View Full Version : Settling down in Ashland
Gardenarian
1-15-15, 1:30pm
Well, we are moved! And very much loving our new home and home town. It is so quiet. It is actually dark at night. Talk about a slower pace of life! Everyone here seems so mellow and pleasant. My new job is interesting and fun (so far) and the library (where I work) is just beautiful. My dd is enjoying school (both the academics and meeting lots of people) and feeling very much a part of things.
The move has been a great way to get rid of a lot of clutter and junk and to really live more intentionally. I've been going to yoga several times a week and spending lots of time outdoors exploring. I've started waking up very early, which I feel is my natural rhythm, but I have not done so since I was a kid, having lived in very bright and noisy places. I feel healthier, lighter, more energetic - and we've only been here a few weeks.
I'm loving the rain, and even the cold and the little bit of snow we've had.
I hardly ever get in the car. This alone has made a tremendous impact on my quality of life.
No regrets whatsoever, just entirely enjoying this adventure!
(The fact that my dog has developed a terminal illness has been difficult, but would be no matter where we lived.)
Well, Gardenarian, it sounds like there's a lot to celebrate in your move. Best wishes going forward!
Is this Ashland, Ky., or Ashland, Or.? How much is the daily lirrrarry fine if you don't bring back the books on time? Just curious. They also have an Ashland in 'Zurra, near Columbia. How do you like that?
kimberlyf0
1-15-15, 2:24pm
Congratulations on your move - you sound very happy!
Ashland OR is absolutely wonderful! We lived in Medford OR for a couple of years, and loved the area a lot. Don't think we could afford Ashland! Lots to see and do there ... not too far from the ocean, or FAR Northern California, or up Eugene way on to Portland. Don't try to drive east through the southern part of Oregon tho ... desolate, and bathrooms are few ...
Welcome to the Pac NW, Gardenarian. I'm happy to see you are loving it so far so well.
Gardenarian
1-15-15, 3:18pm
Ashland, OR.
.25 cents a day fines (for you non-librarians)
Yep, the Pac NW is glorious!
Wonderful! So glad it's a good fit. Someone the other day on a facebook discussion said "life is too short to not enjoy where you live".....has me back in the I want to move mood.
Tussiemussies
1-15-15, 6:19pm
So glad for you that you got through the stress before the move, and it has worked out so well for you. You sound so content!!
Teacher Terry
1-15-15, 6:21pm
I was there on vacation once & Ashland is really nice-glad you like it! I didn't realize that you had a job already.
awakenedsoul
1-15-15, 7:55pm
Welcome back, Gardenarian! I missed you. Glad to hear you are so happy in Ashland. It sounds wonderful. It's good news that you daughter is doing so well there, too. I'm sorry about you dog.
Sounds like a successful move so enjoy your new community. You will be a great asset there.
Hmm. I checked with another lirrrarry, and it sounds like 25 cents a day is the norm. One place said it even maxes out at a total of $3. I really think that is too modest an amount. I haven't purchased a new hard-cover book in years, and the reason is, they are so expensive! They run $20 and up, unless it's a dud by rush Limbaugh from wally mart. Just so you'll know, I have bought numerous books in good, used condition, though. I figure they should up the penalty for bringing books back late, or not at all. Just a suggestion. Hope that helps you some.
rodeosweetheart
1-16-15, 6:02am
Wow, 25 cents a day. I thought I could not afford Ashland, now I know!
Gardenarian, I am very happy for you. I love Ashland - been there once for a 3-day cooking class at this woman's home that I heard about on NPR. My friend and I also attended a play and one night of the Shakespeare festival. We went in the month of October and it was glorious.
Linda
Ashland, sounds unbelieveably awesome, to littlebittyme! That being said, I looked on google earth street scene, and I think that it looks very(x44444) nice; probably way too nice for a packy-rat like mee. The Ashland in Zurra(The We Mow State) is a small town situated between Jeff City(the capital), and Columbia (a college town), and well within commuting distance of both. It has lots of McDreamHomes, clustered in former cow pastures, some on acreages, where weekend warriors can mow and mow and mow to their hearts' content, and keep things neat & tidy. Probably, Ashland, Mo's not a real cheap place to live, but has lower costs than either Coast. Plus, gasoline, essential for mowing and commuting, is about the lowest-priced in the Nation.
