Why Live in Oak-Riverside
Oak-Riverside in Ames is a neighborhood with a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Homes here, priced between $140,000 and $400,000, include craftsman bungalows, ranch styles, and shotgun styles, many of which have been renovated, though some still need updates. The area is known for its oak-shaded backyards and detached garages. A significant portion of the residents rent, with many properties used as short-term rentals, especially during college game days. The neighborhood is bordered by a train track to the north, with about two trains passing daily.
O’Neil Park, located within the neighborhood, offers a playground, basketball courts, and baseball fields. A bike trail from the southwest corner connects to Stuart Smith Park, Brookside Park, and the Southeast Recreation Complex, providing additional recreational facilities. Main Street, just a few blocks away, features local eateries like Vinyl Café and Sweet Caroline’s, and hosts a weekly farmers market from May through October. Wheatsfield Cooperative, a community-owned store, is nearby, and North Grand Mall, 2 miles away, offers shopping and a movie theater.
For education, students attend Edwards Elementary and Ames High School, both highly rated. The new Ames High School building, completed in 2022, is a notable feature. Iowa State University, less than a mile away, adds to the neighborhood's appeal. Transportation options include bus routes along Lincoln Way and proximity to Des Moines International Airport, about 40 miles south of Oak-Riverside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oak-Riverside a good place to live?
Oak-Riverside is a good place to live. Oak-Riverside is considered somewhat walkable and very bikeable. Oak-Riverside is a suburban neighborhood. Oak-Riverside has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 32. The average household income is $79,254 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 37% of residents. A majority of residents in Oak-Riverside are renters, with 56.2% of residents renting and 43.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Oak-Riverside can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Oak-Riverside neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Oak-Riverside?
The median home price in Oak-Riverside is $289,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $57,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,500 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $64K a year to afford the median home price in Oak-Riverside. The average household income in Oak-Riverside is $79K.
What are the best public schools in Oak-Riverside?
The best public schools that serve Oak-Riverside are:
- Ames High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Edwards Elementary School has a B+ Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 15:1.
- Ames Middle School has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 13:1 and an average review score of 3.2.
What are the best private schools in Oak-Riverside?
The best private schools that serve Oak-Riverside are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Oak-Riverside, Ames, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Oak-Riverside, Ames, IA?
Home Trends in Oak-Riverside, IA
On average, homes in Oak-Riverside, Ames sell after 178 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak-Riverside, Ames over the last 12 months is $277,800.
Median Sale Price
$277,800
Median Single Family Sale Price
$277,800
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$127
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$289,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%