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Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Ames, Iowa.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Guide to Ames, Iowa
Page 2: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Table

of C

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2| Ames Relocation Guide

ISU’s historic Marston Water Tower

McFarland Clinic

Page 3: Guide to Ames, Iowa

3

Welcome/About Us ............................... 4-5

Community Overview ............................ 6-9

Living in Iowa ............................................ 10-11

School Information .................................. 12-13

Things to do .............................................. 14-17

Housing Market ........................................ 18-19

Businesses & Industry ............................... 20-21

Moving Guide .......................................... 22-23

Table of Contents

Table

of

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Ames Relocation Guide |3

Page 4: Guide to Ames, Iowa

At Hunziker & Associates,

REALTORS®, we are proud to

introduce you to Ames, Iowa.

We have created this guide

with you in mind; drawing

from the questions and

experiences of many families

we have relocated in the

past. Please contact our

Relocation Department or

your Hunziker agent for

anything you need to make

Ames home.

About Us

Hunziker & Associates, Realtors® is

the largest real estate company in Ames

and a locally owned business since 1952.

We care a great deal about the Ames

community. Our owners, staff and real

estate agents invest their time and

resources into making this community a

great place to live.

We would be honored to assist you with

any of your real estate needs.

A Family Owned Group of Companies

Hunziker & Associates, Realtors®

Residential Homes for Sale

Commercial Property Sale/Lease

HCS Home Builders

Home Builder with design service

Hunziker Land Development

Residential & commercial lots

Hunziker Property Management

Apartment rentals

Hunziker Welcomes You!

Welc

om

e to

Am

es

4| Ames Relocation Guide

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

HunzikerRealty.com View all the homes for sale by

Realtors® from every local

company.

Text Hunziker to

87778 to view

homes on your

cell phone.

Hunziker Realty

Hunziker Realty

HunzikerRealtyNews.com/blog

B

L

O

G

Page 5: Guide to Ames, Iowa

5

Relocation Assistance

We offer complimentary relocation

assistance through our award winning

relocation department. Contact us for

friendly concierge service from our full-time

staff. We can help you move across town,

or across the nation.

Services Offered City to City Comparison Reports

Realtor® Selection Assistance

Personalized recommendation based

on your unique needs (Local & Nationwide)

Community Tours

Hotel Discounts

Short term housing information

Moving company discounts

Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® Ames Office

105 South 16th St

Ames, IA 50014

Main Phone: 515-233-4450

Toll Free: 800-765-1733

www.HunzikerRealty.com

Relocation Department:

515-239-8662

[email protected]

Welc

om

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o A

mes

Ames Relocation Guide |5

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Relocation Assistance

Page 6: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Ames offers a surprising

amount of big city attractions

and variety, while retaining

the charm of a small wel-

coming hometown.

The rich variety in Ames is due largely

to the diverse population drawn from around

the world to attend and work at Iowa State

University. Internationally recognized for it’s

achievements in scientific research, and ranked

as one of the top 50 public universities in the

nation, the ISU student body comes from all 50

states and over 110 countries.

Metropolitan amenities such as national

concert tours and world renowned performing

artists are often hosted at Hilton Coliseum and

Stephen’s Auditorium, Iowa’s Building of the

Century. And of course, Iowa State Big 12

athletic events are widely attended by

enthusiastic Cyclone fans. And, when peace

and quiet are desired, Ames residents have

time to enjoy nature, with easy access to 55

miles of trails, 36 beautiful parks, five golf

courses, and Ada Haden Lake all within the

city limits. And with a skate park, new aquatic

center, city gymnasium and even hiking and

downhill skiing nearby, there is always a

recreational activity available.

Ames residents get to choose their own

speed and style in many other ways as well.

Shoppers enjoy the choice of big box retail

stores or small locally owned boutiques in the

Main Street Cultural District. Abundant

restaurants offer a wide variety from ethnic-

themed experiences, to fast food favorites and

vibrant night clubs in Campus Town. There is

also a wide variety of housing choices in

Ames, from contemporary new construction to

well preserved older homes, and condos to

acreages. Ames has a healthy real estate

Community Overview

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6| Ames Relocation Guide

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Page 7: Guide to Ames, Iowa

7

Ames Statistics

Population: 58,965

Iowa State Student Population: 28,862 (2010-2011)

Average travel time to work: 15 minutes

Crime rate index: 0.43 (Less than half the national average of 1)

Cost of living Index: 91.4 (below the U.S. average of 100)

Average high temperature: 84° July, 27° January

78% of workforce works white collar jobs

Households with children: 19%

Median age: 23 yrs old

Residents born outside the U.S: 11.3%

Residents born in Iowa: 55%

Source: US Census Bureau and OnBoard Informatics

5 minute video about life in Ames

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market, with a historically stable and steady

growth in home values.

