2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Ankeny, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ankeny older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Ankeny is 9.5 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ankeny or Ames?
- Ankeny housing costs are 31.5% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ankeny or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Ankeny is 4.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Ames.

Things to do in Ames?
Ames, Iowa is a lively city located in the heart of central Iowa. This bustling city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the picturesque Reiman Gardens or the historic Octagon Center for the Arts. Residents here also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at Hills Memorial Park or Brookside Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Ames their home.

Things to do in Ankeny?
Ankeny, Iowa is an incredible city located in the heart of Polk County. This bustling community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the historic downtown district or popular restaurants like Whiskey River BBQ. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Ankeny Park, Ledges State Park, and Terrace Hill Farm. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Ankeny their home.

 Ames, IAAnkeny, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock66,346329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock32.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.44  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

Hello, I am in San Jose Ca, but am seriously thinking of moving somewhere much slower for a better quality of living. I've just turned 59, so I'm kinda preparing for  More

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Over 13 years ago

Like every other city Ames has both good and bad points. The good points are: low cost of living, very friendly people, lots of outdoor activities and quite a few events  More

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Ames enjoys a high quality of life at a very affordable cost, substantially lower than many other communities. The presence of Iowa State University, a large (28,000  More

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Reviews for Ankeny    3 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

I moved to Ankeny from Southern CA in June, 2005. My immediate and lasting impression is the incredible home values here, the relatively low population density, and the  More

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Over 17 years ago

Ankeny is a great community to raise a family or to be single. The shools are wonderful and so many activities for kids and families. The weather when it is good, it  More

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Over 18 years ago

We don't call it "Ankenytopia" for nothing! This is the best town in Iowa! The schools are top-notch, the town is growing and getting more attractions. We are missing  More

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