Why Live in Historic Old Town
Historic Old Town in Ames is a neighborhood known for its unique character and historic homes, featuring Italianate, Colonial Revival, and Late Victorian styles built between the 1880s and 1930s. The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means many buildings have regulated cosmetic changes. Homes often have large front porches and are shaded by old-growth trees, with picket-fenced backyards and detached garages. The neighborhood is affordable, with home prices generally below the city’s median. There are also nine apartment buildings and condos from the 1960s to the 1990s. Some streets face a flood risk. Residents enjoy proximity to Old Towne Park, Bandshell Park, and Brookside Park, which offer playgrounds, sports facilities, and walking trails. Downtown Main Street, just south of the neighborhood, features local dining options like Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, Whiskey River, and The Grove Cafe. The Ames Public Library and Ames City Auditorium provide cultural and educational events. The Ames Community School District is highly rated, with Ames High School boasting a new building and numerous state championships. Iowa State University is less than 2 miles away. Public transportation is accessible with bus stops on Clark and Duff Avenues, and Des Moines International Airport is about 40 miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Historic Old Town a good place to live?
Historic Old Town is a good place to live. Historic Old Town is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable. Historic Old Town is a historic neighborhood. Historic Old Town has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 34. The average household income is $68,352 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 67.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Historic Old Town are renters, with 60.5% of residents renting and 39.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Historic Old Town can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Historic Old Town neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Historic Old Town?
The median home price in Historic Old Town is $765,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $153,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,970 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $170K a year to afford the median home price in Historic Old Town. The average household income in Historic Old Town is $68K.
What are the best public schools in Historic Old Town?
The best public schools that serve Historic Old Town 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 Historic Old Town?
The best private schools that serve Historic Old Town are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Historic Old Town, Ames, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Historic Old Town, Ames, IA?
Are home prices dropping in Historic Old Town?
Yes, home prices in Historic Old Town are down 3% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Historic Old Town, IA
On average, homes in Historic Old Town, Ames sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic Old Town, Ames over the last 12 months is $479,223, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$479,223
Median Single Family Sale Price
$515,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$396
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$765,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%