2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Bella Vista, AR

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Highlights
Are people in Bella Vista older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Bella Vista is 27.5 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bella Vista or Ames?
- Bella Vista housing costs are 29.1% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bella Vista or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Bella Vista is 10.7 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 Bella Vista?
Bella Vista is an Ozark mountain town located near Bentonville in northwestern Arkansas near the Oklahoma border. With numerous natural wonders including forest trails and riverside areas, Bella Vista also offers plenty of outdoor activities such as biking, golfing or boating on Beaver Lake. There are also quaint shops and restaurants to explore throughout the city.

 Ames, IABella Vista, ARUnited States
 Population  Unlock29,818329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock50.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%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 Bella Vista    18 Reviews

Fantastic area with tons of outdoor activities and private amenities: 7 lakes, 3 pools, miles of hiking and biking trails, golf courses, pickle ball, tennis, frisbee  More

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Just moved to Arkanss earlier this year from Washington state. We are originally from the lower part of the U.S. and have lived in a few states over the last 12 years.  More

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Over 5 years ago

Bella Vista is a lovely place, with a low cost of living (but increasing all the time) and extremely low crime rate. The town has Five decent golf courses, good for a  More

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