Local News, Politics & Sports in Ames, IA (2024)

FAQs

What is Ames Iowa noted for? ›

Ames (/eɪmz/) is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is best known as the home of Iowa State University (ISU), with leading agriculture, design, engineering, and veterinary medicine colleges.

Centrally and conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest and Iowa, Ames is known for its robust, stable economy, flourishing cultural environment, comprehensive medical care, top-quality schools, acres of parks and recreational opportunities, and the world-renowned Iowa State University.

Ames is an urban community located in central Iowa (Story County), approximately 30 miles north of the state capital of Des Moines (Figure P. 1-1).

Ames is home to many “unofficial queer safe spaces'' that are valued by the LGBTQ+ community. For students like Olivia Sorenson, places like Dog-Eared Books provide comfort and security.

Ames is part of Ames Metro metro area, which is ranked 141 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Ames is estimated to be 93.9% of the national average making it an average US city.

Even with an expanding population, the negative net migration rate opens up more homes than there are people moving into the state who can fill them. This has led to a situation where home prices are low even though the average salary is high.

Iowa ranks first in beef, pork, corn, soybean and grain production. One Iowa family farm grows enough food and fiber to feed 279 people. The world's first electronic digital computer was built and operated by researchers at Iowa State University in the 1930's.

Iowa State plays NCAA Division I FBS football in the Big 12 Conference. Iowa State football team is led by head coach Matt Campbell. ISU started playing football in 1892, however, it did not become an official sport until 1894. The Cyclones have a 512–624–46 all-time record and are 3–7 in post season play.

Where do the athletes live at Iowa State? ›

Athletes –Due to team-living requirements, members of specific ISU athletic teams, may receive permission to live in ISU owned/operated apartments regardless of age. Only coaches may request this and permission is granted to teams, not individuals.

Ames is a town in Iowa with a population of 66,265. Ames is in Story County and is one of the best places to live in Iowa. Living in Ames offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Ames there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks.

It's home to Iowa State University which is likely the city's biggest attraction, but there's a whole lot more to Ames.

A Few Interesting Facts About Ames

The railroad president, John Blair, named the town after his friend Oakes Ames, a railroad promoter and congressman from Massachusetts, who never lived in Ames. In 1870, the town was incorporated with a population of 844. It was platted by Charles Irish, a railroad engineer.

Iowa ranks first in beef, pork, corn, soybean and grain production. One Iowa family farm grows enough food and fiber to feed 279 people. The world's first electronic digital computer was built and operated by researchers at Iowa State University in the 1930's.

Acute meningitis and encephalitis syndromes (AMES) is a severe neurological infection which causes high case fatality and severe sequelae in children.

Ames, Iowa, is the Smart Choice!