The 6 Best Overall Student Apartments Near Iowa State (October 2026)

1. 1.

   

   The Social West Ames®

   view → The Social West Ames®

   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The Social West Ames stands out for overall excellence near Iowa State because of a maintenance team that genuinely goes the extra mile and a staff that makes you feel heard from day one. Students consistently praise Nate, Jerry, and Brent for tackling everything from emergency plumbing to smoke detectors with speed and professionalism, while the leasing team earns real compliments for being pleasant and knowledgeable. As one resident put it, "Maintenance really knocked it out of the park" and "deserve a big shout out." When your biggest wins are a responsive maintenance crew and staff who smile through the chaos, you know you've got something solid.

   $399/person/mo
2. 2.

   

   CORE Apartments

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   4.6(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: CORE Apartments delivers the full package for students looking for a genuinely welcoming community near Iowa State, combining thoughtful amenities with staff and residents who actually care about each other. The pet-friendly culture, reliable elevator access, and quick maintenance response times are all huge, but what really sets CORE apart is the human element office staff who help you track down packages, neighbors who hold elevators, and a team that remembers your dog's name. As one resident shared, "Living at CORE Apartments has honestly made my college experience so much better" because it feels "safe, comfortable, and stress free." That's the kind of place that makes balancing school and life actually possible.

   $1175/person/mo
3. 3.

   

   The Point at Ames

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   3.8(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The Point at Ames has a maintenance team that students genuinely appreciate for their speed and friendliness, with crew members like Julian earning real praise for getting work done fast and with a great attitude. The quick response times to maintenance requests are a solid win that keeps residents happy day-to-day. As one resident noted, "Julian worked on my apartment and he did amazing. Super nice guy and worked really fast!" That said, the move-out experience has given some residents serious pause, so factor that into your decision.

   $600/person/mo
4. 4.

   

   The Landing Ames

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   3.2(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The Landing Ames has staff who are genuinely responsive and time-conscious when you need help, which counts for a lot in day-to-day living. The quick turnaround on questions and requests shows a team that respects your time. That said, students have flagged some real concerns about the move-out billing process specifically utility forecasting and surprise charges that feel designed to pad the bottom line rather than reflect actual costs. Before signing, make sure you understand exactly how final bills are calculated and get everything in writing.

   $445/person/mo
5. 5.

   

   BlockONE

   view → BlockONE

   2.8(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: BlockONE lands on this overall ranking despite facing real maintenance challenges that have frustrated residents. Students consistently report ongoing issues with essential systems elevators, appliances, internet that seem to cycle through problems week after week, and the building's handling of mold concerns left residents feeling unheard. Beyond the infrastructure struggles, residents have also felt let down by roommate selection policies that don't always match the marketing, plus surprise fees that add up fast. As one resident put it, "It's something new every week," capturing the unpredictability that defines the living experience here.

   $799/person/mo
6. 6.

   

   The Social Reserve

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   5.0(4 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The Social Reserve stands out for creating a genuinely welcoming community where the staff actually shows up for residents. Students rave about the team's responsiveness and warmth from Scarlett jumping in to help with last-minute questions to Kelly and Ryker going the extra mile on problem-solving and tours. The energy here feels personal rather than transactional, with staff who remember your name and treat the application process like they're helping a friend move in. As one resident simply put it, "I LOVE living here!!" That kind of enthusiasm speaks volumes about what happens when management prioritizes making people feel at home.

   $459/person/mo

Walk times are door-to-door to Iowa State campus. Rent is per person, per month.