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Ontario

Ontario

Suburban Neighborhood in Ames, Iowa

Story County 50014
$308,916 Average Value
$232 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

An Ames suburb seated alongside Sawyer Elementary

Ontario draws homebuyers and renters with its proximity to Iowa State University as well as retail options and green spaces. “Students and faculty at Iowa State often rent there because it’s about 10 minutes away,” says Realtor Rich Montanaro, who sells homes with The American Real Estate Company. “But there are no huge college parties or noise disturbances.” While there are plenty of rental options, the majority of residents own their homes. The Ames suburb also has walkable access to Sawyer Elementary, which is located on the west side of the neighborhood. Highway 30 connects commuters to nearby employers.

Ontario is a peaceful neighborhood away from much of Ames' bustle.
Ontario is a peaceful neighborhood away from much of Ames' bustle.
Ontario is home to Sawyer Elementary School.
Ontario is home to Sawyer Elementary School.
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Midcentury ranch styles and bi-levels

“It’s an established neighborhood that’s a little bit more affordable, and that’s appealing to first-time homebuyers,” Montanaro says. The median single-family home price is $280,000, but prices range from $170,000 to $620,000. Most homes were built in the 1960s and ‘70s, and ranch styles and bi-levels are the most common. On the northwest corner, there are several apartments and multi-family homes. “The houses and apartments blend together well,” Montanaro says. “It’s not like some areas where there are huge apartments encroaching.” Trains run along the northern border, causing some noise.

Rows of Ranch-style homes line Ontario's streets.
Rows of Ranch-style homes line Ontario's streets.
Ranch-style homes are a common sight throughout Ontario.
Ranch-style homes are a common sight throughout Ontario.
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The highly rated Ames High School

Sawyer Elementary is on the neighborhood’s west end, and Ames Middle is just over 2 miles south. Both schools have B Niche ratings. Three miles east of Ontario, Ames High School has an A-minus rating. About a mile from the neighborhood, Iowa State University has over 25,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates.

Sawyer Elementary School's Ontario location is a major benefit to homeowners with young children.
Sawyer Elementary School's Ontario location is a major benefit to homeowners with young children.
Ontario children continue their educations at Ames Middle School.
Ontario children continue their educations at Ames Middle School.
Ontario students complete their primary educations at Ames High School.
Ontario students complete their primary educations at Ames High School.
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Walkable access to Emma McCarthy Lee Park

Emma McCarthy Lee Park has a picnic shelter, multiple tennis courts and a soccer field a couple of blocks from the neighborhood. Residents can access the park using a paved bike trail. On the neighborhood’s west end, Hutchison Park has a playground and a basketball court. Several other green spaces are less than 3 miles south. A paved green belt trail connects Daley Park, Christopher Gartner Park, Ames Middle School’s athletic fields and Southwest Recreation Complex. The first two have playgrounds and picnic shelters, while the latter has softball fields, sand volleyball courts and soccer fields.

Ontario residents can enjoy the great outdoors at Emma McCarthy Lee Park.
Ontario residents can enjoy the great outdoors at Emma McCarthy Lee Park.
Christopher Gartner Park is a peaceful retreat for families to relax and play.
Christopher Gartner Park is a peaceful retreat for families to relax and play.
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Halal dishes at Pammel Deli

Shopping and dining options line Lincoln Way, which is less than 2 miles from Ontario. With retro-style architecture and a chic interior, The Dot is a cozy café that serves brunch, doughnuts and artisanal coffee. Szechuan House prepares authentic Chinese cuisine. Pammel Deli is a halal grocery store serving freshly made samosas and gyros. Groceries can be purchased at Ames Asian Market West and Fareway Meat Market.

The Dot Cafe brings delicious breakfast and brunch to Ontario mornings.
The Dot Cafe brings delicious breakfast and brunch to Ontario mornings.
Fareway Meat Market near Ontario is a trusted spot for premium cuts and fresh produce.
Fareway Meat Market near Ontario is a trusted spot for premium cuts and fresh produce.
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Sporting events at Iowa State University

There are several nearby entertainment options. Just off Lincoln Way, Ames Community Theater is a nonprofit that stages year-round plays. Iowa State’s basketball teams play at Hilton Coliseum, and the football team plays at Jack Trice Stadium.

Ontario residents are firm believers in Hilton Magic, as they file into Hilton Coliseum.
Ontario residents are firm believers in Hilton Magic, as they file into Hilton Coliseum.
Stephens Auditorium brings world-class entertainment close to Ontario.
Stephens Auditorium brings world-class entertainment close to Ontario.
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Getting around Ames

Ames’ CyRide public bus system stops on Ontario Street, which runs through the center of the neighborhood. The closest international airport is in Des Moines, about 38 miles south via Interstate 35. Residents also commute to Des Moines. The 220-bed Mary Greeley Medical Center is less than 4 miles away.

William Palicia
Written By
William Palicia
Dylan Stowell
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Charlie Lingner
Video By
Charlie Lingner

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Des Moines International

60 min drive

Bus

Ontario Street & Scholl Road Westbound

Bus

Ontario Street & Minnesota Avenue Westbound

Bus

Ontario Street & Alabama Lane Westbound

Bus

Ontario Street & Garfield Avenue Eastbound

Bus

Hyland Avenue & Forest Hills Drive Southbound

Bus

Ontario Street & Arizona Avenue Eastbound

Bus

Ontario Street & Alabama Lane Eastbound

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Ontario US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Ontario Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$274,900
Median Sale Price
$243,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$260,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-20%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$232

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
343
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Median Year Built
1967
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,458
Significantly below the national average
1,927
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,029
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,672

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,762
Median Age
34
Population under 18
24.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$113,636
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$137,236

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.6%
College Graduates
80%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
30''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

33 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

13 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Ontario