Ames,IA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Ames, IA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Ames: A Local’s Guide
Ames, IA, is a vibrant city known for its welcoming community and diverse neighborhoods. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a family looking to settle down, Ames offers a variety of neighborhoods each with its own unique charm. From tree-lined streets and cozy homes to bustling commercial areas, the best neighborhoods in Ames provide something for everyone. To get a clearer picture, the Ames neighborhoods map is a great resource to explore how these areas are laid out across the city.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
The neighborhoods in Ames are varied in terms of demographic makeup and community vibe. For example, the College Creek neighborhood tends to attract many young families and university staff due to its proximity to Iowa State University, while the Campustown area is vibrant with students and young adults. The South Ames neighborhood offers a more suburban feel with a mix of longtime residents and new families. Overall, Ames neighborhoods strike a good balance between youthful energy and a strong sense of community, making it easy to find a spot that fits your lifestyle.
Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others?
When it comes to dining and socializing, certain Ames neighborhoods stand out as hotspots. Campustown is the go-to for lively bars, cafes, and eateries like The Café and The Mucky Duck, popular among students and visitors alike. Downtown Ames also boasts a variety of restaurants, including favorite spots like Provisions and Hickory Park, where locals gather for everything from casual meals to special occasions. These neighborhoods create a bustling social scene that contrasts nicely with the quieter, family-oriented areas of West Ames and Northridge.
Things to Do: Popular Attractions and Activities
Ames neighborhoods are rich with attractions and recreational opportunities. For outdoor lovers, the neighborhoods near Ada Hayden Heritage Park offer beautiful trails and picnic areas perfect for weekend outings. The Octagon Center for the Arts, located near downtown, provides cultural enrichment with rotating exhibits and workshops. Additionally, families enjoy visiting Reiman Gardens close to the Iowa State University campus, a stunning botanical garden that hosts seasonal events. Whether you’re into nature, arts, or community festivals, Ames neighborhoods provide plenty to keep you engaged.
Colleges & Universities: Neighborhoods with Academic Flair
Iowa State University, the heart of Ames, is nestled in the College Creek and Campustown neighborhoods, influencing the local culture and economy. Students and faculty often live nearby for convenience, resulting in a youthful and dynamic atmosphere. The neighborhoods surrounding the campus are characterized by student housing, coffee shops, and study-friendly cafes. This academic presence also means that these areas are bustling with events, lectures, and performances that add to the city’s vibrant community life.
Hidden Gems: Things People Might Not Know About Ames Neighborhoods
While many know Ames for its university and parks, some lesser-known facts about its neighborhoods might surprise you. For instance, the East Ames neighborhood is home to the historic Gilbert House Children’s Museum, a favorite for families with young kids. Additionally, the Northridge area features some beautiful mid-century modern homes that architecture enthusiasts appreciate. Exploring the Ames neighborhoods map will reveal these hidden gems, helping newcomers and visitors discover more than just the usual spots.
Ames Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Old Town | 41.3 | 14.2% | $192,675 | $76,554 | 2.5 |
| Sunrise Addition | 40.7 | 13.9% | $195,925 | $74,570 | 2.7 |
| Northridge | 47.7 | 26.1% | $342,500 | $134,453 | 2.8 |
| Historic Old Town | 42.2 | 11.2% | $199,700 | $71,335 | 2.8 |
| Allenview | 43.4 | 19.5% | $246,067 | $80,422 | 3.1 |
| Brookside | 30.9 | 14.8% | $205,850 | $69,500 | 3.1 |
| Meeker North | 42.4 | 22.3% | $222,575 | $71,566 | 3.1 |
| Top-O-Hollow | 48 | 19% | $278,000 | $82,239 | 3.5 |
| Oak-Riverside | 24.6 | 12.3% | $238,100 | $66,299 | 3.5 |
| Somerset Village | 41.8 | 22.7% | $348,300 | $95,219 | 3.6 |
Ames neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Ames—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Ames, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Ames
| Crime |
Reported |
Ames /100k |
IA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 46 | 70.3 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | 7.6 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 46 | 70.3 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 97 | 148 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 113 | 172.7 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 814 | 1,244.2 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 58 | 88.6 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 985 | 1,506 | 1,297 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 1,082 | 1,654 | 1,540 | 2,119 |