Community

See what makes Ames, Iowa, one of America’s best places to work and live.

While a career at the Iowa State University Research Park puts you at the cutting edge, Ames surrounds you with a community of natural beauty and comfort. Here are just a few reasons Ames makes a great place to start a new home and/or raise a family:

Strong school system

The Ames Community School District is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Iowa, with Ames High school regularly producing the state’s largest number of National Merit Scholars.

Abundant outdoor opportunities

With 55 miles of bike trails and 36 parks, Ames is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. Ada Hayden Heritage Park provides a natural respite within the city, complete with paved bike paths, boat access, fishing, and multiple picnic areas. During the summer months, cool off by floating down the lazy river or taking a dive at the Ames Aquatic Center.

A variety of cultural offerings

Catch national acts at the Iowa State Center, browse local art galleries in the Main Street Cultural District, or experience Hilton Magic at an Iowa State basketball game. With two movie theaters, numerous concert venues, Big 12 sporting events, and countless cultural festivals, you’ll never get bored in Ames.

A budding food scene

Whatever you crave, you can be sure to find it in Ames! Indulge in global cuisine and farm-to-table options at one of the many locally owned restaurants, grab a bite at your favorite national chain, or peruse the fresh produce options at the weekly farmer’s market. Feeling thirsty? Cool down with a drink at one of three craft breweries, or unwind with a hot beverage at an award-winning coffee shop.

Convenient location

Ames is centrally located, with easy access to major cities like Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, and Minneapolis-St. Paul. A municipal airport allows for direct destination travel, and the comprehensive CyRide bus system makes getting around Ames a breeze.

Let the awards do the talking

Ames consistently earns awards for its high quality of life, quality school system, and number of job opportunities. Here are a couple of our favorite accolades:

• Top 100 Best Places to Live (No. 53, Liveability, 2018)
• 10 Best College Towns (No. 2, Liveability, 2018)
• The Most Fitness Friendly Places of 2018 (SmartAsset, 2017)
• Best Public High School in the State (24/7 Wall St., 2017)
• Top 3 Cities where Job Growth is Happening (NationalSwell, 2017)
• The 25 Best Cities for Entrepreneurs (No. 8, Entrepreneur Magazine, 2017)