Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Nothing Found
No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.
Located in the state of Iowa, Ames is a mid-sized city with a population of 66,361 inhabitants. At 80%, the majority of the Ames population is White; this is followed by 11% Asian and 3% Black. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Ames residents is 24. Ames is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 33%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Ames is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Ames, Iowa could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Ames and in the areas around Ames is a much easier task.
Ames, IA receives 91/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #2 in Iowa and #24 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Ames ranks well in multiple categories! Ames has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Ames has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A-), cost of living (A-), education (A) and housing (B+).
Ames has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Ames has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Iowa State University, Reiman Gardens, and Veenker Memorial Golf Course.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Ames have an average test score of 72%, which is well above the US average.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Ames apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Ames meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Ames. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Ames are simply unattainable. The median home price for Ames homes is $213,500, which is 60.8% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ames, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 75% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Ames | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 65.9% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.9% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 7.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.8% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.3% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Iowa
Safest Cities In The US
Most Dangerous Cities In The US