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 almost 60,000 residents, making it the second-fastest growing city in Iowa.
Ames balances the best of small-town living with big city opportunities, and others are taking note. In 2010 CNNMoney ranked Ames #9 in the Top 100 Best Places to Live and in 2007 it was picked as one of the nation's 10 Best Places to Retire. The city's commitment to innovative and sustainable practices landed it on Mother Earth News' third annual Great Places You've Never Heard Of list in 2008, one of only nine communities honored. Ames' innovative Resource Recovery System as well as the mix of cultural and educational activities available were two reasons Ames was cited.
Ames has 33 parks offering a variety of recreation opportunities. This includes Ada Hayden Park featuring hiking and bike trails, hundreds of acres and prairie, and boat access to the 130-acre lake.
More than 28,000 students are enrolled at Iowa State University, the school best known for its landscape architecture program. 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 excitment 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, and Sauer-Danfoss, a company that works with off-highway vehicle manufacturers.
Great location for this move-in-ready ranch! Close to Daley Park on corner lot that backs to a small creek! The kitchen is light and bright with painted cabinets, nice a...
Welcome Home! This well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers over 1,300 sqft of finished space. Enjoy the open concept kitchen and living space on the main level ...
Location is key! Classic older home located downtown Ames. Conveniently located to Fareway Store, public library, Ames Post Office, and City of Ames building.Amazing orig...
You have found your new home in this stunning, almost new ranch in west Ames! Walking in you are greeted with an open concept space that is flooded with natural light fro...
Adorable move in ready 3 bedroom home with great front porch and 1+ garage and fenced yard nestled in quiet family neighborhood near downtown Ames with walking distance t...
Welcome to the site of your future home in the rolling hills of scenic Prairie Valley! Located in a quiet new development just northwest of Ames and in the Gilbert School...
.Move-in ready! This home is a great opportunity to buy for basically brand new. Located in the Quarry Estates Development, you are within walking distance to Ada Hayden....
This corner lot in an established neighborhood is ready for you to build your dream home. The lot already has a detached 2 car garage. The taxes and assessed value are ba...
Come tour this recently renovated ranch style home in NE Ames. This house features beautiful wood floors, all new kitchen cabinetry, new appliances, and freshly painted r...
Move right in and feel confident knowing all the big maintenance items are taken care of with a newer roof, siding, windows, furnace, AC, and water heater. Most of the c...