Questions about Ames (Des Moines: fit in, apartments, rentals)

[hilolagoon]

Aloha from from Hilo Hawaii

We are currently living here in beautiful Hilo Hawaii but with the high cost of living owning a home here is out of the question with the median price being in the 4-500,000 range. Rentals are high and pay rates are low. We're wondering about life in Ames. I'm currently working here and going to school and would like to continue my schooling. What are the rentals like? Whats the job market/pay rates like? How about crime, low, high....? Anything you can tell us would be appreciated and if you have any questions about Hilo or Hawaii ask away!

Aloha and Mahalo
Rob n Donna

[Markey]

Hi,
I lived 12 miles north of Ames throughout my childhood, moved to MN for college and then transferred back to Iowa State my sophomore year. That being said I feel like I know the Ames area very well. First and foremost Ames is a beautiful town with friendly locals and great neighborhoods. Yes, with the university you get your usual alcohol related "crimes" but most of them are harmless. The local paper publishes the individual crimes and most fit into the under age drinking or public intox categories. They are more fun to read than worry about. In regards to jobs. The town does revolve around the university quite a bit so you can find jobs at local restaurants and campus town shops. The pay is pretty average, but it fits in line with the housing. You can find affordable rentals and they are continually building more student housing and apartments. It's almost scary how many apartment buildings have been built since I graduated so no problem there. Let me know if you have any other questions. Ames does have a high tax rate so if you bought you'd need to figure that into your housing costs. It's pretty and it's growing (slow and steady) and you have a highly educated population in town. Good luck!

[iowastate]

My husband and I are both graduates of Iowa State in Ames and it is a beautiful town and area. As mentioned above, we agree with everything stated. Its just a fun area, so much to do!! And yes, any problems are usually related to the college students. I would love to move back there too someday!!

[b.a.d.]

I use to live about 20 minuteswest of Ames and would go shopping in Ames. Very nice town. My son is now going to college there and is in his fifth year in Graduate school. He likes it there too. Crime is not bad and you feel safe there

[iowachick]

I would agree with everyones comments...Ames is awesome! I loved living there and only moved due to my job. Its a clean safe area...typical college town, you'll have your college students do their typical stupid college pranks, but other than that it's safe. A nice 3-4 bedrooom apartment or house will rent for about $1200, but if you rent during off peak season (i.e. not in June, July, August, Nov, or Dec) you could probably get a better deal. The only downfall is the cold Iowa weather...today the high is 40! It's nice because Des Moines is only 30min away, so anything Ames doesn't have, Des Moines will!