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South Ames Business

South Ames Business

$191,164 Average Value
$183 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

South Ames Business offers access to amenities, downtown district

South Ames Business is a mixed-use neighborhood that offers easy access to downtown amenities. The South Duff Avenue commercial corridor runs through the west side of the neighborhood. The avenue connects residents directly to Main Street, the heart of Ames’ downtown district. The east side of the neighborhood, which is bordered by Interstate 35, is taken up mostly by business and industry. In between, the South Skunk River runs through undeveloped green space.

Residents can walk, bike around the area, but crime is an issue

Large Colonial-style homes stand out among the older housing stock tucked into the community’s northwest corner in a traditional neighborhood setting with tree-filled streets. “There’s walkability and bike-ability,” says Kyle Van Winkle of Re/Max Concepts Ames, who says the neighborhood’s only pocket of single-family homes is conveniently located near restaurants, local business and other popular destinations such as the library. There are a pair of manufactured home communities on the east side, and another on the south side. There are not enough listings for an accurate price range. Crime rates are often higher near heavily-trafficked areas, and the neighborhood’s CAP Index Crime Score is 8-out-of-10.

Nearby downtown Ames offers popular restaurants, more local businesses

Residents can shop at big-box retailers Target and Walmart, which anchor retail centers along South Duff Avenue. Several popular chain restaurants are located along the corridor as well. More shopping and dining options are available just minutes away. Main Street, highlighted by its historic brick buildings, is the center of downtown and includes boutique shops and popular restaurants. “There’s Whiskey River and Sweet Caroline’s,” says Van Winkle of two downtown staples, “and Café Diem is a great little coffee shop. There are also a whole lot of mom-and-pop places, and it’s a great way to support local business.”

Ames Community School District is highly rated.

Students can attend a trio of well-rated schools. Mitchell Elementary School is rated B-plus by Niche, Ames Middle School is rated B, and Ames High School is rated A-minus. The city’s only high school opened a state-of-the art campus in 2022. Eligible students can apply for transfers into and out of the Ames Community School District, also rated A-minus, through Iowa’s open enrollment program.

Nearby parks offer a variety of recreation

Nearby recreational destinations include Hunziker Youth Sports Complex, which features an array of sports fields and Bandshell Park, a popular downtown gathering place also known as City Park and Music Pavilion. Ioway Creek Park is the city’s main community garden area. Coldwater Golf Links, a picturesque public course that features a traditionally designed, 18-hole layout. It is also located along the creek that connects to the South Skunk River, which runs through the city. Kayaking and fishing are featured activities along the river, which is designated as a State Water Trail.

Residents can travel by bus or hop on I-35

Residents can take buses to local points of interest, including Mary Greeley Medical Center, conveniently located along South Duff Avenue just outside of the neighborhood. “You have easy access to the bus lines, so you can get anywhere in the city,” Van Winkle says. “That’s an attraction for anyone who doesn’t have a car.” With I-35 bordering one side of the neighborhood and Business Loop 35 bordering another, residents with cars enjoy easy access to regional travel. The business loop is part of U.S. Route 30. Des Moines, the state capital, is about 35 miles away via I-35. The Ames Municipal Airport is nearby, but residents would need to travel to Des Moines International Airport for commercial flights.

Matt Pallister
Written By
Matt Pallister

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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

58 min drive

Bus

Target

Bus

South Duff Avenue & South 3rd Street Northbound

Bus

South Duff Avenue & Chestnut Street Northbound

Bus

Walnut Avenue & South 3rd Street Northbound

Bus

South 16th Street & Golden Aspen Drive Eastbound

Bus

South 3rd Street & South Sherman Avenue

Bus

South 3rd Street & Walnut Avenue Eastbound

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Ames Business US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

South Ames Business Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$226,950
Median Sale Price
$221,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$221,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
34%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$183

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
37
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1922
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,099
Significantly below the national average
1,926
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,372
Median Age
29
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$56,170
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,005

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.6%
College Graduates
49%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.1%
% Population in Labor Force
73.3%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

51 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

6 / 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
South Ames Business
Kris Barrientos
Hunziker & Associates, Inc.
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