Anyone else feel this way? I'm a 43-year-old real estate agent and Crime rate is something to consider -Ames sits at 197.8 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. With a population of 66,112, Ames is a smaller city. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Linda L.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Asian places. it exceeded my expectations.
29 upvotes
Ezekiel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in The Heights and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
Teresa M.
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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