Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Iowa State University — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Iowa State University Neighborhood Overview
The Iowa State University neighborhood is the vibrant, bustling heart of Ames, centered around the prestigious public research university. This area is defined by a dynamic population of students, faculty, and staff, creating an energetic and intellectually stimulating environment. Its identity is intrinsically linked to the campus, which provides beautiful green spaces, historic architecture, and a constant flow of activity.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Life here revolves around campus events, from Cyclones athletics to academic lectures and cultural performances. The Campustown district offers a dense concentration of restaurants, coffee shops, and retail catering to the university community. Recreational amenities are abundant, including the extensive trails of the ISU campus, the Reiman Gardens, and the Stephens Auditorium for performing arts.
Real Estate Market
The real estate market is characterized by a mix of student housing, apartments, and single-family homes near campus. According to the U.S. Census, the median home value in the area is $235,700, while current market data shows a price per square foot around $288. Rental properties are a significant part of the housing stock, serving the large student population.
Schools & Education
The neighborhood is, of course, home to Iowa State University, a major land-grant institution known for its programs in engineering, agriculture, and design. For younger students, the area is served by the Ames Community School District, which is highly regarded. The constant presence of the university fosters a community-wide emphasis on learning and innovation.
Transportation & Connectivity
CyRide, the city's public transit system, provides extensive and free bus service throughout the campus and greater Ames area, making a car optional for many residents. The neighborhood is highly walkable and bikeable, with well-maintained paths connecting campus buildings, housing, and amenities. Major state highways provide easy road access to Des Moines, located about 30 miles south.
Why Choose Iowa State University
This neighborhood is ideal for students, academics, and professionals seeking a lively, walkable community centered on education and innovation. It offers a unique blend of Big 12 college town energy with the cultural and recreational resources of a major university. The combination of a strong local school district and direct access to a world-class campus creates an unparalleled environment for lifelong learning.
Iowa State University Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $236K |
| Median Gross Rent | $946/mo |
| Median Household Income | $65K |
| Homeownership Rate | 53.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.8% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 6.4% |
| Market Type | Balanced |
| Market Tier | Mid-Market |
| Primary ZIP Code | 50010 |
| Mortgage Originations (2022 HMDA) | |
| Total Mortgage Originations | 87,047 |
| VA Loan Originations | 3,592 |
| VA Loan Share | 0.0% |
| Average VA Loan Amount | $245K |
| Conventional Loan Originations | 77,690 |
| FHA Loan Originations | 5,765 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Iowa State University, Ames
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
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Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Iowa Real Estate Commission — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Mortgage Data: FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2022
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap — last updated 2026-10-14