Where to Live in
Ames

Ames offers a sharp contrast between neighborhoods: the difference between a 5-minute bike ride to campus and a 40-minute winter slog across town defines daily life here. Choosing correctly isn't about preference—it's about optimizing for commute, budget, and sanity.

Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Ames

Campustown

Overview: The beating heart of student life, packed into the grid between Lincoln Way and Welch Ave. This is where you'll find 2 a.m. pizza runs at Pizza Pit and morning coffee at Café Beaudelaire without ever moving your car.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $850 - $1,100/mo (1BR) | $1,200 - $1,400/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $220k - $260k (mostly small rentals)
• 🚗 Commute: 8 min to ISU campus (walk/bike) | 15 min to downtown
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~85 (Walker's Paradise)

Local Intel: Parking is a nightmare during ISU events—avoid renting any place without a dedicated spot. The UDP Greek Town area gets loudest on football weekends. Welch Ave construction happens every summer, blocking main routes.

Who Thrives Here: ISU grad students and young professionals who prioritize walkability over quiet. You need tolerance for sporadic noise and an appreciation for living above a bar.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Highest walkability in Ames; Iowa State University Memorial Union is 5 minutes away
• ✅ Densest concentration of amenities: Café Beaudelaire, The Great Plains Sauce & Dough, Mother's Pub & Grill all within 3 blocks
• ❌ Noise pollution from parties and Welch Ave traffic
• ❌ Limited parking and high turnover means frequent landlord issues

Schools: Ames Community School District (generally good), but this area is mostly student housing without children.

The Verdict: Move here if you're a student or young professional who wants to walk to everything. Avoid if you need quiet, parking, or have a dog that hates sirens.

Northwood

Overview: Tree-lined streets and mid-century ranches define this established neighborhood north of 13th Street. The Northwood-Goodale Park is the community hub with updated playgrounds and tennis courts.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $950 - $1,150/mo (1BR) | $1,200 - $1,300/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $240k - $280k
• 🚗 Commute: 12 min to ISU campus | 10 min to downtown
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~65 (Somewhat Walkable)

Local Intel: The Northwood Elementary boundary is golden—homes here sell fast. Summer farmers market at Northwood Park draws locals from across town. Avoid properties on Douglas Ave due to heavy commuter traffic.

Who Thrives Here: Young families and professionals who want established neighborhoods without Somerset's premium price. You need to value mature trees over modern finishes.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Northwood Elementary is one of the district's top performers
• ✅ Mature tree canopy provides excellent summer shade
• ❌ Older housing stock means frequent plumbing/electrical updates
• ❌ No major grocery store within walking distance—Hy-Vee is 1.5 miles away

Schools: Ames Community School District. Northwood Elementary (highly rated), Ames Middle, Ames High.

The Verdict: Ideal for families prioritizing schools and established community. Skip if you want new construction or walkable nightlife.

Somerset

Overview: 1980s-90s suburban development in southwest Ames, featuring larger lots and family-oriented layouts. This is where ISU professors and Mary Greeley Medical Center doctors raise kids.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $1,100 - $1,350/mo (1BR) | $1,350 - $1,500/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $280k - $340k
• 🚗 Commute: 18 min to ISU campus | 15 min to downtown | 8 min to Mary Greeley
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent)

Local Intel: The Somerset Community Center hosts the best youth programs. Duff Elementary boundary is a major draw. Traffic on South Dakota Avenue backs up badly during school pickup times (2:30-3:30 PM).

Who Thrives Here: Established professionals with school-age kids who need space and safety. You'll need a reliable vehicle for everything.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Duff Elementary and Edwards Elementary serve the area—both top-rated
• ✅ Larger homes with basements and 2+ car garages
• ❌ Zero walkability; car is mandatory for all errands
• ❌ HOA fees in some sections ($300-500/year) with strict rules

Schools: Ames Community School District. Duff/Edwards Elementary, Ames Middle, Ames High.

The Verdict: Best for families with school-age kids who want suburban comfort. Avoid if you're single, walkable, or hate HOAs.

College Grove

Overview: Historic district west of campus featuring Victorian and Craftsman homes on large lots. The College Grove Park is a hidden gem with old-growth trees and walking paths.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $1,000 - $1,250/mo (1BR) | $1,250 - $1,450/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $260k - $310k
• 🚗 Commute: 10 min to ISU campus | 12 min to downtown
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~75 (Very Walkable)

Local Intel: The College Grove Historic District has strict renovation rules—check with city before buying. St. Cecilia Catholic Church bells ring on the hour (charming to some, annoying to others). Snow removal is prioritized on Stanton Avenue but not side streets.

Who Thrives Here: Professionals and empty-nesters who appreciate historic character and walking to campus events. You must be okay with older home quirks.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Walking distance to Iowa State Center performances and Reiman Gardens
• ✅ Architectural character you can't find in new builds
• ❌ Street parking only during ISU events (football games, graduation)
• ❌ Older homes require significant maintenance budgets

Schools: Ames Community School District. Fellows Elementary (good), Ames Middle, Ames High.

The Verdict: Perfect for history buffs and professionals who walk to campus. Skip if you need modern amenities or guaranteed parking.

Southgate

Overview: Commercial corridor development south of Highway 30, dominated by apartment complexes and strip malls. This is the budget-friendly zone with easy highway access.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $900 - $1,100/mo (1BR) | $1,100 - $1,250/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $210k - $250k
• 🚗 Commute: 20 min to ISU campus | 15 min to downtown | 5 min to Hy-Vee corporate office
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~55 (Car-dependent)

Local Intel: The Southgate Mall area is declining but still has Walmart, Target, and Hy-Vee within 1 mile. Duff Avenue traffic is brutal during rush hour (7:30-8:30 AM, 5-6 PM). Mothers apartments have consistent management issues.

Who Thrives Here: Budget-conscious renters and Hy-Vee employees who need highway access. You'll tolerate car dependency for lower rent.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Lowest rents in Ames for modern apartment amenities
• ✅ Gateway Park provides green space and walking trails
• ❌ High crime rates in apartment complexes (package theft, car break-ins)
• ❌ Nothing is walkable; you'll drive for coffee, groceries, and entertainment

Schools: Ames Community School District. Meeker Elementary (average), Ames Middle, Ames High.

The Verdict: Move here to save money and commute via Highway 30. Avoid if you want community feel or walkability.

Final Advice

For young professionals: College Grove offers the best balance of character and campus proximity. Campustown only if you thrive on energy and can tolerate noise.

For families: Somerset is the clear winner for schools and space, but Northwood offers similar benefits at a lower price point with better walkability.

For budget-conscious renters: Southgate saves $200-300/month but costs you community. The trade-off is real—budget for gas and car maintenance.

Traffic pattern warning: Highway 30 westbound backs up at the Duff Avenue exit from 4:45-5:45 PM daily. If you work at ISU or downtown, live east of Duff to avoid this 15-minute delay.

Counterintuitive pick: Consider Northwood over Somerset even if you can afford the premium. The 5-minute drive difference rarely justifies the $400/month higher cost, and Northwood's walkability to Northwood Park and Café Beaudelaire (15-minute walk) adds unexpected quality of life.