Although almost everything is

available in Ames, it’s only a 30 minute drive

to Iowa’s capitol city of Des Moines. With a

low crime rate, affordable housing, top rated

schools, and exceptional area attractions, Ames

residents enjoy a tremendous quality of life.

Many people who have moved to Ames have

been delighted with the short commutes,

friendly atmosphere and how easily they

became involved and felt at home in the

community. When you speak to them, it shows

they are proud to call Ames, Iowa home!

Ames Relocation Guide |7

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

/HunzikerRealty

Page 8: Guide to Ames, Iowa

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Ames is one of the...

Geekiest Cities in America

#13, Forbes, 2011

Best Places to Live

#9, America’s Best Small Cities, CNN Money, 2010

100 Best Communities for Young People

America’s Promise Alliance & Capitol One, 2010

Best Places to Raise Kids

Selected for Iowa, Business Week, 2010

Best Places For Business & Career

#17, Forbes Magazine, 2010

Best Places to Live the Simple Life

One of 5 cities selected, AARP Magazine, 2009

Top 10 Places to Live a Long Life

#2 (Story County), CNN Money, 2008

Smartest Cities in America

#6, Forbes Magazine, 2008

100 Best Places to Live

Money Magazine, 2008

Greatest Places You’ve Never Heard Of

Mother Earth News, 2008

10 Best Places to Retire Young

CNN Money, 2007

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

8| Ames Relocation Guide

Page 9: Guide to Ames, Iowa

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Ames Relocation Guide |9

Iowa was established

as a state in 1846. Prior to the

settlement of Iowa, the Ames

area was home to the Sac

and Fox Indians, also called

the Mesquakie.

In 1858, the state of

Iowa chartered land for a

model farm and agricultural

college in an undeveloped

area which is today Iowa

State University. It was the

first public college estab-

lished in the nation.

In 1864, Ames was

selected as a railway stop since the two

rivers running through the area provided

ample water for refilling steam engines.

Trains still travel through Ames daily on

what is now the Union Pacific railroad.

In 1904, a state highway commis-

sion was established in Ames. The Iowa

Department of Transportation remains as

one of the largest employers in Ames.

After World War II, the G.I. Bill

enabled thousands of returning veterans

to attend college. Between the years of

1945 to 1946, attendance grew at Iowa

State from 3400 to 9200. The university has

continued to grow and in 2010 a new

enrollment record was set of over 28,000

students.

The city of Ames has also grown

steadily since 1940 when the population

was only 10,500.

Interesting Facts

During WWII, Iowa State University

secretly helped the government purify

uranium for the Manhattan Project.

The world’s first computer was invented

at Iowa State between 1937-1942, but

credit was largely attributed elsewhere

until a lengthy court trial in 1973.

George Washington Carver, famous for

developing hundreds of uses for crops

including peanuts, was the 1st African

American student at Iowa State

University, and latter its first African

American professor.

Famous former Ames residents include

Actor Nick Nolte and Professional

Baseball Player and Evangelist, Billy

Sunday.

Laurel Clark, an astronaut lost in the

space shuttle Columbia tragedy was

born in Ames.

Olympic wrestling gold medalists, Dan

Gable and Cael Sanderson, wrestled

and coached at Iowa State University.

Ames’ History

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Photo credit: Ames Public Library

Page 10: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Iowans enjoy a rich

quality of life, with a low cost

of living, stable economy,

ample employment opportu-

nities, safe neighborhoods,

thriving metropolitan areas,

top school systems, friendly

citizens, and a wealth of

recreational and cultural

activities.

Classic Iowan Mentality

Iowans tend to pride themselves on

being practical and down to earth.

Common sense and personal responsibility

are highly valued. This is mixed with a

tremendous openness to new ideas and

quick adoption of new technology.

Politically Influential

Iowa is the first state in the nation to

conduct caucuses to select presidential

candidates. Therefore, Iowa voters

determine who will be viewed as the front

runner or drop out of the race. Presidential

hopefuls begin making appearances in

the state 2 years before the election.

Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa’s capitol and

largest city, is just 35 miles from Ames. The

greater Des Moines metropolitan area has

a population of 649,000 and it grew at

double the national rate between 2000-

2010. Many Iowa cities are growing, but

most rural counties are stagnant or slowly

declining in population.

Des Moines is a hub for finance and

insurance. It maintained unemployment

rates dramatically lower than the national

average during the last economic

downturn. This is just one reason it was

named by Forbes Magazine as the #1

“Best Place for Business and Careers.”

The Affect of Agriculture

Agriculture is second to manufac-

turing in terms of gross domestic product

and only a small percentage of Iowans

work directly on farms or in Ag related

businesses. However, a high percentage

of Iowans have spent time on a farm

either growing up as a child when smaller

family farms were common, or by visiting a

farm owned by relatives. The two

predominant crops are corn and

soybeans.

L

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10| Ames Relocation Guide

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Living in Iowa

Tim Kiser

Page 11: Guide to Ames, Iowa

11

Iowa Weather: What to Expect

Iowa fully experiences all four

seasons. The summers are hot and humid,

with an average high of 84° in July. Lots of

sunshine mixed with adequate rainfall

creates a lush green landscape in the

summer along with beautiful blue skies

and as one visitor put it, “perfect clouds.”

Iowans prize summers for outdoor

recreation and entertaining opportunities.

Winters are cold enough to

produce a blanket of snow for several

weeks each winter. Sledding, snowmobi-

ling, or just building snowmen are

common winter pass times. The average

high in January is 27°.

Spring and fall are mild and

picturesque, although temperatures can

swing widely within a day or two while the

seasons are changing. Fall is usually dry

and the fields will turn brown before

harvesting.

Iowa’s severe weather includes

blizzards, thunderstorms, hail and

tornadoes. Snow and ice can cause traffic

slowdowns, but is usually cleared quickly

and road crews apply salt to minimize icy

conditions on the roadways. It is not

uncommon for school to be cancelled

due to blizzards a few times each year.

Tornados often worry newcomers,

but tornado damage affects only a very

small percentage of Iowans annually.

Communities sound sirens to give residents

advanced warning to take cover, so loss

of life or property is rare-although you will

likely see damage reported on the news

from somewhere in the state every year.

The most common time for tornadoes is

spring and summer late afternoons and

early evenings, although they can occur

at other times.

Thunderstorms occasionally

produce wind or hail damage, but also

create majestic white thunderheads

topping 25,000 feet, visible from halfway

across the state during the summer.

Liv

ing

in

Io

wa

Ames Relocation Guide |11

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Page 12: Guide to Ames, Iowa

School Information

Sch

oo

l Info

rmatio

n

To learn more, click on the blue links to

visit the related websites. If you have a

printed guide, visit http://issuu.com/

hunzikerrealty to view this guide online.

Ames is widely recognized for

high quality educational oppor-

tunities, not just at the university

level, but also from elementary

through high school grade levels.

Two community school districts

are located within the city limits

of Ames. Open enrollment is

possible between districts when

space is available. Private

schools are also available.

Ames Community School District Ames Community School District is one of

the best in Iowa, featuring small class sizes,

highly qualified teachers, rigorous

academic standards, an abundance of

extracurricular opportunities, and many

advanced placement classes for college

credit.

Gilbert Community School District

Homes located north of Blooming-

ton Road in Ames are in the Gilbert School

District. Gilbert is a small town a few miles

north of Ames. The academic quality is

excellent and many families interested in a

smaller school system seek homes in the

Gilbert district.

Ames Christian Ames Christian School is a multi-

denominational private Christian school

providing quality education to children

from preschool through 8th grade. They

offer small class sizes and an outreach

mission project in every grade.

St. Cecilia

Catholic school offering preschool-5th

grade with small class sizes and a focus on

both the academic and spiritual well-

being of every child.

12 Ames Relocation Guide

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Ames Middle School

Page 13: Guide to Ames, Iowa

13

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Iowa State University Founded in 1858 as the Iowa

Agricultural College, Iowa State

University has a legacy of cutting-

edge research and high-quality state

education. Iowa State is particularly

known for excellent agricultural,

engineering, and veterinary medicine

programs. In addition, Iowa State

draws many well-known entertainers,

top-notch sports, and many fantastic

traditions. About 28,000 students

attend ISU, and the university offers

over 100 programs and degrees.

