$306,770Average Value$247Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes 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 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.
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.
Ontario children continue their educations at Ames Middle 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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
On average, homes in Ontario, Ames sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Ontario, Ames over the last 12 months is $284,900, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
TWO duplexes side by side on one parcel. Must be sold together. Professionally managed and well maintained. Strong rental history and several long-term tenants. Each unit has an attached 1 car garage, in-unit laundry and 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. 2 units have screened porches and 2 have covered patios. All 4 units have current LOCs until 4/29.
Discover a rare opportunity to build your dream home on this exceptional 15,121-square-foot lot, ideally situated in a peaceful cul-de-sac. Nestled alongside Munn Woods and Emma McCarthy Lee Park, this property offers a unique blend of natural beauty, privacy, and charm. Surrounded by mature trees and serene green space, you'll enjoy a tranquil, wooded setting while still being just minutes from
Ranch home in West Ames with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an attached garage. The main level includes a bright living room with hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen with a gas stove and sliding glass door, plus three bedrooms and a full bath. The finished lower level offers a large family room, fourth bedroom, and another full bath. Outside, enjoy the large fenced backyard with a pergola and brick
This home is currently listed as a ''delayed showing''. Under no circumstances will any showings be allowed until 7/1/26 at 5:00pm. The sellers will not review or accept any proposed Purchase Agreements/offers until 5:00pm on 7/6/26. Architecturally stunning and extensively reimagined, this contemporary 2-story home at 2916 Forest Hills Drive offers nearly 5,000 square feet of finished living
Here is your opportunity to own a nice 3-bedroom home with plenty of space. ample-sized kitchen, living room, and 2 bedrooms on the main floor. The patio door opens to a large deck and a good-sized fenced yard. There is a storage shed in the yard as well as a large single-car garage. The lower level contains a family room, and 3rd bedroom, and laundry. Come view this home and make it yours today.
Discover an excellent investment and lifestyle opportunity with this beautifully updated two-family duplex. Ideally situated, this property offers unmatched convenience with public bus stops just across the street, a short 5-minute walk to campus, and only a 3-minute drive to the Abbie Sawyer Elementary School. This well-designed duplex features two separate units, each with its own attached
Move-in ready ranch with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths convenient to schools, ISU, and grocery store. Nicely updated kitchen with brand new dishwasher. Hardwood floors throughout main level. Finished basement with family room and 4th non-conforming bedroom. Fenced backyard with garden shed. New furnace and a/c in 2020, new roof in 2023.
Some homes are simply maintained—this one has been continually elevated. Every improvement has been made with quality, comfort, and longevity in mind, creating a home that's as functional as it is inviting.The open floor plan offers exceptional flow & beautiful wooded views that bring nature into your everyday life. The list of recent updates includes the roof, siding, HVAC system, patios and
This 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom duplex is located in Northwest Ames off of Ontario Street. The property is situated back away from Ontario, which offers a secluded, quiet yard. Long driveway is shared between both duplex units. Laundry hookups are located in the unit for your own washer/dryer units. Central AC, off-street parking, dishwasher included. Small dogs allowed 2 pet limit with additional
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.
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