Why Live in North Old Town
North Old Town in Ames is a historic neighborhood characterized by its old-growth trees, sidewalks, and a variety of home styles including shotgun, ranch, bungalow, Craftsman, and American Foursquares. Many homes date back to the 1910s and '20s, with some mid-century builds, and often require maintenance on plumbing and wiring. The neighborhood is part of the Old Town Historic District, which has regulations on exterior changes to preserve its character. Residents take pride in their homes and yards, contributing to the neighborhood's well-kept appearance. Ames High School, with its high rating and strong athletics program, serves the area. North Old Town is conveniently located near Ames' revitalized Main Street, which features boutique shops, eateries like Aunt Maude's, and wine bars such as Della Viti. For shopping, North Grand Mall offers a range of retailers and a movie theater. The neighborhood is close to several parks, including Old Towne Park and Brookside Park, which provide playgrounds, trails, and sports facilities. The Furman Aquatic Center is also nearby, offering a public pool with a lazy river. Residents can enjoy community events like free outdoor concerts at Bandshell Park and the weekly farmers market on Main Street. Bus stops along Grand Avenue provide easy access to the rest of the city, and Des Moines International Airport is about 40 miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Old Town a good place to live?
North Old Town is a good place to live. North Old Town is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable. North Old Town has 3 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 35. The average household income is $65,125 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 66.3% of residents. A majority of residents in North Old Town are home owners, with 42.4% of residents renting and 57.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving North Old Town can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
North Old Town neighborhood guide.
Is North Old Town, IA a safe neighborhood?
North Old Town, IA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in North Old Town?
The median home price in North Old Town is $2,050,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $410,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $10,630 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $456K a year to afford the median home price in North Old Town. The average household income in North Old Town is $65K.
What are the best public schools in North Old Town?
The best public schools that serve North 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 North Old Town?
The best private schools that serve North Old Town are:
What are the most popular zip codes in North Old Town, Ames, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near North Old Town, Ames, IA?
Home Trends in North Old Town, IA
On average, homes in North Old Town, Ames sell after 136 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in North Old Town, Ames over the last 12 months is $290,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$290,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$290,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$2,050,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,336
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Median List Price
$2,050,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%