My hugely successful library system (consistently ranked among the top in the nation) still charges ten cents a day.
I'm happy for you and your family. Sometimes in life, it all works out for the best and that feeling of peace and contentment it brings is sheer joy!
gimmethesimplelife
1-17-15, 2:56pm
Gardenian, I'm glad the move worked out well for you. I myself lived in Oregon for five years and I really miss the way people think up there. I never was in Ashland - just stayed in the Willamette Valley and I lived in SE Portland. Nice, nice, nice area. Right now I'm committed to my life here in Arizona, though, am dating someone that things seem to be getting more serious now, and as I've posted ad infinitum I feel more comfortable being close to Mexico for my health as I'm not getting any younger and who knows how the challenges to ObamaCare and also to expanded Medicaid in Arizona will work out? Were it not for all of this, I'd more than likely be in Oregon, too. Enjoy! Rob
our library charges $.10/day, which is too low to cause me to worry if I don't get a book back on time. They probably get more money out of me this way, though. If it was $.25 I'd probably be at least a little more aware and try to return my books on time. Of course, a lot more is relative. It's probably been a year since I last paid off my debt to them and my tab is currently $2.60. Considering how much value I get out of the library I don't mind throwing a dime or two in late fees at them every so often.
Yes, they need to send out a coupla trigger-happy deputty sherfffs, to recover them books, plus the fine, and another $100 in court costs. They cannot afford to let the lirrrys get ripped-off. This will send this message: "Bring The Books Back!", to patrons who would do otherwise. Walmart essentially does the same thing if you shoplift, so why doesn't the lirrrary?
domestic goddess
1-24-15, 8:54pm
Packy, I'm the one from Ashland, KY, though I now live in the Chicago area. I think there is an Ashland in several states. As nostalgic as I can get about my hometown, I don't think I'd describe most of the residents as "mellow". There are plenty of folks who seem to be just itching for a fight most of the time. Maybe that's just modern life in a poor state.
Packy, I'm the one from Ashland, KY, though I now live in the Chicago area. I think there is an Ashland in several states. As nostalgic as I can get about my hometown, I don't think I'd describe most of the residents as "mellow". There are plenty of folks who seem to be just itching for a fight most of the time. Maybe that's just modern life in a poor state. Yes, I can believe that. No doubt Ky has plenty of Hill People, just like 'Zurra, who figure there ain't no sense having a gun unless you can use it on somebody, once in awhile. You just have to have a darn good excuse. There is an Ashland in Ohio, too.
Ashland, OR.
.25 cents a day fines (for you non-librarians)
Yep, the Pac NW is glorious!
We're neighbors! I live in Medford!
Teacher Terry
1-25-15, 4:18pm
There is also an Ashland WI. It is a small town.
There is also an Ashland WI. It is a small town.Yah--waaay up dere in Wah-Skonsun. There is also an Ashland in Virginia, north of Richland. On a related topic: there is a tiny town waaaay up north, in the middle of nowhere. There is also another small community by the very same name waaaay up north, but in Callyfornya. Awhile back, I googled to see the latest in news for that town in the middle o' nowhere, but inadvertantly logged on to the latest news about that town in northern Callyfornya. I got to reading---and wait, wait, wait-Whaaaaa? Then I realized that I was reading about the town in Callyfornya(waaay up north), instead of the one in the middle o' nowhere! Ha. They definitely have a much different focus in their news. A whole lot different. Not just the outcome of the Friday Night High School Football or Basketball Game and the Obituaries. The town in the middle o' nowhere is centered around: Mom & Dad, Gramma & Grampa; The Graaaandkids; and of course: Greasy Comfort Food and booze. The town in with the same name in northern Callyfornia has a lot, lot more going on, and interesting things to do. I'll give 'em credit for that. More intelligent people. A vibrant culture. Things like that. Where would you rather live?
