2007-02-21 15:56:17 · 4 answers · asked by birdy 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Portland
The town of Ashland is quite small and pretty; there is public transportation and it's definately walking-friendly (except in the summer--105 degree heat!), but there are remote, outlying areas that would require a car. It's also pretty safe (has a handful of robberies/rapes/drug-related crimes each year, but much better than most places, especially compared to LA). I lived there for a year without a car, but I had to go to Medford (closest "large" city) on the bus to find a decent job. Living there without a car, however, can definately be done if you're a resourceful planner. I'd find a job FIRST, and then find an apt. nearby on a busline. Finding work without a car is a problem (unless you're lucky enough to work for Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the University, or the hospital). I walked everywhere while I was there: to the market, to the laundramat, to the movies.The biggest problem for me (besides the heat!) was that most business owners considered employees disposable and only paid minimum wage (and I had to report one to the Board of Labor for breaking laws about breaks...), but I lived quite comfortably for 2 years (although I had at least 7 different jobs during that time), and moved primarily because of the HEAT, and the fact that it's incredibly hard to break into OSF unless you have a masters degree and know someone...I'd give it a try (you can always move!). Good Luck! E.
2007-02-21 17:00:24 · answer #1 · answered by emmalu 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love Ashland, grew up there and think it's the most beautiful town. All you need is a bicycle for transportation if you live near town (lots of hills, so hope you're in shape). Public transportation is inadequate. Between the Shakespearen theaters, and the amazing culture and fine dining not to mention Mt Ashland if you ski or snowboard there is also hiking and lakes (Emigrant) very close by making it a fun town to live in. Ashland is a college town (Southern Oregon University) with a very diverse population. If you're financially independent, you're set! But if you're going there to find work, the unemployment rate is high, and so is the cost of living! The reason I moved to Northern Oregon is due to the job market....or lack there of! I will always love Ashland, and will probably move back when I'm rich and ready to retire :)
2007-02-23 01:37:36 · answer #2 · answered by Navydoc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ashland rocks. It's a wonderful town. However, I think it's a bad idea to go there without a car. Some things you will need to do will necessitate travel to Medford and that cannot be accomplished without a car. Ashland is dependant on the city of Medford and anyone who tells you it's not is naive. All the business and industry is in Medford and Ashland is a quaint and very eccentric town focus on the the theater, school, and tourism. So while, it's fine to live in Ashland, you will have to travel to Medford for things like doctors, dentists, banking, etc.
2007-02-24 22:31:05 · answer #3 · answered by jhedlind22 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ashland is a cool place but is a bit too far left wing for me. As for transportation, they have a really good public transit system that serves that area from Medford called Rouge Valley Transit District or RVTD for short plus it's a great area to ride a bike in during the summer as most things are pretty close by.
2007-03-01 05:03:26 · answer #4 · answered by Roaddogg 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