Studio Apartments for Rent in Ames, IA

Home to Iowa State University, Ames combines academic excellence with recreational amenities throughout its 37 parks and 55 miles of shared-use paths. The 17-acre Reiman Gardens showcases botanical displays and an indoor butterfly wing, while the Brunnier Art Museum stands as Iowa's only accredited decorative arts museum. The Main Street Cultural District buzzes with local shops and art galleries, complemented by established restaurants like Hickory Park Restaurant Co., known for house-smoked barbecue, and Aunt Maude's sophisticated seasonal menus.

Single-family homes constitute the primary housing stock across several neighborhoods. Somerset Village has a median single-family home price of $380,000, while Northridge Heights commands higher prices with a median of $539,900. The South Campus Area maintains a median of $391,000, and Stone Brooke sits at $330,000. Condominiums present more affordable options, with median prices of $119,700 for one-bedroom units and $207,500 for two-bedroom units.

The cost of living in Ames falls 5.2% below the national average. A family with school-age children needs approximately $100,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters require about $50,000. Property taxes in Story County stand at 1.47%, comparing favorably to nearby Des Moines and Ankeny at 1.76%. The public school system includes Gilbert Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, all rated A by Niche. CyRide provides comprehensive bus service throughout the city and university campus. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with July highs averaging 84°F and January lows reaching 14°F.