*AHEM* Ashland, California, is NOT "waaay up north" -- You don't get to "way up north" until you get to Redding. Well ... maybe ... north of Sacramento. California is a long state, north to south. The California Coastline north of San Francisco can be considered Northern California. as can the eastern Sierras/Cascades, but not Central California no way no how. I did grow up in Central California, but I lived most of my life in FAR Northern California, just south of Oregon. South of Bakersfield is Southern California, although some may disagree with that. Californian born and raised and I love (most of) my Great State ....
.... though I live in Idaho now ... but that's another story ... far too "red" for my taste ...
*AHEM* Ashland, California, is NOT "waaay up north" -- You don't get to "way up north" until you get to Redding. Well ... maybe ... north of Sacramento. California is a long state, north to south. The California Coastline north of San Francisco can be considered Northern California. as can the eastern Sierras/Cascades, but not Central California no way no how. I did grow up in Central California, but I lived most of my life in FAR Northern California, just south of Oregon. South of Bakersfield is Southern California, although some may disagree with that. Californian born and raised and I love (most of) my Great State ....
.... though I live in Idaho now ... but that's another story ... far too "red" for my taste ...Whoa, whoa, whoaaa... I wasn't referring to "Ashland" in Callyfornya. I was referring to another place name. Another factoid: the northern state boundary, between Callyfornya and Oregon, is soooo far up north, that it is at nearly the same latitude as a part of the boundary waters in the Great Lakes, between the USA and Canada. Also, I feel that you prolly should close your eyes, click your heels together three times, and say: "There's No Place Like CallyFornya, Theres No Place Like CallyFornya, There's No Place Like Callyfornia". And you will be back there, in no time. How do you like that? Hope that helps you some. Thank Mee
HAHAHAHAHA ... There's been a movement, since before WWII and still thriving, to split off some of Southern Oregon and Northern California to make the State of Jefferson ... they're still trying! Who knows what "could" happen (though not likely).
HAHAHAHAHA ... There's been a movement, since before WWII and still thriving, to split off some of Southern Oregon and Northern California to make the State of Jefferson ... they're still trying! Who knows what "could" happen (though not likely). Yes, I have seen proposals like that, to redivide The Golden State and even the entire USA, based upon various objective criteria. The state of Iowa(waaaaay up North), has long has a population shift and an exodus to other states, as well. It has 99 Counties; at least one of them has TWO county seats, and it has been suggested that for practical reasons that they merge many of them. But noooo, there is far too much political resistance for that too happen any time soon. The closest we have to that(I believe) is redistricting of Congressional seats. Thing is, if Californya was split up, then the rest of the USA, the sparsely populated Red Heartland, would have to deal with that many more West-Coast Politicians in the Senate. Compromise: Divide up Callyfornya 3 ways, then combine just enough States in New England and the Southeast, to compensate. How do you like that? Thankk Mee.
Yep, let's get more Blue West Coast politicians in Congress!
Hey, Eugene is #1 on our escape list! Love the Ducks!! <3
*AHEM* Ashland, California, is NOT "waaay up north" -- You don't get to "way up north" until you get to Redding. Well ... maybe ... north of Sacramento. California is a long state, north to south. The California Coastline north of San Francisco can be considered Northern California. as can the eastern Sierras/Cascades, but not Central California no way no how. I did grow up in Central California, but I lived most of my life in FAR Northern California, just south of Oregon. South of Bakersfield is Southern California, although some may disagree with that. Californian born and raised and I love (most of) my Great State ....
.... though I live in Idaho now ... but that's another story ... far too "red" for my taste ...
Well, Ashland in this case is in Oregon, and on a map, San Francisco is nearly Central to the length of the state although it is considered Northern Cali. San Joaquin being considered Central. But really, geographically SF is not too far North.
The State of Jefferson encompasses both sides of the border, including far northern Californian states and the rural Southern end of Oregon. BUT Ashland mentality is not cohesive with Jeffersonian sensibilities. Locals call Ashland "Ashlandia" evoking the name "Portlandia"
We lived in Medford OR (just north of Ashland, for those who don't know) and dearly loved that whole area. Shakespeare, Britt, the University, you name it. Worked for the Rogue River National Forest and loved every minute of it. Doubt that we could afford Ashlandia ;), but there are "personal" reasons we won't go back to that area (nothing to do with USFS). Eugene is the closest place we would consider.
