$263,476Average Value$396Average Price per Sq Ft1Home 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, which is directly 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paul Livingston,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bandshell Park
Brookside Park
Duff Park
Old Towne Park
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
55 min drive
Bus
Duff Avenue & 8th Street Westbound
Bus
Clark Avenue & 9th Street Northbound
Bus
Clark Avenue & 6th Street Southbound
Historic Old Town Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Historic Old Town, Ames sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic Old Town, Ames over the last 12 months is $479,223, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The best of both worlds! Take a look at the quality craftsmanship & modern amenities of this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in the Ames Old Town Historic District! It's not often you find main floor living in a home like this with a bedroom, 3/4 bathroom & laundry all on the main level. Situated between Bandshell Park & the city's new Schainker Plaza, this beautiful home is a short distance to all of
Jason MillerWeichert, Realtors®-Miller & Clark Agency
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Beautiful Unit. $875/month. Gas, Water, Garbage, and Internet Included. Also laundry on site and one car garage. No pets. Two Blocks from Main Street and Four Blocks from the Hospital. Great location!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paul Livingston,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
501
Median Age
34
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$65,343
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$68,352
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.7%
College Graduates
67.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
80.8%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
86/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 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.
