Ames, located in the heart of Iowa, is just 30 miles north of Des Moines and home to Iowa State University. The city was founded in 1864 as a station stop along the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad, and was named after U.S. congressman Oakes Ames of Massachusetts who had a significant impact on the railroad system. Today, Ames is home to over 67,000 residents, making it the among the fastest growing cities in Iowa.

Ames has had much success with balancing the best of small-town living with many of the opportunities available in larger cities, and has been recognized for this achievement:

• The Best College Town in America (24/7 Wall St., 2019)
• The Best High School in the State of Iowa, and in the top 3% in the Nation (U.S. News & World Report 2020)
• Top 5 Small Metro Areas for Retirees to Age Successfully (Investopedia, 2018)
• The Most Fitness Friendly Places of 2018 (SmartAsset, 2017)
• Best Public High School in the State (24/7 Wall St., 2017)
• Technology Community of the Year (Technology Assoc. of Iowa, 2017)
• Top 5 Small Metro Areas for Successful Aging (NCOA, 2017)
• Top 3 Cities Where Job Growth is Happening (NationalSwell, 2017)
• Home of the Best School District in Iowa (Business Insider, 2017)
• Best School District in the State (Niche, 2017) 
• The 25 Best Cities for Entrepreneurs (#8, Entrepreneur Magazine, 2017)
• Best Places to Live 2016 (Money, 2016)

Ames has 36 parks offering a variety of recreation opportunities.  This includes Ada Hayden Park featuring hiking and bike trails, acres of prairie, and boat access to the 130-acre lake.

More than 33,000 students are enrolled at Iowa State University, the school renowned for agriculture, architecture, engineering and marketing programs. Located on campus is Reiman Gardens, a 14-acre year-round site featuring a 2,500 square foot butterfly wing.  The Iowa State Center brings world-class performing arts to Ames and houses the Brunnier Art Museum, and sports bring another level of excitement to the area as the ISU Cyclones compete in the Big 12 in football, basketball, wrestling, and more!

Other major employers include Iowa Department of Transportation, Mary Greeley Medical Center, McFarland Clinic PC, Danfoss, and REG.

AmesRealEstate.com is the best website to find homes for sale, land for sale, and investment properties in Ames, Iowa and the surrounding communities.  Our site features the best and most advanced Ames Metro MLS and Story County Real Estate search for available homes; condos and town homes; investment properties, and land. This user friendly website delivers all you need to navigate through an all-inclusive real estate search and easily identify all properties that meet your search criteria.  

We have some of the Ames area's most experienced agents who specialize in all aspects of the surrounding marketplace. With over 62 percent of our businesses generated through past clients and client referrals, and over 40 years of combined local experience and expertise, our agents represent the best and most desirable agents in Central Iowa.  

Ames Real Estate's website and aggressive internet marketing program offer home buyers, and home sellers, maximum exposure along with the best professional residential real estate services you need in this challenging market. Interested in buying or selling property in the Ames Area?  Contact our team today!

Ames Property Listings

Our website allows you to quickly and easily complete your search, compare properties, and select from the most desirable Ames homes, condos and land for sale.  Our site allows you to easily save your search criteria and favorite properties, return and review them as often as necessary, and schedule your property showings online.  You will also receive regular email updates for newly listed properties and price reductions on existing listings.