Monday, February 15, 2010

Living in Ames, Iowa

Ames is another popular Iowa town that's located just 30 miles north of Des Moines. It's home to one of Iowa's largest colleges - Iowa State University. The population is just over 50,000, with half of it being contributed to ISU's student body.

Iowa State University was the nation's first land-grant university and was founded in 1858. Today, it offers several undergraduate and graduate  programs including Agriculture, Design, Engineering, Business, and Veterinary Medicine.

Ames draws several students and young families due to its small-town feel and many employment opportunities. The major employers include Iowa State University, Sauer-Danfoss, Barilla (pasta), and Ball (canning jars and plastic bottles). It's also home to a 220-bed hospital, the McFarland Clinic, and the Iowa Heart Center.

The historic Main Street District boasts several quaint shops and dining venues, but perhaps the most popular area of town is South Duff. This busy street is home to Target, Wal-Mart, and several popular dining and retail locations including the well-known Hickory Park, which has been an Ames favorite since 1970.

If you're looking to move to Ames, you'll find a variety of both old and new homes. Several new homes are being built in the Sommerset development on the north side of the city. Other parts of Ames boast older homes with plenty of character. As of 2010, the average home listing is at $137,000.

There are also several apartment communities spread throughout the city. Ames IA apartments range in size from 1-5 bedrooms and many are offered at an affordable rate for the area's many college students.

No comments:

Post a Comment