Gardenarian
1-28-15, 12:38pm
Hey there Tiam! cow-hi
Is this an exceptionally mild winter? It's only been cold a few days, right after Xmas.
Gardenarian
1-28-15, 12:39pm
I'm up I5 in Eugene:-)
Hi Reyes! We haven't made it up that far yet -probably this summer.
Gardenarian
1-28-15, 1:37pm
I hadn't heard "Ashlandia" before. I tried watching "Portlandia" but found it distasteful. I visited Portland about 10 years ago and thought it was a charming city.
I find the people in Ashland to be so easy-going and nice - really, I think it's the lithium in the water or something.
The service we've had up here, from plumbers and carpenters to grocery checkout - all so much more polite and friendly than SF area. And it's a lot larger than the small town that was our home - I feel like I can have anonymity when I want, and lots of different groups to become involved in if I choose, without a lot of people constantly judging me. Though I miss my friends and neighbors, I often felt quite bullied by the small town "Harper Valley PTA" mindset.
My daughter is happy at the high school. She says it is not clique-y at all; she can't even tell who the popular or cool kids are. She says everyone is just friends and friendly with everyone else. And she's enjoying her classes; she's taking mostly AP (except math) but there seems to be very little homework.
For me, not having to deal with all the ugliness, NOISE, congestion, and general nastiness has been a tremendous relief. I feel I can breathe here.
It seems so VERY affordable to me after the Bay Area - to have a really nice house (the photo I posted doesn't do it justice) in a fantastic neighborhood for less than a third of what our house there cost - wow. (And there are MANY much more affordable housing options in town.) Everything is less expensive, and there is not that 10% sales tax that just kind of slides under the radar when you're shopping. Our health insurance is now $760 per month (family of three); it was about $1300 for the same coverage in SF, and the previous year (pre-ACA) we paid almost $2000 per month. Even with the costs of moving it feels like we're saving all over the place.
My job is going very well and my commute is a ten minute walk down heavily wooded streets, by a park that usually has many deer grazing in it - what more could I ask for? (Well, the salary is 1/3 of what I was making. Luckily I am not dependent on only my salary.)
I am only working 2 (consecutive) days per week, which is much less stressful than my previous schedule. I have lots of time to spend fixing up the house, organizing, and playing.
We have been here over a month and I still haven't had to get gas for my car; I used to fill it once or twice per week!
I do have to say that I wasn't prepared for the small change in altitude (2000 feet) to have such an strong effect on my endurance. I find myself huffing and puffing on the slightest incline - I tell myself it's strengthening my system! The slightly colder weather may be contributing to it.
It HAS been a very mild winter, Gardenarian. Spring-like, really. Unusually mild.
Gardenarian
1-28-15, 3:02pm
Thanks KayLR - things are starting to bloom, and while I was looking forward to snow I don't want all the plants to be harmed.
I just did some research on altitude, and apparently 2000 feet can make a significant difference in endurance (and also cause the muscle stiffness I've been experiencing.) It is supposed to take about a month to adjust, so I should be feeling more like myself shortly!
Well, well. It sounds wonderful. I think I will move there, then. I will have to start looking for a place in Gardenarians' 'hood. That way, we can bee neighbors. Ha. How do you like that?
Hi Gardenarian!
So glad to hear of your nice settling into Ashland. I love Oregon, and might follow you there someday! Please keep the updates coming, I would love to hear all about your new town and how it compares to the Bay Area. We have friends in Brookings and we've also thought of Portland, but I like the idea of a college town. Love how clean and fresh the air is in Oregon! Especially compared to our sad, dusty air down here these past few years.
Teacher Terry
2-7-15, 1:57pm
18 years ago I moved from sea level to 4500 & it does take a little while to adjust but you will.
Gardenarian
2-7-15, 7:26pm
Teacher Terry - it's good to hear that; I thought I was imagining things! But I really feel much easier this week; the walks feel shorter and the hills not as steep.
