Moving to Ames, Iowa: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Ames, Iowa? This vibrant college city offers Iowa State University atmosphere, progressive character, and exceptional quality of life. With approximately 66,000 residents in 2025, Ames combines Big 12 athletics with small-city safety and Central Iowa’s premier university destination.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Ames:

Ames’ 2025 population is approximately 66,000 residents in this Story County city 30 miles north of Des Moines. The median age is around 24 years, heavily influenced by Iowa State University’s large student population. The population is approximately 82% White, 10% Asian, 4% Hispanic, 3% Black or African American. Ames features the Iowa State University campus dominating the community, Campustown providing student-oriented businesses, consistently top-ranked quality of life, and serves as a model college town. The city attracts academics, ISU employees, young professionals, and families seeking college-town amenities with Midwest safety. Ames appeals to educated professionals, university faculty, and those valuing intellectual atmosphere with exceptional livability. The community emphasizes education, innovation, progressive values, and maintaining quality of life.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Ames:

Ames offers moderate affordability for a university city. Median home values range from $240,000 to $340,000 in 2025, providing value with college amenities and top-ranked livability. The median household income is approximately $53,000, reflecting the large student population. Rental properties average $900 to $1,400 monthly, with abundant student housing. Iowa has no state income tax on retirement income; individual income tax is progressive 0.33%-8.53%. Property taxes are moderate. Overall cost of living is competitive for the quality of life and university presence, making Ames highly attractive for ISU employees, young professionals, families, and retirees seeking college atmosphere with safety. The city provides exceptional value with Cyclones athletics and intellectual community. Housing costs create accessibility while maintaining quality neighborhoods.

Economy and Job Market:

Ames’ economy centers entirely on Iowa State University (massive employer with faculty, staff, research operations). ISU dominates employment and drives innovation. The university’s research parks attract technology companies and startups. Mary Greeley Medical Center provides healthcare jobs. Government and retail support the population. Typical industries include education, research, healthcare, technology, and services. The economy provides stability from ISU with growing tech sector. Career advancement is largely tied to the university though the research economy expands. The job market attracts academics, researchers, and tech workers seeking college-town lifestyle with Iowa safety.

Education:

Ames Community School District serves city students with Ames High School consistently ranking among Iowa’s best. Iowa State University is a major research university, land-grant institution, and Big 12 member offering comprehensive programs with renowned engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. The concentration of higher education creates exceptional intellectual atmosphere and resources. The outstanding public schools combined with ISU presence attract families specifically for educational excellence and college atmosphere.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Ames offers vibrant college-town culture centered on Iowa State Cyclones athletics with football at Jack Trice Stadium and basketball creating major community events. Campustown features restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Main Street downtown provides local businesses and farmers market. Residents enjoy Reiman Gardens (beautiful botanical gardens), extensive bike trails (Ames extremely bike-friendly), Ada Hayden Heritage Park, and ISU cultural programming. The Ames Public Library is exceptional. The lifestyle emphasizes Cyclones pride, intellectual discourse, bike culture, progressive values, and exceptional quality of life. The four-season climate enables year-round activities. The community consistently ranks among America’s best places to live, valuing education, safety, sustainability, and family atmosphere. Living in Ames means embracing college-town character (student population, game day culture), accepting geographic isolation (30 minutes to Des Moines, further to major metros), and prioritizing quality of life and education while enjoying Cyclones athletics, exceptional safety, bike-friendly infrastructure, and intellectual community creating Iowa’s most livable city where Iowa State meets small-city perfection.

Healthcare and Services:

Ames residents access comprehensive healthcare through Mary Greeley Medical Center providing full-service hospital care. Iowa State University Student Health services support the campus community. The healthcare infrastructure serves the college city with quality medical care and research connections.

Transportation:

Ames is accessed via Interstate 35, U.S. Route 30, and various corridors. Des Moines International Airport is 30 minutes south. CyRide operates excellent bus service throughout Ames and ISU campus with free service for students. The city is exceptionally bike-friendly with extensive trails. Most permanent residents use personal vehicles though students often bike or use transit. Downtown and campus areas offer walkability. Typical travel times to Des Moines are 30-40 minutes.

Conclusion:

Moving to Ames in 2025 offers premier college-town living with Iowa State Cyclones, exceptional quality of life, and intellectual atmosphere. The city’s combination of top-ranked livability, ISU excellence, and small-city safety makes it ideal for academics, young professionals, families, and those seeking Iowa’s finest destination where Cyclones pride meets consistently top-ranked quality of life and college energy defines America’s most livable small city.