Des Moines Area Community College

DMACC's Hunziker Career Academy

in Ames offers High School students an

opportunity to earn college credits.

For adults, Iowa’s largest community

college features a main campus in

nearby Ankeny. Over 75 career

programs are offered.

Ames Relocation Guide |13

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

ISU’s Memorial Union

Ames Community School District Statistics*

Students: 4,353

Teachers: 358, plus 165 educational as-

sistants. 52% have Masters degrees.

Student Teacher Ratio: 15/1

Ames High School

Listed by Newsweek as one of the

“Best High Schools in America”, 2010.

Average ACT scores: 24.9

(national average: 21.1)

91% of graduates went on to higher

education (70% were universities)

Ames High typically produces the most

National Merit Students in the state.

*2010-2011 Data source: A.C.S.D. & OnBoard

Page 14: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Ames Activities

To learn more, click on the blue links to visit the related websites. If you have a

printed guide, visit http://issuu.com/hunzikerrealty to view this guide online.

City of Ames Parks and Recreation (515) 239-5434

Civic & Social

Houses of Worship*

Civic Organizations and Clubs*

Volunteer Center of Story County (515)-268-5323

Events

Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau 515-232-4032

Ames News Online Community Calendar*

Ames Tribune Community Calendar*

Meetups*

Golf Courses (Public & Private)

Ames Golf and Country Club (515) 232-8334

Veenker Memorial Golf (515) 294-6727

Coldwater Golf Links (515) 233-4664

Homewood Golf Course (515) 239-5363

Oaks Golf Course (515) 232-9862

Special Interest*

ACTORS Ames Community Theater (515)-232-2354

Ames Municipal Band

Octagon Center for the Arts (515)-232-5331 (Offering classes for all ages)

*Not necessarily a complete list.

Things to Do!

Th

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14| Ames Relocation Guide

City Leagues & Lessons

Badminton

Baseball

Blastball

Dance (Toddlers-

Adult)

Disc Golf

Figure Skating

Fitness Classes

Flag Football

Golf

Gymnastics

Hockey

Kick Ball

Pilates

Sand Volleyball

Scuba Diving

Soccer

Softball

Swimming

Tae Kwon Do

T-ball

Tennis

Track

Triathlon Training

Volleyball

Yoga

Ames Recreational Facilities

36 parks, 55 miles of trails

Aquatic center

Ada Hayden lake

Skate park

Indoor ice arena

Disc golf course

Hunziker Youth Sports Complex

Indoor auditorium (gym)

Wading Pool

Dog Park

Cross country skiing trail

Band shell park

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Page 15: Guide to Ames, Iowa

15

Central Iowa Activities

To learn more, click on the blue links to visit the related websites. If you have a

printed guide, visit http://issuu.com/hunzikerrealty to view this guide online.

Tourism & Event information available at www.TravelIowa.com. Amusement Parks

Adventureland

Altoona

Large Museums

Science Center of Iowa

Des Moines

Living History Farms

Urbandale

Christian Petersen, Art Museums

Ames, ISU Campus

Des Moines Art Museum

Des Moines

Salisbury House

Des Moines

State Historical Museum

Des Moines

Train rides & Museum

Boone Scenic Valley Railroad

Boone

Zoo

Blank Park Zoo

Des Moines

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Ames Relocation Guide |15

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Adventureland Des Moines Botanical Center

Boone & Scenic Valley Rail Road

Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

Page 16: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Cultural Event Centers

Iowa State Center

Ames

Iowa Events Center

Des Moines

Civic Center

Des Moines

Des Moines Playhouse

Des Moines

Des Moines Symphony

Des Moines

Des Moines Metro Opera

Indianola

Wineries

Prairie Moon Winery

Ames

Snus Hill Winery

Madrid

White Oak Vinyards

Cambridge

Shopping Centers

Main Street Cultural District

Downtown Ames

North Grand Mall

Ames

Delaware Shopping District

Ankeny

Jordan Creek Town Center

West Des Moines

Farmer’s Markets

Ames Farmer’s Market

Ames

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Downtown Des Moines

Public Gardens

Reiman Gardens (Butterfly House)

