Ashland Named One of Ohio’s “Best Hometowns” by Ohio Magazine
ASHLAND — Ashland is officially one of Ohio’s “Best Hometowns.”
The city has earned statewide recognition from Ohio Magazine, joining Barnesville, Green, Mount Vernon, and Yellow Springs as part of the 2025–2026 honorees. The announcement, made this week, marks the culmination of years of effort by local leaders and community advocates who worked to showcase Ashland’s spirit, growth, and unique character.
The feature will appear in Ohio Magazine’s November/December 2025 issue, with an encore in the July/August 2026 edition, highlighting what makes Ashland stand out among Ohio’s most celebrated communities.
Why Ashland Made the List
According to Ohio Magazine editors, Ashland’s vibrant downtown district, community-centered events, and college-town energy gave the city its winning edge.
“Since 2006, we’ve recognized towns that reflect the best of Ohio’s values,” said editor Jim Vickers. “We look forward to sharing Ashland’s story with our readers.”
The honor evaluates finalists in six categories: Community Spirit, Education, Entertainment, Health and Safety, Business Environment, and Culture and Heritage.
A Mayor’s Vision
Mayor Matt Miller said the award is more than recognition—it is validation of the city’s hard work and community spirit.
“We are so happy and so pleased to be receiving this important designation for our great community, because it is a validation of all of our combined efforts to improve our great city,” Miller said. “Ohio Magazine is acknowledging what has been known by Ashlanders for quite some time—Ashland is ‘Someplace Special!’”
Miller noted that the honor reflects years of investment and creativity.
“Over the last several years so many people have been working so hard to make Ashland the perfect place to live,” he said. “Whether it is cleaning up and removing old vacant structures, renovating downtown buildings, adding more flowers and holiday decorations throughout the year, or even adding Pumpkin People, an arch across Main Street, and a new Foundation Plaza, together we have been focused on making Ashland one of the most livable cities in America.”
The mayor added that community traditions have been a big part of Ashland’s growth.
“Every time we add a new event—such as the annual Christmas tree lighting and parade, our beloved St. Patrick’s Day celebration, or even our Big Splash pool party—we are doing so to make Ashland one of Ohio’s best hometowns,” Miller said. “We are so excited and so thankful to be receiving this recognition.”
Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce President Amy Daubenspeck said the honor is both a community achievement and a personal milestone.
“I have nominated Ashland several times and was so excited to see that we finally were chosen,” Daubenspeck said. “I must give credit to my team, who encouraged me not to give up and suggested we invite the editor of Ohio Magazine to Ashland. Seeing our town firsthand is what sealed the deal. Ashland has always been deserving, but everything happens at the right time. We are beyond excited to promote Ashland as the Best Hometown we all know it to be.”
Celebrations in the Works
Communities chosen as Best Hometowns are encouraged to celebrate the honor publicly. Ashland officials are planning an event later this fall to coincide with the magazine’s November release. Representatives from Ohio Magazine have offered to attend and join the celebration.
Details of the event are expected in the coming weeks, but local leaders are already encouraging residents to share the news online and show their hometown pride.
“Ashland is on the Rise”
For Miller, the recognition ties into a message he has repeated for years.
“When I say ‘Ashland is on the Rise,’ announcements like this make the point clear,” Miller said. “This honor shines a spotlight on Ashland’s growth and community spirit. It’s not just recognition for today—it’s a yearlong opportunity to showcase our city as one of the best places to live, work, and visit in Ohio.”
