Old Town, Ames, IA
Old Town — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Old Town, Ames, Iowa. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
Last verified:
Old Town Neighborhood Overview
Old Town is a historic and centrally located neighborhood in Ames, Iowa, offering a unique blend of classic charm and modern convenience. Situated near the Iowa State University campus, it provides a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere for residents. The area's walkable streets and well-preserved homes reflect its deep roots in the city's development.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Residents enjoy a lifestyle centered around local parks, independent shops, and diverse dining options within easy walking or biking distance. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown Ames and the university campus ensures access to cultural events, farmers markets, and entertainment. This creates a dynamic environment that appeals to students, professionals, and families alike.
Real Estate Market
The Old Town real estate market features a mix of historic single-family homes and multi-unit properties, with a median home value of $235,700. Homes sell at a price per square foot of approximately $224.51 and typically spend about 36 days on the market, indicating steady demand. The neighborhood has a homeownership rate of 53%, reflecting a balance between owners and renters.
Schools & Education
Families in Old Town are served by the highly regarded Ames Community School District. The neighborhood's central location provides convenient access to various public school options. Its close proximity to Iowa State University also infuses the area with an academic and innovative energy.
Transportation & Connectivity
Old Town boasts excellent walkability and bikeability, with many daily needs met without a car. The neighborhood is well-served by the CyRide public transit system, offering frequent and free routes throughout Ames and to the university campus. Major routes like Lincoln Way and Duff Avenue provide quick connections for regional travel.
Why Choose Old Town
Old Town is ideal for those seeking a historic neighborhood with strong community ties and unparalleled access to the amenities of a college town. The market offers relative affordability with a median rent of $946 and solid home values, appealing to first-time buyers and investors. It represents a perfect compromise between quiet, tree-lined streets and the vibrant energy of central Ames.
Old Town 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 Old Town, Ames
Local agent underwriting is in progress
Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Old Town, Ames, IA. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
Agent selection follows our published merit criteria. Do not infer or fabricate agent names.
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