Let the numbers do the talking.
Ames, IA vs West Des Moines, IA
Ames, IA vs West Des Moines, IA: What the data shows
Ames, IA is in Ames, IA while West Des Moines, IA is in West Des Moines, IA — both in the same state. On home prices, Ames, IA is the more affordable option at $235,700 median — $49,300 less than West Des Moines, IA's $285,000. WYLT rates Ames, IA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and West Des Moines, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Ames, IA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Ames, IA has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. West Des Moines, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Ames, IA has High flood risk and West Des Moines, IA has Low flood risk.
For families weighing school quality, West Des Moines, IA has the higher school rating — Ames, IA rates 4.7/10 and West Des Moines, IA rates 6.1/10.
| Category | Ames, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $236K ✓ Lower price | $285K |
| Median Rent | $946 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $65K | $82K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 40/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute | 35 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | High | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 4.7/10 | 6.1/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | familiesstudentsremote workers | Families looking for good schoolsYoung professionals who driveRetirees wanting a quiet suburb |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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