Ames schools (Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny: find a job, theater, middle school)

[Cornfield]

I heard Ames schools are very good. How do they compare to the schools in Johnston, or schools like Greenwood Elementary in Des Moines? I searched the web and saw their rankings are high, but it's 2003 data and I am afraid too old.

We cannot decide if we should live in Ames (where my husband will work), or live somewhere in Des Moines or its suburb where there are some decent cultural activities for both us parents and the kids.

Please help. Thanks.

[Northern Traveler]

I would go for the burbs out of your three options. Ankeny, Urbandale... etc.

Ames would be my second choice.

[Cornfield]

Thanks. Then my husband has to commute to Iowa State, although he only needs to do maybe 2 or 3 times a week. How is the commute? Would it be about 40 minutes or more? And does it make a difference in commute time to Ames if we live in Urbandale vs. Clive vs. Johnson?

[pepe1]

If you have to commute to Ames that much (and don't want to live in Ames), live in Ankeny. I lived in Ankeny for the bulk of the time I attended Iowa State. I could be out my door and in the Iowa State commuter lots in 25 miuntes or less... Ankeny Public Schools are absolutely top notch.

Urbandale/Clive/Johnston could easily be a 40 minute drive and the drive would be measured in hours on one of our snowy winter days.

[deckdoc]

Originally Posted by Cornfield

I heard Ames schools are very good. How do they compare to the schools in Johnston, or schools like Greenwood Elementary in Des Moines? I searched the web and saw their rankings are high, but it's 2003 data and I am afraid too old.

We cannot decide if we should live in Ames (where my husband will work), or live somewhere in Des Moines or its suburb where there are some decent cultural activities for both us parents and the kids.

Please help. Thanks.

if you are looking for cultural events you are better off in Ames~ those few times there are impostant cultural events in des moines instead of ames just drive south~ more are in Ames than des moines

[pepe1]

Originally Posted by deckdoc

if you are looking for cultural events you are better off in Ames~ those few times there are impostant cultural events in des moines instead of ames just drive south~ more are in Ames than des moines

There is not one ounce of truth to this statement. Cultural offerings in Des Moines out number Ames at least 100 to 1. Concerts, museums, notable speakers, significant architecture, ethnic restaurants; Des Moines wins hands down - as it should being 10 times the size of Ames.

[SharpHawkeye]

Both Des Moines and Ames have cultural stuff going on all the time. Why not split the difference and live in Ankeny?

If you want to be really close to cultural activities though, have you considered living downtown? These sites might offer some more info on that.

Home - Downtown Des Moines

Living Downtown Des Moines | Come Share Your Experience

[RNhottie]

Having lived in Ames a long time, for a small town it has much to offer. With the university comes much diversity and lots of events to enjoy; sports, theater, music, and community events. I work in DSM, and wouldn't wish that communte on anyone. We rarely have the need to leave Ames for shopping or entertainment, because it is all right here!
As far as schools, we have 2 girls who have been in the Ames school system their whole school career. Our oldest graduated this last year and our younger is at the middle school (8). Both Middle and High schools are excellent and full of activities to keep them involved. For elementary schools, I would recommend Fellows.

Living near Fellows and the HS, you can catch a bike path to ISU with minimal commute time. Good Luck!

[annalyta]

Are you planning to work, or only your husband? If the only concern is your husband working, I would live in Ames. The cost of living is probably a little higher, but it is a great town. If your husband works at the University, it is also very easy to use public transportation. When I lived in Ames, I loved how easy it was to get around. There are also fun events and Des Moines is pretty close.
I also lived in Ankeny for a while and commuted to Ames. It makes sense if one person is commuting to Des Moines and the other the Ames. Ankeny is OK. It is very much a suburb. I wasn't very impressed with the diversity of the schools. The schools provide a good education, but not extraordinary. If you have children that are advanced in their studies, Ames is probably a better choice because of the University. It can also be expensive to live in Ankeny (Taxes are not low). Though again, that is true for Ames and Des Moines as well.

[Cornfield]

Thanks, Annalyta. Good to know that Ames is more city like compared to Ankeny. We have been living in Chicago for the past few years, so we would prefer as much "city" as possible. I might try to find a job in Ames, although that might be tough especially these days.