the median sale price at $270,000, according to City-Data.com.  Zillow.com pegs it lower at $247,675 in early 2015.

Ashland is a very charming and vibrant little town that is also close to Richmond. It is located on the main train line between Washington and Richmond. It has a large and new YMCA. There are 2 districts on the National Register of Historic Places. There is also a farmer's market, several golf courses, a public swimming pool,  parks, and a number of trails and greenways. Homemades at Suzanne's is a local eatery not to be missed.

Ashland is a small town and there are no active adult communities nearby. The town lost a highly publicized effort to keep Walmart out of town. In 2002 a victim of the Beltway Sniper attacks was shot in town.

People looking for a small town near RIchmond might enjoy living in this charming place.

Randolph-Macon College and tourism are important.

In addition to the cultural resources of Randolph-Macon College, there is the Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern, several galleries, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, and the Montpelier Center for Arts and Education.