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.
Ames, Iowa is a medium-sized city with a population of 68,047 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (80% White). Given that fact, Ames could be considered less diverse than other cities. Ames could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 24 years old is below the nation’s average. 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 prefer shorter commutes, living in Ames will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Ames, Iowa could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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. The best areas in Ames and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
With a livability score of 91/100, Ames is ranked #37 in the United States and #3 in Iowa. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Ames could be a great choice! Ames has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Ames scores well for amenities (A+), crime (B+), cost of living (B+), education (A+) and housing (A+)
If you're living in Ames, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Ames an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Iowa State University, Reiman Gardens, and Veenker Memorial Golf Course.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Ames gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 148 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Ames, the average school test scores are an impressive 72%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
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 $385,599, which is 60.7% 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 5.2, which is 73.3% 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% |
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