Why Live in Brandshell
Brandshell, a neighborhood in Ames, features sidewalk-lined streets shaded by old-growth trees and a variety of older homes, including late 19th-century farmhouse-style houses, early 20th-century duplexes, multicolored painted ladies, and mid-century ranch styles. The area is known for its well-maintained homes, many with flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, and even pollinator beds. Residents enjoy proximity to Main Street, which offers local shopping and dining options such as Morning Bell Coffee Roasters and The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. Main Street also hosts the Ames Main Street Farmers Market from June through October, featuring fresh produce, handcrafted items, food trucks, and live music. For those interested in arts and culture, the Ames History Museum and the Octagon Center for the Arts provide exhibits and classes, while the Ames Public Library offers various community programs. Bandshell Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes a modernist-style bandshell, a playground, and a paved path. Other nearby parks include Old Towne Park and North River Valley Park, which has multiple baseball fields and a trail along the Skunk River. The neighborhood is served by the highly rated Ames High School. Iowa State University, located 2 miles west, adds to the local activities with sporting events and cultural offerings. Brandshell is considered safer than the national average, making it a practical choice for potential home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brandshell a good place to live?
Brandshell is a good place to live. Brandshell is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable. Brandshell has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 35. The average household income is $78,288 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 50.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Brandshell are renters, with 53.9% of residents renting and 46.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Brandshell can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Brandshell neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Brandshell?
The median home price in Brandshell is $357,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $71,600 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,860 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $80K a year to afford the median home price in Brandshell. The average household income in Brandshell is $78K.
What are the best public schools in Brandshell?
The best public schools that serve Brandshell are:
- Ames High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Ames Middle School has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 13:1 and an average review score of 3.2.
- Meeker Elementary School has a B Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 12:1.
What are the best private schools in Brandshell?
The best private schools that serve Brandshell are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Brandshell, Ames, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Brandshell, Ames, IA?
Home Trends in Brandshell, IA
On average, homes in Brandshell, Ames sell after 4 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Brandshell, Ames over the last 12 months is $357,900.
Median Sale Price
$357,900
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median List Price
$357,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%