Why Live in Historic Old Town
Historic Old Town in Ames is a neighborhood known for its unique character and historic homes. The area features Italianate, Colonial Revival, and Late Victorian styles built between the 1880s and the 1930s. The neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means cosmetic changes may be subject to regulations. Homes often have large front porches and are shaded by old-growth trees, with picket-fenced backyards and detached garages. The neighborhood is relatively affordable, with home prices generally below the city’s median. There are also several apartment buildings and condos from the 1960s through 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 offer cultural and educational events. The Ames Community School District is highly rated, and Ames High School boasts 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. 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 somewhat walkable and bikeable with great transit options. Historic Old Town is a historic neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Historic Old Town has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 35. The average household income is $72,370 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 68% of residents. A majority of residents in Historic Old Town are renters, with 63.1% of residents renting and 36.9% 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.
Is Historic Old Town, IA a safe neighborhood?
Historic Old Town, IA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Historic Old Town?
The median home price in Historic Old Town is $264,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $53,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.37%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,320 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $57K a year to afford the median home price in Historic Old Town. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Historic Old Town is $72K.
What are the best public schools in Historic Old Town?
The best public schools that serve Historic Old Town are:
- Ames High School has a B+ 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 15:1 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?
Home Trends in Historic Old Town, IA
On average, homes in Historic Old Town, Ames sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic Old Town, Ames over the last 12 months is $264,900, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$264,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$263,700
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$185,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$158
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
19
Median List Price
$264,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
24%