Ames is home to Iowa State University along with employers like NADC, Iowa DOT, Ames Lab, and Workiva. (Reddit)
One resident described the town as small and quiet, noting that safety isn't a concern regardless of where in town you are. (Reddit)
One parent values the parks, walking trails, and public library as family friendly amenities. (Reddit)
Some residents find the job market limited outside of the university and school district. (Reddit, Reddit)
The town is described as diverse and multicultural, with roughly a fifth of a particular population noted in one account. (Reddit)
“Safety isn't a real concern here regardless of where in town you” (a resident)
Who tends to love Ames, IA
Outdoor enthusiasts: Residents enjoy trails, gardens, and nearby state parks for outdoor activities.
Foodies: Residents praise a variety of favorite restaurants and cafes around town.
Public transit riders: Residents find CyRide reliable and reaching most important spots with other transit options available.
Shoppers seeking local options: Residents like Wheatsfield, Fareway, and Target for convenient local shopping.
General impressions
One resident joked that Ames is a bit boring and lacks the nightlife it used to have. Ames is a wee bit boring. No good tittie bars like there used to be.(Reddit)
A resident pointed out the odd quirk that nearly all one year leases end on the same day. Also, the one-year leases that all end on the same day is bizarre.(Reddit)
One resident, a longtime senior, said they have never seen Ames this crowded, with trips that used to take 10-15 minutes now taking 20-25. Never seen ames this crowded. Streets full of cars(Reddit)
One resident said Ames is reasonably affordable depending on location and has a nice main street and campus town area It's got a nice main street and of course campus town(Reddit)
Outdoors and trails
Anderson River Access offers a long trail through woods and prairie, though it does not loop back. Anderson River Access has a beautiful long trail that goes through woods and prairie.(Reddit)
A transplant from Texas expressed excitement about enjoying the outdoors without the risk of heatstroke, and praised Reiman Gardens. I recently moved from Texas and am very excited at the prospect of being able to hang around outdoors without risking heatstroke.(Reddit)
One resident enjoys the Neal Smith trail between Big Creek State Park and downtown Des Moines, plus the High Trestle, Great Western, and Raccoon trails. the neal smith trail between Big creek state park and downtown DSM(Reddit)
One resident mentions Reiman Gardens and nearby walking trails, plus Ledges State Park in Boone for outdoor activities. Several nice walking trails around Ames in the same vein(Reddit)
Food and coffee
"Provisions Lot F and The Cafe are widely considered the best restaurants in Ames." Provisions Lot F and The Cafe are widely considered the best restaurants in Ames.(Reddit, Reddit)
One resident listed Cafe Beaudelaire, known as Cafe B, among favorite local dining spots. Lockwood Cafe, Cafe Beaudelaire ("Cafe B"), Stomping Grounds.(Reddit, Reddit)
One resident listed several favorite spots including The Mucky Duck, Macubana, Cafe Baudelaire, Es Tas for tots and tacos, and cheap Chinese delivery from 888. The Mucky Duck is super good. · Macubana · Cafe Baudelaire · Es Tas has great tots and tacos and wings(Reddit)
Jobs and work
Another resident described struggling to find consistent full time work before getting tips from others. As someone who has been struggling finding a consistent job/full time work, I'm going to give you suggestions others gave to me!(Reddit)
Family and schools
One resident of older elementary age kids reported things going well, citing parks, trails, and the public library. There are a lots of parks, walking trails, public library is awesome, nature isn't(Reddit)
Making friends
One resident has found it hard to meet people their own age since Ames is dominated by college students. having a hard time meeting people my age (21). Since Ames is mostly college students(Reddit)
One resident suggests enjoying hobbies rather than trying to be social, since meeting people happens naturally at third spaces. just enjoy yourself with your hobbies, Dont go to be social, go to observe(Reddit)
Dating
One resident is frustrated with dating apps feeling like scams and says bars are not an option due to severe social anxiety. so tired of these dating apps, they're all scams(Reddit)
Cost of living
One resident estimated two bedroom duplexes run from 600 to 800 dollars, with higher prices in North Ames. You're probably looking between 600 and 800 for a two bedroom duplex, higher if you're looking in North Ames(Reddit)
What Ames, IA is known for
Summer Iowa Games (July): multi-sport Olympic style festival held annually in Ames
Octagon Art Festival (September): juried art festival in downtown Ames with artists and musicians
Spirits in the Gardens (October): jack-o-lantern lighted pathways and displays at Reiman Gardens
Ames Main Street Farmers Market (October): weekly farmers market in downtown Ames
More on Ames, IA
The full Varro guide adds rent and home prices, local taxes, schools, healthcare, getting around, weather by month, and a quiz that shows how Ames, IA fits what you want.