Storage Units Near Ames

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, Moving is an exciting and fresh start. While we are here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Ames.

About Ames, IA

Home to Iowa State University, Ames has a dynamic and diverse population of over 60,000 residents. What started off in 1864 as just another rural stop has transformed into Ames—a place where cutting-edge ideas meet down-to-earth friendliness.

It’s a place where beautiful parks are your backyard; buzzing streets filled with music, food, and art are your playground; opportunities to learn and grow at every corner—all tied together by the welcoming spirit of the heartland.

What To Do in Ames, IA

Here are some suggestions for places to enjoy in this dynamic community.

• Downtown: Enjoy Main Street America in this college town.
• Outdoor Recreation: Visit Ada Hayden Heritage Park and take a jaunt down Skunk River Greenbelt if capturing idyllic landscape shots tickles your fancy while getting cozy with nature invites chances to meet some feathered friends or shy forest dwellers up close. At Reiman Gardens, nature's splendor pairs with striking sculptural art.
• Arts & Culture: The Brunnerie Art Museum has an incredible selection of decorative arts and ceramics. Enjoy a show at the Stephens Auditorium from jazz to ballet. For a blast from the pastoral past right here on campus, head over to a beloved historical landmark - The Farmer's Home & Country Life Center**.**
• Local Food: Ames brings delicious global cuisine straight into your neighborhood through its wide range of wonderful cafés and inviting restaurants. Whether it's the fresh taste of food straight from the farm, diverse ethnic dishes, juicy gourmet burgers, or a cold craft beer.
• Community Events: Dive into the heartwarming community vibe of Ames with its lineup of events and festivals that sparkle throughout the year. From the Ames Farmers' Market to the Octagon Art Festival, there's always something happening in Ames. Picture this – your feet tapping to live bands as you wander from one food vendor to another under open skies. Between bites of amazing local flavors, enjoy browsing artisan creations or joining in on various family-friendly festivities—a true homage to the town's rich traditions.

Working in Ames, IA

The local economy depends on education, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is terrific and much lower than the national average. The median household income is $54,339 annually. That amount is about $13,700 lower than the American average of $69,021.

Economic growth is as fast as the rest of the country. Ames's predicted job growth rate for the next decade is 34%, compared to the national rate of 33.5%.

The industries offering the most jobs are educational services (30.7%), accommodation & food services (8.2%), healthcare (6.4%), professional, scientific, and technical services (6.0%), public administration (4.6%), construction (4.2%), and food & beverage stores (3.4%).

Ames, IA Neighborhoods

Ames has areas filled with luxury homes on large lots with well-manicured, mature landscaping. Here are the top four neighborhoods with very expensive houses.

• Edwards: This family-friendly neighborhood has the Ames Middle School. The median home price is $444,962. That amount is higher than 94.2% of other cities in the state. The average monthly rent is $1,415. The vacancy rate is 11.2%, so finding a place to rent is easy peasy.
• Bloomington Heights / Top-O-Hollow: This area includes the Ada Hayden Heritage Park and the Ames Golf and Country Club. The median real estate price is $434,673. Rentals are $2,114 per month. The vacancy rate is 0%, making it nearly impossible to find a place to buy or rent in this area.
• Iowa State University South: The college campus is in this neighborhood. The median home price is $408,190. Rental homes average $2,266 per month. The vacancy rate is 27.3%, due to the high volume of student turnover.
• Westside / Oak-Wood-Forest: Munn Woods and the Tahira & Labh Hira Park are in this neighborhood. The median real estate price for a home here is $402,201. Most houses are rented. The average rent is $1,373 per month. The vacancy rate is 12%, making it simple to find a place.

For those on a budget, try the rural area of Bloomington/Shipley, with a median price of $333,887.

Ames, IA School District

The Ames Community School District manages the public schools. The district spends an enormous amount of $25,974 on each student annually. The student-to-teacher ratio is unbeatable at 14 to one.

There are two private schools in Ames. They are Ames Christian School (K to 6th) and St. Cecilia Continuation School (PK to 5th).

Iowa State University is in town, and there are 29 other colleges and universities within 100 miles. The schools nearby are in Des Moines, about a half-hour’s drive. They include Purdue Global Des Moines Campus (private, four-year), Grand View University (private, four-year), Des Moines Area Community College (public, two-year), and Drake University (private, four-year).

Moving to Ames, IA Resource Guide

The City of Ames has an elected mayor and six elected members serving on the City Council. More information about the community is found on the official website.

Ames Parks & Recreation manages the public parks and recreation areas. There are adult recreation & sports leagues, youth programs, senior activities, aquatics, fitness classes, and community gardens. Enjoy golf, drinks, and food at the Homewood Golf Course and Clubhouse.

Ames, IA Housing

The median home price in Ames is $378,700, trending up by 2.5% year-over-year. It’s a seller’s market with fewer homes listed for sale than the number of interested buyers. Housing costs are 11% higher than the national average. The cost of living in Ames is 13% higher than other cities in Iowa and 3% higher when compared to the national average.