Ames

Botanical Center

Des Moines

Iowa Arboretum

Luther

Th

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s to

Do

16| Ames Relocation Guide

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

www.brentbutler.com/cgi/pics.pl?id=1250312400

Reiman Gardens

Hilton Coliseum

C.Y. Stephens Auditorium

Page 17: Guide to Ames, Iowa

17

Sporting Events– College and Semi-Professional

Iowa State University Athletics

Ames

Iowa Barnstormers Arena Football

Des Moines

Buccaneers Hockey

Urbandale

Iowa Cubs Baseball

Des Moines

Iowa Energy Basketball

Des Moines

Iowa Speedway (NASCAR)

Newton

Des Moines Menace Soccer

West Des Moines

Trails/ Parks/ Biking/Large Lakes

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Ames

Ledges State Park

Boone

High Trestle Bike Trail

Ankeny to Woodward

Saylorville Lake

Des Moines

Grey’s Lake

Des Moines

Big Creek State Park

Polk City

Central Iowa Bike Trails

Des Moines & Surrounding Areas

Ice Skating

Ames/ ISU Ice Arena

Ames

Brenton Skating Plaza (Outdoor)

Downtown Des Moines

Skiing ,Snowboarding, River Tubing & Canoeing

Seven Oaks Recreation Area

Boone

Casinos

Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino

Altoona

Meskwaki Bingo Casino & Hotel

Tama

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Ames Relocation Guide |17

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Jack Trice Stadium

Reiman Gardens

Hilton Coliseum

C.Y. Stephens Auditorium

Page 18: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Housing Market

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Ames has a healthy real

estate market, with slow and

steady growth in home values.

Even when other areas in the

nation and state have been

adversely affected by the

economic downturn, the Ames

market has historically remained

remarkably stable. Ames is a

smart place to invest in a home. Ames has an abundance of state &

federal employees, which has

contributed to its economic resilience

compared to areas with less stable job

bases.

Selection

There is a wide variety of housing

choices in Ames, from new construc-

tion to charming older homes, condos

to acreages, and architecture styles

from modern to traditional and

everything in between. Many homes

Housing Market Statistics

The average home value in

2010 was $180,306.

About 55% of housing units in

Ames are rentals.

42 percent of housing structures

were built since 1990.

12 percent of homes were built

before 1939.

18| Ames Relocation Guide

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

HCS Builders

Page 19: Guide to Ames, Iowa

19

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have large trees or are located near

green spaces, parks and walking trails.

Single Family Homes

The majority of homes for sale in

Ames are single family homes. There is

a lot of variety: they range from

modest to magnificent, restored

historical to brand new construction in

a variety of styles and price points.

Condos & Townhomes

Although not as plentiful as

single family homes, there are a variety

of condo and townhome options

available for those looking for a low-

maintenance home ownership option.

Many are located in newer develop-

ments.

Acreages

Even through Ames is sur-

rounded by farm land, there are not

usually many acreages available, and

these properties often are priced at a

premium. This is due to the large

amounts of land owned by public

entities such as ISU and the USDA as

well as a restriction on breaking off an

individual home site from farm ground

in Story county. There are some rural

subdivisions near Ames with homes on

acre and larger lots, some large

enough to accommodate horses.

Lots

For those looking to build a

home, lots are available at a variety of

price points.

Ames Relocation Guide |19

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

To view all the homes for sale in

Ames by Realtors®, visit

www.HunzikerRealty.com.

To find a real estate professional

to represent you, visit our web-

site or contact our Relocation

Department to be personally

matched to a well qualified

agent.

Page 20: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Bu

sin

ess &

Ind

ustry

20| Ames Relocation Guide

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Ames has a historically

stable economy. Unemploy-

ment rates are usually very

low; often half of the national

average. The abundance of

state and federal govern-

ment jobs in the area along

with the diverse employment

base have contributed to the

area’s resilience in times of

economic downturn.

Iowa State University

Iowa State University is the largest

employer in Ames, with 14,000 employees

serving over 28,000 students. Iowa State is

world-renown for scientific discovery and is

a center for research, especially in

agriculture and technology. Over 100

programs of study are available.

The student body comes from all 50

states and over 110 countries.

Many events are hosted on

campus and at the Iowa State Center,

which boosts tourism revenue to the area.

Many national concert tours are hosted

every year, along with conventions and

events such as the Special Olympics, the

Iowa Games, and Odyssey of the Mind.

Iowa State also hosts an annual festival

each Spring called VEISHEA.