Teacher Terry
2-8-15, 3:00pm
Then we went to visit my son at 11,000 in Colorado & I had a headache the whole time & we went hiking & my hubby & I were huffing & puffing & couldn't hike very far although we had been hiking here all the time at about 6-8,000 ft in the mountains. My headache did not go away until I woke up in Nevada. I also threw up at 1 point. I found out later that some people get so sick in Leadville that they have to be air lifted out.
Gardenarian
2-9-15, 1:34pm
I often go to Colorado, where DH''s family live. I definitely am sensitive to the altitude change there (around 8000 feet.) I didn't think a 2000 feet would make a difference, but I think because I'm not on holiday and am doing lots of walking (as well as lifting and moving stuff) I really noticed it - after a couple of weeks my muscles were so sore and stiff! I've also had some kind of harsh yoga classes, which didn't help. Of course, the weather is also colder than what I am used to.
Feeling much better now, though.
Simplygib
2-10-15, 12:46pm
Welcome to Southern Oregon, Gardenarian. I've been in the area since 2008 (formerly from Sacramento, also lived in Oakland when I was in school many years ago) and love it here. I like the variety in this general area and the differences between Ashland, Medford and Grants Pass. I think they all have something positive to add to the area. Ashland is definitely the "blue" town, where Medford is sort of red/blue, and GP is decidedly red, not that there aren't blue leaning folks around GP or red leaning folks in the other towns as well. A few observations after 6 years here:
- Ashland is the most expensive area and has the best and most varied restaurants, cultural scene and young folks (thanks to SOU)
- Medford is the more typical suburban area with the big box shopping (as well as many locally owned shops) and a growing gang/drug problem. There are lots and lots of good folks there (as in all of these towns) as well. Best employment opportunities are in Medford (although the unemployment rate in Oregon is traditionally high compared to many other areas).
- Grants Pass has more of an old traditional and rather conservative small-town feel, and has the best natural scenery of the three (IMHO).
- This winter is most definitely unusually mild. I don't think we've had a single day with temperatures in the teens, which is unusual. Last winter it got down to 5 degrees in December and we had three weeks of snow/ice on the roads which is also unusual for this area - at least for it to last that long. Usually it's a few days of that here and there before it melts away. Dec/Jan lows often are in the low 20's and teens. Inversions are common that time of year so we get stagnant air advisories and fog. During those times it will be cold and foggy in the valleys while warmer and sunny at the higher elevations. Summer highs usually include anywhere from a few to quite a few days above 100. Spring can be months of great weather or it can rain almost every day all the way through June. You just have to wait and see what you get. Fall is my favorite season around here because the temperatures are usually great and there's not usually much wind.
- July through October (the specific start and end varies according to conditions) is fire season, and it's taken very seriously around here. We can get weeks and weeks of smoke-filled skies depending on the location of forest fires and wind conditions. These fires are often started by lightning but too often are human-caused, sometimes intentionally. We've had a couple of different pyromaniacs running around Medford the past few years. I believe they've all been caught now though. Fire season means restrictions on burning and use of certain outdoor machinery, such as chain saws, etc. There was a nasty urban fire in Ashland a couple of years ago that I believe was caused by a homeless campfire. Something like 11 homes were destroyed (can't remember exactly now).
- It's not unusual for bears to be spotted in Ashland (as well as other areas around here). Seems every year there's one or more that tree themselves in a neighborhood and have to be relocated.
- Be sure to check out Jacksonville if you haven't already. Great little mining town just outside of Medford. The Britt Festival there is a big attraction all throughout summer. It's a great venue for concerts, comedy shows, etc. Beautiful outdoor setting and many of the shows allow patrons to bring their own food and drinks, chairs, etc., and ticket prices are quite reasonable compared to other parts of the country.
- If you like biking the Bear Creek Greenway is a paved bike path that follows the Bear Creek from Ashland to Central Point (other side of Medford) and there are plans to extend it to GP eventually.
I could go on but that's probably enough for one post. Hope you enjoy your new home and again, welcome to Southern Oregon.
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