Ames
Though its main claim to fame is the home of the world-renowned Iowa State University, Ames is so much more than just another college town – it’s a place where collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship are a way of life.
From software engineering and pharmaceuticals to precision agriculture and animal health, a diverse range of cutting-edge career opportunities await – as does a small-town feel with big-city amenities. If you’re seeking a place where both your career and family can thrive, Ames is the place for you.
Fast Facts
- Population: 66,427
- 35 miles north of Des Moines
- #6 Best Public Schools in Iowa (Niche, 2021)
- #8 Best Places to Live in Iowa (Niche, 2021)
- #15 Top 100 Best Places to Live (Livability, 2020)
- Top 10 Cities for Career Opportunities (SmartAsset, 2019)
Meet Me on Main Street
Ames Main Street is home to more than 50 locally-owned specialty retail shops, art galleries and restaurants in the heart of a Main Street Iowa community.
The Epicenter of Animal Health
Ames is center of U.S. Department of Agriculture animal health research, and home to the top-flight Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, a nationwide leader in animal vaccine development.
Smart Ag, Transformative Outcomes
Ames is home to America’s Cultivation Corridor, an organization committed to fostering collaborative opportunities for agricultural bioscience research, innovation and entrepreneurship in Iowa.
