$232,046Average Value$140Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
A neighborhood within walking distance of a vibrant downtown
Each Thursday in June and July, the streets of Brandshell fill with residents carrying lawn chairs or riding bikes to the neighborhood park, where bands perform well into the night. But free weekly concerts at Bandshell Park aren’t the only perk of living there. Since Brandshell borders the downtown area, there is a continuous circuit of farmers' markets, holiday parades, bake sale fundraisers and art shows. "The downtown has become much more desirable in the last few years,” says Realtor Gina McAndrews, who sells homes in the neighborhood with Century 21 Signature Real Estate. “Lots of new businesses have popped up, and more families are moving to the
Brandshell is a vibrant neighborhood perfectly situated near Ames’ best attractions.
Boutiques, cafes, and community events make Main Street a Brandshell favorite.
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Homes constructed around the turn of the 20th century
The sidewalk-lined streets are shaded by old-growth trees, complementing the neighborhood’s older homes – some of which were among the first developed in Ames. Many of the front and backyards have flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. “People are really getting into the pollinator beds,” McAndrews says. “A growing number of people are also having chickens and growing their own food.” There is a diversity of housing, including late 19th-century, farmhouse-style homes, early 20th-century duplexes, multicolored painted ladies and mid-century ranch styles. Most houses range in price from $145,000 to $280,000. There are also two-bedroom, 1980s condos priced from $115,000 to $130,000. “Even though these houses are older, they are structurally sound and have good roofs,” McAndrews says. “People took good care of them. Some just need an update, but a lot of them already are updated.”
Grand Victorian homes in Brandshell are a hallmark of the neighborhood’s history.
The Gothic homes of Brandshell are a striking part of Ames’ architectural history.
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Local shops and dining options on Main Street
Main Street branches off the neighborhood, opening residents to local shopping and dining options like Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, with its morning coffee and evening events, and The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co., a local staple serving fresh-baked cookies and pizza since 1979. “Proximity to the beautiful Main Street is the biggest reason people move to Brandshell,” says Realtor Paul Livingston, who sells homes in the neighborhood with Hunziker & Associates. “The people here are rather active, and they like to walk downtown.”
On Main Street, shoppers can stop at Dog Eared Books, where they can also grab a coffee or go to the Quilting Connection to pick up colorful patchwork items. And for more than 20 years, Skunk River Cycles has fitted Ames’ cyclists for bikes and handled their repairs. People grab groceries at Fareway Meat & Grocery, six blocks west of the neighborhood.
Main Street’s small-town charm is a perfect complement to Brandshell’s historic vibe.
Great Plains Sauce and Dough is a Brandshell favorite for unique and delicious pizza.
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A neighborhood park with a modernist-style bandshell
Bandshell Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. Its original wooden bandstand was built in the late 1800s, and the current modernist-style bandshell was constructed in the 1930s. The park also has a winding paved path and a playground with swing sets. A block west of the neighborhood, Old Towne Park also has a playground. North River Valley Park has multiple baseball fields and access to a dirt trail that rambles along the Skunk River.
From picnics to concerts, Brandshell neighbors love spending time at Bandshell Park.
Duff Park’s playground is a hit with Brandshell’s youngest residents.
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A highly rated high school
There are several public schools within 4 miles of the neighborhood. Meeker Elementary and Ames Middle each have B Niche ratings. The A-minus Niche-rated Ames High School has speech, chess and basketball clubs. Two miles west of Brandshell, Iowa State University has about 25,300 undergraduates and 4,200 postgraduates.
Meeker Elementary is where Brandshell’s youngest learners grow and thrive.
Ames Middle School offers excellent academics for Brandshell students.
Ames High School prepares Brandshell students for a bright future.
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Classes at Octagon Center for the Arts and tailgating at Iowa State University
The Ames History Museum has several exhibits displaying the city’s history dating back to its beginnings as a railroad town. Across the street, the Octagon Center for the Arts exhibits the work of professional and amateur artists and offers painting, sculpture and dance classes for children and adults. The center's annual elementary, middle and high school art show allows local students to submit their work for exhibition. Ames Public Library is just up the street and hosts story times, computer classes and summer reading challenges.
Within 2 miles of Brandshell, Iowa State University sporting events are a source of entertainment. Locals tailgate around Jack Trice Stadium when the Iowa State Cyclones face off against other Big 12 Conference teams. The men’s and women’s Division I basketball teams play games in front of around 14,000 spectators at Hilton Coliseum.
The Octagon Center for the Arts inspires creativity in the Brandshell community.
Cyclone fans in Brandshell enjoy the buzz of game day at Hilton Coliseum.
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Events on Main Street
Local farmers and artists sell fresh produce and handcrafted items at the weekly Ames Main Street Farmers Market from June through October. The market also includes food trucks, petting zoos and live music. Downtown also has music walks, where local businesses stay open late while musicians perform along Main Street. The annual Art Walk is a good opportunity for local artists to sell their paintings, sculptures, textiles and jewelry.
Getting around Ames
The 220-bed Mary Greeley Medical Center is immediately northwest of Brandshell. Des Moines International Airport is about 40 miles south of the neighborhood via Interstate 35. Bus stops line Duff Avenue.
The water meter division and the electric department are headquartered on the neighborhood's south end.
he CyRide bus system connects Brandshell to Ames and beyond with ease.
From families to students, Brandshell welcomes everyone with open arms.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kris Barrientos,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bandshell Park
Brookside Park
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
Duff Park
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
55 min drive
Bus
Duff Avenue & Bandshell Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Brandshell
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Brandshell Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Brandshell, Ames sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Brandshell, Ames over the last 12 months is $157,500, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Full of history and charm, this 4-bedroom home sits on a large lot with beautiful wraparound porches. Inside, enjoy hardwood floors, two staircases, and a spacious layout perfect for daily living or entertaining. The main floor offers a bedroom and two baths. The kitchen shines with a gas range, two refrigerators, two dishwashers, and generous counter space. Upstairs are three large bedrooms, a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kris Barrientos,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
509
Median Age
35
Population under 18
25.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$71,999
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,288
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.9%
College Graduates
50.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.5%
% Population in Labor Force
81.9%
Above the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
77/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
70/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
