Is Ames IA the Right Choice for Students?

Choosing the right college town can shape your entire university experience. Cost of living, campus culture, and career opportunities all play a role when deciding where to study. Some students even consult moving brokers in the USA to better understand relocation logistics and housing options before starting college. With its welcoming community and strong academic reputation, many prospective students ask the same question: Is Ames IA the right choice for students looking for an affordable, lively, and academically focused environment?

A College Town Built Around Iowa State University

Ames is widely recognized as one of the most student-centered cities in the Midwest, largely because it is home to Iowa State University. According to recent Iowa State University enrollment statistics, the university enrolls more than 30,000 students each year. The institution strongly influences the city’s culture, from local businesses and housing to community events and student-focused activities.

Neighborhoods such as Campustown, located along Welch Avenue and Lincoln Way, are particularly popular with students. This area is filled with cafés, bookstores, restaurants, and late-night study spots. Students often walk or bike here after classes because it sits directly next to campus.

Some of the biggest advantages of studying in Ames include:

• A university-centered community where students make up nearly half the population
• A walkable campus surrounded by student-friendly businesses
• Frequent campus events, sports games, and student organization activities
• Easy access to research labs, innovation hubs, and internships

These factors are why many incoming students quickly feel confident that Ames IA the right choice for students who want both academic opportunities and an active social environment.

Cost of Living and Student Affordability

Affordability is one of the biggest reasons students choose Ames over larger college cities. According to recent data on the cost of living in Ames Iowa, the overall cost of living is roughly 8–12 percent lower than the U.S. average, making it easier for students to manage rent, groceries, and transportation while studying.

Off-campus housing prices vary depending on the neighborhood:

• Campustown apartments typically range between $650 and $1,100 per month
• Shared student housing near West Ames often costs $500–$750 per person
• On-campus housing averages $9,500–$10,500 per academic year

Students also benefit from the CyRide bus system, which provides free transportation for Iowa State students across most of the city.

Many movers say that Lincoln Way and Welch Avenue can become extremely busy during the August move-in week. Our drivers often recommend scheduling early-morning deliveries if you are moving into apartments in Campustown, because afternoon traffic and parking restrictions can significantly slow the process.

Because of these manageable costs and convenient infrastructure, it becomes easier to see why Ames IA the right choice for students who want a budget-friendly college town.

Student Relocation Made Easier

Moving to college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re arriving from another city or state. Students relocating within Ames often work with experienced Ames movers who understand the logistics of dormitories, student apartments, and narrow residential streets around campus.

Local moving professionals frequently point out a few practical tips for first-time student moves:

• Many Campustown buildings have limited elevator access, so planning arrival times is essential
• Parking restrictions near campus can require temporary unloading permits
• Some student apartments on Chamberlain Street and Stanton Avenue have tight stairwells that require smaller moving carts

Planning ahead can make a big difference during peak move-in season, when thousands of students arrive in Ames at the same time.

Academic Opportunities and Career Preparation

Beyond affordability and lifestyle, students choose Ames primarily for the academic strength of Iowa State University. The school consistently ranks among the top U.S. universities for engineering, agriculture, and design programs.

Some of the university’s strongest academic advantages include:

• More than 100 undergraduate majors and hundreds of research programs
• Strong partnerships with companies in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing
• One of the largest engineering colleges in the United States
• Internship pipelines with employers across the Midwest

Many students also participate in research through facilities such as the Ames National Laboratory, which collaborates with the U.S. Department of Energy.

For students interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, or STEM careers, these opportunities reinforce the idea that Ames IA the right choice for students planning for long-term career success.

Moving to Ames from Another State

A large portion of Iowa State’s student population comes from outside Iowa. Because of this, the city is well prepared to support long-distance student relocations.

Students arriving from other states often rely on professional cross country moving services to transport belongings before the academic year begins. Planning early can help avoid the rush that occurs in late August.

Helpful relocation advice includes:

• Arrive several days before orientation to explore neighborhoods
• Bring only essential furniture if moving into smaller apartments
• Coordinate delivery schedules with housing offices
• Prepare for Midwest winters by bringing seasonal clothing

Long-distance relocation may feel complicated at first, but the student-friendly infrastructure in Ames makes settling in relatively easy.

Housing Neighborhoods Popular With Students

Different areas of Ames offer different lifestyles for students, depending on their priorities.

• Campustown is the most vibrant student district and is located next to campus. Perfect for those who want to walk everywhere and enjoy nightlife and restaurants.
• West Ames is known for quieter apartment complexes and slightly lower rent prices. Many graduate students choose this area.
• South Ames offers larger rental homes that are often shared by groups of students looking for more space.

Students who relocate within the state often work with experienced moving companies in Iowa that understand the housing patterns and busy move-in seasons around Iowa State University.

Another practical insight movers frequently mention is that Hayward Avenue can become congested during semester transitions, especially when multiple apartment complexes schedule move-outs on the same weekend.

Lifestyle, Safety, and Community

Ames is consistently ranked as one of the safest college towns in the Midwest, which contributes to its appeal for students and families.

Beyond academics, the city offers plenty of recreational and social activities. Students regularly visit:

• Reiman Gardens, a botanical garden located on the Iowa State campus
• Ada Hayden Heritage Park, a scenic lake and trail area popular for biking
• Main Street in Downtown Ames is known for its independent shops and restaurants
• Weekly farmers’ markets and local festivals during the warmer months

Because the city balances student life with community engagement, many students feel comfortable living here throughout their college years.

Why Ames IA Is the Right Choice for Students

Ames offers a unique combination of affordability, strong academics, and a welcoming college-town atmosphere. From the vibrant Campustown district to quieter residential neighborhoods, students can find housing and lifestyle options that suit their needs. Reliable transportation, supportive community resources, and strong career pathways all add to the appeal. For many prospective students comparing college towns across the Midwest, the answer becomes clear: Ames IA is the right choice for students seeking both a high-quality education and a comfortable place to live during their university years.

Frequently Asked Questions