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Ames, Iowa is a classic Midwestern college town built around Iowa State University and its Cyclones, where students make up a huge share of the population and campus life sets the tempo. The university sits at the center, and Campustown, the dense student district right across from campus, is the beating heart of student life with everything within a short walk. North Ames and West Ames hold more apartments and houses, while Old Town near downtown brings historic charm. Public green space runs along the trails threading through town, and energy peaks on Cyclones game days. Being a student renter here is about as walkable as a college town gets, with campus, housing, and everyday stuff packed together and a free transit system on top.
Directly across from Iowa State and the densest, most walkable student district, perfect if you want to roll out of bed and into class.
Just above campus, mixing newer apartment complexes with single-family houses and everyday conveniences.
A quieter alternative with upscale complexes and easy campus access by CyRide.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Ames.
CyRide, the city's transit system, is free to ride and funded partly through student fees. It runs more than a dozen routes connecting campus, the major student neighborhoods, and downtown, plus late-night service that students lean on heavily. If you live in Campustown or near a CyRide route, you really don't need a vehicle for daily life. The bus carries plenty of students through the whole year.
Campustown and the areas right around Iowa State are very walkable, and Ames is flat and bike-friendly, so cycling along Lincoln Way and the local trails is popular. The flat terrain makes biking easy across town. Students near campus can reach class and most essentials on foot. The trails give cyclists and walkers a clean route to follow.
A car helps for big grocery runs or trips out of town, but plenty of students get through the whole year without one. If you live in Campustown or near a CyRide route you really don't need a vehicle. Parking is generally manageable at the apartment complexes farther from the core. Near campus and Campustown, expect tighter spots and permit requirements.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Ames is reasonably priced for a college town. A private bedroom in a shared apartment or house near campus often runs about $500-$800 per month per person, and a whole one-bedroom typically lands around $700-$1,000 per month. Campustown units right by Iowa State sit at the higher end, so sharing with roommates is the usual way to keep your share affordable.
Browse student housing near each Ames-area university.