Dunno if you're into hunting and fishing but lots of people who are into that are happy down 64 in New Kent and Williamsburg, SE of Richmond. Anywhere in Richmond will be either a) noisy and fairly urban or b) the type of place you sit in traffic all the time and can't walk anywhere. I think Ashland would be fine but be honest with yourself about what your motivation level will be to go into the city when you want to go out or whatever. Because the social circle of under 30s in Ashland would be pretty small.