Brookside, Ames,IA

For those considering a move to Ames, IA, the Brookside neighborhood in the southeast part of the city is a true gem. Known for its welcoming community vibe and well-maintained homes, Brookside offers a comfortable and family-friendly environment. The area boasts beautiful tree-lined streets and plenty of green spaces, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Residents appreciate the quiet, suburban feel while still being close to all the amenities Ames has to offer. Brookside is also home to several parks and playgrounds, giving kids plenty of room to play and neighbors a chance to gather and socialize.

One of the standout attractions in Brookside is the Brookside Park, which features walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. This makes it an ideal spot for weekend activities or a casual evening stroll. The neighborhood also benefits from its proximity to the Ames Public Library’s South Side Branch, a fantastic resource for both kids and adults. For those who enjoy dining out or shopping, Brookside is just a short drive from Downtown Ames, where you can explore a variety of local restaurants, boutiques, and cultural events. The convenience of being close to the heart of the city means you can enjoy the best of both worlds – peaceful living and urban excitement.

Commuting from Brookside is a breeze, as it sits roughly 3 to 4 miles from Downtown Ames, making it easy to hop into town for work, school, or entertainment without a long drive. The neighborhood’s location also provides easy access to major roads and highways, which is great for those who travel frequently. Schools in the area are highly rated, serving families looking for quality education options. Overall, Brookside offers a balanced lifestyle with its mix of natural beauty, community spirit, and proximity to city conveniences, making it a wonderful place to call home in Ames.

About 29% of the Brookside population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 15% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Brookside demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 436 residents, Brookside is notably smaller than many other Ames neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

Brookside has a population density of 4,856, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Ames neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

With a lower-than-average age of 31, you're likely to find a noticeably youthful energy and vibrant atmosphere. This younger population brings a dynamic mix of activity, innovation, and community involvement, shaping a neighborhood that feels lively, forward-thinking, and full of opportunity — making it an especially appealing choice for younger adults looking for an active and engaging community.

The Brookside crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Brookside, the median home price is about $205,850, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Brookside have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The median rent is around $858, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Brookside. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Brookside offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.