$256,311Average Value$159Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
One of Ames’ oldest neighborhoods
Historic Old Town has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2004 for the significance of its architecture, representing various styles common during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to scenic street views, the neighborhood is within walking distance of downtown Ames, which hosts many year-round events. Main Street also fills with produce vendors and hums with the rhythms of live music during its weekly farmers market held from the spring through the fall. Other draws include the neighborhood’s proximity to a Mary Greeley Medical Center and several highly ranked public schools.
A picturesque neighborhood, Historic Old Town offers history and charm close to Downtown Ames.
Even in winter, Old Towne Park remains a favorite place for Historic Old Town residents.
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Relatively affordable single-family homes
“It’s a very nice place to live,” says Realtor Gina McAndrews, who sells property in the neighborhood with Century 21 Signature Real Estate. “These homes are unique; they have lots of character, and they are in close proximity to some of the city’s best amenities.” There is a mix of Italianate homes, Colonial Revivals and Late Victorians. Most houses were built between the 1880s and the 1930s. Because the neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cosmetic changes to many of the buildings are regulated. Some houses have large front porches overlooking the sidewalks, which are shaded by old-growth trees. Picket fences enclose the backyards, where there are often gardens and detached garages. Home prices range from $110,000 to $360,000, meaning that almost all properties fall below the city’s median price. “In large part, I think people are drawn to the affordability of the neighborhood,” says Realtor Nancy Marion, who sells homes there with RE/MAX Concepts. The neighborhood also has nine apartment buildings and condos built between the 1960s and the ‘90s. Some of the streets face a flood risk.
Historic Old Town is full of character, from bungalows to Colonial Revival beauties.
From bungalows to American Foursquares, Historic Old Town offers a charming blend of homes.
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Dining in downtown Ames
Restaurants line downtown Main Street in the south of the neighborhood. Folks often start their days at Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, a worker-owned shop that serves locally made treats and brews prepared with in-house roasted beans. For something a little stronger, Whiskey River is a rustic bar with a neon-lit storefront. A little further down the street, The Grove Cafe is a breakfast and lunch diner where patrons can take a stool at the old-fashioned lunch counter. A Fareway grocery store is located along the neighborhood’s southern border.
With its neon lights, Whiskey River welcomes everyone from Historic Old Town for a night out.
Great Plains Sauce and Dough is a Historic Old Town favorite for unique and delicious pizza.
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Highly rated public schools
The Ames Community School District has an A-minus Niche rating and a 97% graduation rate. Meeker Elementary and Ames Middle each have B Niche ratings, and Ames High School has an A-minus Niche rating. The high school’s new building, which cost $140 million, opened in 2022. The high school’s athletics department has won 93 state championships, and the district is investing $2.5 million in a running track that will be ready for the 2026 season.
Iowa State University has about 25,300 undergraduates and 4,200 postgraduates and is less than 2 miles away.
The nearby Ames Community Preschool Center is a not-for-profit childcare facility that has been caring for and educating children from ages 6 weeks through 12 years for over half a century.
Meeker Elementary is just a short walk away, making it a top choice for Historic Old Town families.
Ames High School is where Historic Old Town’s high school students thrive.
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Greenspaces within walking distance
Sidewalks lead to Old Towne Park, which has a playground and several benches. The nearby Bandshell Park hosts weekly summer concerts at its 1930s Modern Movement-style band shell, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few blocks west of Historic Old Town, Brookside Park has baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and walking trails along Ioway Creek.
Just a short walk away, Brookside Park’s trails are perfect for a jog or walk.
Residents of Historic Old Town cherish walks with pets through its tree-lined streets.
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Educational community spaces
Several educational options are within walking distance of the neighborhood. A block south of the neighborhood, Ames Public Library hosts movie nights for kids, teen reading challenges and conversation circles where people are encouraged to have casual talks in foreign languages. The Ames City Auditorium is a historic building from the 1930s that has hosted presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders, guest lecturers from Iowa State University and performances by traveling dance troupes.
Cyclone fans in Historic Old Town enjoy the buzz of game day at Hilton Coliseum.
Iowa State University colors every part of Ames, and Historic Old Town is no exception.
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Getting around Ames
Directly north of the neighborhood, Mary Greeley Medical Center provides most medical services.
Bus stops line Clark Avenue to the neighborhood’s west and Duff Avenue to the neighborhood’s east. “We’ve got really good bus routes,” McAndrews says. “From the downtown, you can get a bus to anywhere in Ames.” Des Moines International Airport is about 40 miles north of Historic Old Town via Interstate 35.
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
Are you familiar with the Historic Old Town neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Historic Old Town
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Historic Old Town Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Historic Old Town, Ames sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic Old Town, Ames over the last 12 months is $264,900, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home is currently listed as a delayed showing. Under no circumstances will any showings be allowed until 05/07/26 at 9:00am. The Sellers will not accept any proposed purchase agreements/offers earlier than 9:00 pm on the first showing date.Charming character home in the heart of Ames with the warmth and craftsmanship you just don't find in new construction. From the moment you step onto the
Come, check out this two unit rental duplex with established tenants already on contract. Lower unit has two bedrooms and one bathroom while the upstairs unit has one bedroom one bath. Great investment opportunity in the heart of Ames! Call and set up your showings today before this one’s gone.
1 Bedroom LOFT ! Big airy rooms... large windows. Lot's of sunshine.Excellent location in Downtown Ames. Walk to the grocery store, library, post office and shop in downtown Ames. Private entrance. Washer/Dryer included (shared with 1 other apt)! Air conditioned. Pet with a rental history is only $30 more per month. Tenant pays electric and gas. VERY LOW UTILITIES COST$! Smoke Free
Available August 1 - Apt #1 (available Aug 1) Apt #2 (available Aug 15) 2 Bedroom 1 bathroom apartment with Garage.Excellent location in Downtown Ames.Walk to the grocery store, library, post office.. 2 blocks from the hospital. Washer/Dryer on premises. Large, sunny great room Updated: kitchen - Dishwasher, Electric oven, Refrigerator, Garbage disposer, microwave.
This well-maintained 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is nestled in the heart of Downtown Ames, IA! This delightful single-family home boasts the perfect blend of modern comfort and historic charm. Available August 1st!Amenities: Refrigerator, Range, Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer/DryerBonus large 3 bedroom located in the upstairs loft area. Lots of natural light is available.ShedNear Cy-Ride stop Green
Copy/Paste into browser for a self-guided 3D Tour: 2 bed / 1 bath duplex. Enjoy hardwood floors and second floor bedrooms with window views of trees! Rent includes a detached garage. Tenant pays utilities. Washer/Dryer hooks ups located in the unfinished basement. Great, central location. Ames schools (Meeker Elementary)Call today for a showing .
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
