2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Allendale, MI vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Allendale?
- The Median Age in Ames is 2.0 years older than in Allendale.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Allendale?
- Ames housing costs are 31.6% less expensive than Allendale housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Allendale?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 5.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Allendale.

Things to do in Allendale?
Allendale, Michigan is a charming town located in Ottawa County. With nearly 5,000 residents, Allendale has plenty to offer. The city features an abundance of local attractions including a historic downtown area, multiple parks and recreation areas for outdoor activities, and nearby ski hills for winter sports enthusiasts. Education is also important to the community with numerous well-regarded schools ranging from elementary to college level. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants and shopping centers for those looking for some retail therapy or entertainment. With its great location and many amenities, Allendale is truly an idyllic place to live or visit.

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.

 Allendale, MIAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$60,775  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$349,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.5  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Allendale    2 Reviews

Lived in Allendale for 7 years, and if you love dogs, you'll love this place! No better place to live if you have a dog or love dogs! And my neighbor Beth makes a  More

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Over 4 years ago

TOO MANY DOGS. THERE ARE SO MANY DOGS . I LIKE DOGS BUT THERE ARE JUST SO MANY I DONT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH DOGS BUT WOW -CAREN BETH IF YOU SEE THIS PLEASE DONT  More

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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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