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2024 Compare Cities Overview:
West Branch, IA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in West Branch?
- The Median Age in Ames is 13.2 years younger than in West Branch.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or West Branch?
- Ames housing costs are 5.9% less expensive than West Branch housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or West Branch?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 8.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of West Branch.

Things to do in West Branch?
Living in West Branch, IA is a pleasant experience for many. The city is located near the beautiful Cedar River, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, camping, and boating. It also has a bustling downtown area with plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. There are several parks in town that provide an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic. There's something for everyone in this small but vibrant Midwestern community. The friendly people who live here make it even more inviting, making it easy to build relationships with neighbors and fellow residents. West Branch truly offers the best of both worlds - the convenience of city living combined with the natural beauty of rural Iowa.

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.

 West Branch, IAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population2,28965,522329,725,481
 Median Income$67,460$54,339$69,021
 Median Age36.623.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$254,000$239,100$338,100
 Unemployment Rate4.1%2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.2616.4426.38

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Reviews for West Branch    1 Reviews

Located just off of Interstate 80, West Branch is home to several companies, including: US AutoForce, Altorfer, Inc. and Procter and Gamble. The city is currently  More

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Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 12 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 12 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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ZIPS IN WEST BRANCH, IOWA
52358
ZIPS IN AMES, IOWA
50010 50014 50012

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