$233,997Average Value$1,336Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
An active Ames suburb
Whether they're occupied with outdoor concerts at Bandshell Park, farmers markets on Main Street or Iowa State football games at Jack Trice Stadium, North Old Town residents always seem to have something to do. But this neighborhood isn't only popular for its proximity to community events; it also has access to a newly rebuilt high school and a flourishing mall. But what makes the neighborhood especially unique is that it borders Mary Greeley Medical Center, one of two 2019 health-care recipients of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. "Mary Greeley is a big employer, so that's a drive," says Realtor Collin Fett, who sells property in the neighborhood with RE/MAX Real Estate Center. "I've sold to folks who, because of their health, wanted to be close to the hospital."
North Old Town blends quiet living with easy access to Ames hotspots.
Cafe Diem is a favorite spot for North Old Town locals to grab coffee and unwind.
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Early 20th century homes
The neighborhood's streets are shaded by old-growth trees and lined by sidewalks. Most of the houses were built in the 1910s and '20s, but many were also built during the mid-century. "The homes can require a bit of upkeep," says Realtor Jared Van Cleave, who sells homes in the neighborhood with Century 21 Signature Real Estate. "Anything pre-1950 is probably going to require more plumbing and wiring work." There is a mix of shotgun styles, ranch styles, bungalows, Craftsman styles and America Foursquares. The neighborhood's prices range from $115,0000 to $400,000, with a median single-family home price of $260,000. "There's a lot of pride in ownership, so people take pretty good care of their yards and homes," Fett says. The Old Town Historic District has a historic preservation overlay that regulates exterior changes to many of the houses.
North Old Town’s American Foursquares are the heart of its architectural charm.
Homeowners in North Old Town take pride in preserving its unique style.
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Newly rebuilt Ames High School
Meeker Elementary, which is four blocks north, and Ames Middle, which is across town, each have B Niche ratings. In 2022, the city opened Ames High School's new building, which cost $140 million. The school has an A-minus Niche rating, and its athletics department has won 93 state championship trophies. The city is investing $2.5 million in a running track that will be ready for the 2026 high school season. The city is also home to Iowa State University, which has about 25,300 undergraduates and 4,200 postgraduates.
Meeker Elementary is the heartbeat of education for North Old Town families.
North Old Town families value Ames Middle School’s strong academics.
Ames High School prepares North Old Town teens for bright futures.
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Dining on Main Street and shopping at North Grand Mall
Ames' Main Street flourishes with boutique shops and hometown eateries six blocks south of the neighborhood. "Over the past 10 to 20 years, Ames has really revitalized the downtown," Cleave says. For fine dining on American fare, Aunt Maude's has been a staple of Ames' culinary scene for half a century. For a post-meal cocktail, folks can head over to Della Viti to nibble cheeses and chat with a sommelier about the wine options. Many folks also spend afternoons browsing the stores. Dog Eared Books offers a cozy environment with thousands of volumes to leaf through, while Everts Flowers greets patrons with a sweet fragrance and pleasing floral arrangements. A short drive up Grand Avenue, North Grand Mall has retailers like JCPenney, Kohl's, Walmart and a movie theater.
North Old Town locals rave about the upscale flavors and ambiance at Aunt Maude’s.
Main Street Ames offers unique boutiques and local flavors just steps from North Old Town.
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Concerts at Bandshell park and Iowa State football games
North Old Town has access to several of Ames' best community events. Bandshell Park hosts free outdoor concerts every Thursday in June and July. On Main Street, vendors sell fresh produce and artisan goods at the weekly farmers market, which runs from June through October. For a little more action, over 60,000 fans pack into Jack Trice Stadium to watch the Iowa State Cyclones face off against their Big 12 football rivals.
Cyclones fans in North Old Town love the energy at nearby Hilton Coliseum.
Summer concerts at Bandshell Park bring North Old Town together.
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Greenspaces within walking distance
Several neighborhood parks are nearby, including Old Towne Park, which has a playground. Along Ioway Creek, Brookside Park has winding trails, tennis and volleyball courts and softball fields. Also nearby, the Furman Aquatic Center has a public pool with a lazy river and diving boards.
Bandshell Park’s charm keeps North Old Town evenings lively.
North Old Town residents cherish quiet moments in Brookside Park.
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Getting around Ames
Bus stops line Grand Avenue, connecting residents to the rest of the city. Des Moines International Airport is about 40 miles north 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
Cody Greenfield,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bandshell Park
Brookside Park
Duff Park
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
55 min drive
Bus
Grand Avenue & 11th Northbound
North Old Town Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North Old Town, Ames sell after 136 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in North Old Town, Ames over the last 12 months is $290,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the delightful move-in-ready home that combines comfort, charm, and convenience in a sought-after Ames neighborhood. The home is thoughtfully laid out for flexibility and privacy with an open flow with hardwood floors into the dining space, which is ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The updated kitchen is equipped with stainless appliances (gas stove), ample cabinets, and a
Old world charm meets modern convenience in this thoughtfully designed duplex in the heart of Ames. Walkable to medical facilities, downtown, this well cared for duplex boasts a solid rental history, a current LOC, full occupancy, and a host of updates that make for a turnkey investment. 1202 has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and an additional non conforming attic space. 1204 has two
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cody Greenfield,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
382
Median Age
35
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,587
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,125
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.7%
College Graduates
66.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.8%
% Population in Labor Force
81.3%
Above the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
85/ 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.
