$252,964Average Value$205Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
A relatively affordable neighborhood next to an aquatic center
On hot summer days, Grand-Summit residents flock to Furman Aquatic Center to zip down water slides and float in the lazy river. The suburb also borders an expansive public greenspace and one of Iowa's highest-rated high schools. In addition to these nearby perks, the mid-century starter homes in the neighborhood attract homebuyers to Grand-Summit. "The primary draw of this neighborhood is that the price point is so low in comparison to other neighborhoods in Ames," says Realtor Collin Fett, who sells property in the neighborhood with Fett Realty and Management. "The houses were built economically 60 years ago, and they are still economical."
Grand-Summit’s quiet streets are perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The cozy bungalows of Grand-Summit are a staple of Ames’ historic architecture.
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Mid-century bungalows and ranch styles
The neighborhood’s old-growth trees indicate that the homes have been around for a while. Most were built from the 1940s through the ‘60s and are priced from $70,000 to $360,000. "A couple of houses have been sold that were in really rough shape, but most have had their maintenance kept up with," Fett says. There is a mix of bungalows, ranch styles and duplexes, and it’s typical to see gardens and fenced-in backyards. Residents may hear some noise from trains that run on the tracks in the neighborhood’s west end, but the sound level is average otherwise.
Historic charm meets modern living in the bungalows of Grand-Summit.
From cozy bungalows to spacious ranches, Grand-Summit offers something for everyone.
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Within walking distance of the highly rated Ames High School
An elementary school and the city's sole high school are each within walking distance of Grand-Summit. Meeker Elementary and Ames Middle each have B Niche ratings, while Ames High School has an A-minus Niche rating and a 97% graduation rate. It was named the top Iowa high school in 2019 by U.S. News & World Report and, in 2022, moved to a new $140 million building. The high school’s athletics department also has 93 state championship titles, more than any other school in the state. For college-aged students and lifelong learners, Ames is home to Iowa State University, which has about 25,300 undergraduates and 4,200 postgraduates.
Fellows Elementary is where Grand-Summit’s youngest learners grow and thrive.
Ames Middle School is just a short commute for Grand-Summit students.
Ames High School prepares Grand-Summit teens for success in college and beyond.
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Sports and picnics at Brookside Park
When it's time to get some fresh air, Brookside Park is directly adjacent to the neighborhood with baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts and tennis courts. There are also miles of walking trails along Ioway Creek, picnic shelters, grills and playgrounds.
Brookside Park offers plenty of playgrounds for Grand-Summit kids to explore.
Duff Park’s playground is a favorite spot for Grand-Summit families to gather.
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Bethesda Lutheran Church is a spiritual anchor for many in Grand-Summit.
Year-round events at Bethesda Lutheran Church
Bethesda Lutheran Church is in the middle of Grand-Summit, fostering a sense of community with year-round events. In 2024, the church invited Denver and the Mile High Orchestra to perform big band Christmas classics in its sanctuary. They also host Scandinavian Coffee, an event featuring traditional pastries, a Swedish meatball lunch and a craft fair. For Halloween, Bethesda Lutheran holds a trunk-or-treat.
Craft beer and barbecue on Main Street
The neighborhood is a short drive from Ames' thriving downtown. Main Street is home to Sweet Caroline's, which serves Southern comfort food, and just down the street, Cornbread Barbecue serves craft beer and dishes smothered in house sauce. A few blocks off Main Street, there's a Fareway Meat & Grocery. Not far from the neighborhood, North Grand Mall has big-box retailers like Kohl's and JCPenney.
Main Street Station’s Cornbred is a must-visit for Grand-Summit BBQ enthusiasts.
From lunch to late night, Sweet Caroline’s serves up smiles for Grand-Summit neighbors.
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College football at Jack Trice Stadium and floral scenery at Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University's sports teams are a major attraction for the city. The football program faces off against other Big 12 Conference teams at Jack Trice Stadium, and the men's and women's basketball teams compete in the NCAA Division I at Hilton Coliseum. Aside from college sports, Ames has several other attractions. The 17-acre Reiman Gardens has flower gardens, greenhouses and an indoor butterfly wing. The International Garden Tourism Conference ranked it a "Top 10 Garden worth traveling for" in 2023. The Octagon Center for the Arts provides painting, photography, sculpture and pottery classes for all ages.
Cyclones fans in Grand-Summit love the energy at nearby Hilton Coliseum.
Grand-Summit residents enjoy concerts and theater at Stephens Auditorium.
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Getting around Ames
The neighborhood is several blocks from Mary Greeley Medical Center, a 220-bed hospital with inpatient and outpatient services. Bus stops line Grand Avenue and 16th Street. Des Moines International Airport is about 40 miles south of the neighborhood via Interstate 35.
The CyRide bus system makes it easy for Grand-Summit neighbors to get around.
Nestled near Main Street, Grand-Summit combines small-town charm with modern living.
GreatSchools:
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Grand-Summit Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Grand-Summit, Ames sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand-Summit, Ames over the last 12 months is $236,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Available Now! Centrally located in Ames, this spacious home is walking distance to the high school, two elementary schools, and on Cy-Ride bus route. With 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 full kitchens, and 2 laundry areas across 3 levels, it's perfect for flexible living. Set up as a duplex or single home, so it offers versatility and great space. The main level features a living room, eat-in kitchen, 2
Fantastic one bedroom apartment! Brand new kitchen with quartz counters, new cabinets, new appliances, new flooring, new lighting! The rest of the unit is spacious with newly restored beautiful hardwood floors, new light fixtures, window treatments! This is a great apartment in a great location! There is onsite laundry and the apartment comes with an assigned off street parking space! Resident
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