National Animal Disease Center

One of the largest animal disease

control centers in the world is located in

Ames. The 1 million square foot research

facility includes high-containment lab

space and several animal herds are kept

on site. It is run by the United States

Department of Agriculture. The buildings

and animal pastures are visible from I-35.

Sauer-Danfoss

Sauer-Danfoss is a global company

headquartered in Ames. They design and

build hydrostatic transmissions for farm

equipment and large off-highway

equipment.

Business & Industry

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Ames Laboratory

Ames Laboratory is a research facility of

the US Department of Energy run by Iowa State

University focused on energy solutions.

Becker Underwood

World distributor of colorants for land-

scape and agricultural products such as mulch,

seed, turf and lake dyes. The company was

founded in Ames and their corporate headquar-

ters, research facilities and a manufacturing

facility are located on Dayton Road.

Iowa State University Research Park

The research park offers office and lab

space along with business development

assistance to help turn new technologies into

viable business opportunities.

Barilla

Barilla pasta is manufactured in Ames.

Barilla is an Italian owned company.

Hach Company

Hach is a world leader in water quality

testing & treatment supplies. It was founded in

Ames by a husband and wife team in 1947.

Iowa Department of Transportation

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s

central administrative office is the second largest

employer in Ames. They are responsible for

engineering road work and issuing state drivers

licenses.

McFarland Clinic, PC

McFarland Clinic PC is Central Iowa’s

largest physician-owned health care clinic,

serving 12 Iowa communities and employing over

1,100 people.

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Mary Greeley Medical Center is a hospital

owned by the city of Ames. Mary Greeley offers

more than 36 specialties, and serves 13 counties.

Ames Relocation Guide |21

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Page 22: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Moving Guide

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22| Ames Relocation Guide

To learn more, click on the blue links to visit the related websites. If you have a

printed guide, visit http://issuu.com/hunzikerrealty to view this guide online.

Utilities

Electric & Water

City of Ames 515 Clark Avenue (515) 239-5120

Electric (If outside city limits)

Midland Power (515) 386-4111

Alliant Energy (800) 255-4268

Natural Gas

Alliant Energy (800) 255-4268

Garbage Service

Resource Recovery Plant (515)-239-5137

Chitty Garbage Service (515) 382-3808

Phone/Internet/TV Century Link (800) 244-1111

Mediacom (800) 332-0245

Mid-Iowa Satellite (TV only) (515) 233-1112

The organizations listed are not necessarily a complete list of providers in the area.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Page 23: Guide to Ames, Iowa

23

Government Contacts Post Office 210 Welch Avenue (515) 292-2098

City Hall 515 Clark Avenue (515) 239-5200

Voter Registration (forms available at City Hall) (515) 382-7210

Driver's License 3708 W Lincoln Way (515) 296-2393

County Court House Nevada, Iowa (515) 382-7255

City of Ames Assessor 515 Clark Avenue (515) 239-5370

Transportation

Executive Express (Shuttle to Des Moines Airport) (888) 522-9899

CyRide (City bus service) (515) 292-1100

Medical Care

Mary Greeley (Hospital) 1111 Duff Avenue (515) 239-2011

McFarland Clinic 1215 Duff Avenue (515) 239-4400

News Sources Ames Tribune (515) 663-6900

Des Moines Register (877) 424-0225

Ames News Online

Iowa State Daily

Weather and Forecast

Miscellaneous

Ames Chamber of Commerce (515) 232-2310

Ames Public Library 515 Douglas Avenue (515) 239-5646

College Sitter Contact (Babysitter referrals) (515) 201-7643

The organizations listed are not necessarily a complete list of providers in the area.

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Ames Relocation Guide |23

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Page 24: Guide to Ames, Iowa

Contact us to find your new home today!

Thank you for allowing us introduce you to Ames! We would like to provide you with exceptional service in purchasing a home as well. Please contact our Relocation Department or the agent who gave you this guide to schedule a tour of homes anywhere in Ames, Des Moines or the surrounding areas.

A featured home built by HCS Builders, a sister

company of Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS®.

Relocation Department

515-239-8662 [email protected]

105 South 16th St

Ames, IA 50010

Serving Central Iowa, including

the Des Moines Metro through

our offices in Ames, Ankeny,

Boone & Nevada, Iowa.

800-765-1733

515-233-4450

www.HunzikerRealty.com

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

© Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS® www.HunzikerRealty.com 1-800-765-1733 or 1-515-233-4450

105 S 16 th St. Ames, IA 50010. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.