Ames, IA Summary

photo by gusto

Situated in the geographical center of Iowa, Ames is a half-hour drive north of Des Moines near the junction of I-35 and I-80. This town is noted for its healthy and flourishing cultural environment, and as the home of Iowa State University.

Ames was voted number two out of 189 small cities across America recently in terms of livability by the New Rating Guide to Life in America’s Small Cities. The rating is based on factors such as climate/environment, economics, health care, and public safety.

Historically a small town, Ames was incorporated in 1870 with a population of just 844, and the town itself covered 12 city blocks. Today its population is approaching the 50,000 mark.

It has 30 parks covering more than 1,300 acres, golf courses, and cross-country skiing (thanks to Ames’ average annual snowfall of 31 inches). Cyclists are blessed with 42 miles of bicycle paths.

The Campustown District is adjacent to Iowa State University and offers a plethora of shops and sights, and there’s plenty to eat and drink on a student budget.