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Ames, IA
Ames · Story County · IA 50010
Updated June 27, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Think twice
Verdict
$236K
Median Price
…
Walk Score
4.7/10
Schools
30 min
to Iowa State University
Score Breakdown
BAffordability
78/100
BSafety
78/100
DSchools
47/100
B-Quietness
70/100
B+Commute
85/100
FWalkability
0/100
WYLT Score60/100
Our Take
Ames offers decent schools and a quiet, family‑friendly vibe, but it’s a car‑dependent, flood‑prone town with limited walkability and public transit. The housing cost relative to income is a concern, and you’ll need to budget for flood insurance and car upkeep.
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The Good
- ✓Strong educational options with several well‑rated schools
- ✓Lower overall cost of living compared to larger metros
- ✓Quiet, small‑town atmosphere
- ✓Close proximity to Iowa State University and associated job market
Real Talk
- !High flood risk requiring potential flood insurance
- !Walk score of 0 – almost all errands need a car
- !Limited public transit options
- !Median home price is roughly 3.6 times median income, raising affordability concerns
- $Potential flood insurance premiums
- $Higher vehicle ownership costs (gas, maintenance)
- $Possible higher property taxes due to local assessments
Best For
familiesstudentsremote workerspet owners
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskHigh
Violent crimeLow
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Ames, IA
B
Safety grade
Safety score78 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Low1.6incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
57% safer than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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