Studying at Iowa State university (Des Moines, Ames: apartments, condominiums, houses)

[Aqeelles]

Hello everyone

I am from Kuwait and I am applying for Iowa state university to do my bachelor in Engineering.

how is the area around the university, traffic and safety.

can I find good houses and apartments and whats the average rents.

I'll be bringing my family with me and my son is 6 years old, is there any good schools near by?

Is there enough entertainments for the kids.

I've heard from friends that its a boring state, plz tell me they're wrong

thanx ..

[Stavemaster]

I'm not sure what you're used to in Kuwait, but Ames is generally a very safe city and traffic is rarely bad except when there are big events like football games or big concerts.
Rent in the immediate area of the university is expensive by Iowa standards, averaging about $1000/month, but you don't have to go much further from that and it drops considerably. I'm getting my data for this directly from the city-data main site, by the way.
Schools are pretty good, though someone who's local can probably tell you which ones are the best.

I personally think that Ames is pretty boring unless you're a college kid living it up on campus, and that doesn't sound like you. However, they do have events around town, so you'll just have to keep your ears open, and check the local papers, message boards, etc. If you do get bored, there are some very nice state parks close by, and Des Moines is only about half an hour away by car.

[Aqeelles]

That was very helpful thank you

For me if There's an entertainment places for my kids, soccer practice, swimming, nice parks for picnics and some meusiums that would be good enough.

I'm not worried myself, I'll go for study and if there's a gym and Crossfit that'll be more than enough, but I just don't want my family to get bored.

Thank you

[Chicago60614]

Des Moines is nearby with a lot to do.

Safety and traffic are no worries.

[mattyheiden]

I would live in west Ames. There are plenty of apartment and condominiums in that area and it's nice and safe.

It is a nice college town with plenty things to do

I'd steer away from the eastern part of Ames or near campus, especially with a 6 year old. Just stay on the west side, get a parking pass or bus pass and you'll be set

[anp1107]

Traffic & Safety-
Ames is generally a very safe area. You rarely hear of anything bad happening. Sometimes during Viesha week things can get a bit crazy but stay out of campus town and you'll be fine.


Housing:
Ames has great housing options. If you're looking for a house I recommend looking into Algor Property Management. I rented from them and they are affordable and great landlords!


Schools:
Ames has one of the top school programs available. You son will have endless opportunities in academics, sports, and the arts.


Entertainment:
We have a movie theater, bowling alley/arcade, and tons of outdoor recreation programs available.


I don't think Iowa is boring at all