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Historic Old Town

Historic Old Town

Historic Neighborhood in Ames, Iowa

Story County 50010
$263,476 Average Value
$396 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
William Palicia
Written By
William Palicia
Dylan Stowell
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Taylor Gilbert
Video By
Taylor Gilbert

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Schools

Source:
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 Brett Mount, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

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

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Historic Old Town US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Historic Old Town Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$765,000
Median Sale Price
$479,223
Median Single Family Sale Price
$515,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$396

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
67
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1916
Months of Supply
6.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,634
Below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brett Mount, 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Historic Old Town