2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Carefree, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Carefree older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Carefree is 43.3 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carefree or Ames?
- Carefree housing costs are 373.6% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carefree or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Carefree is 9.4 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 Carefree?
Living in Carefree, AZ is like living in paradise. With its lush desert landscape and stunning mountain views, it's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It's also close enough to other major cities that you can easily visit or commute for work or pleasure. The town itself has a unique charm with its many art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. As if all this wasn't enough, the weather is perfect year-round with plenty of sunny days and cool nights. All in all, living in Carefree, AZ is an amazing experience that will keep you coming back for more.

 Ames, IACarefree, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,642329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock66.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%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 Carefree    4 Reviews

Carefree is not the laid back community it once was. It’s inundated with bikers because of the town of Cave Creek, which is a haven for Bikers and “Forever Trump” cult  More

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Over 9 years ago

Delightful from Mid-Oct thru Mid-May. Very hot in summer but the dryness does allow for more activities than a humid climate does. I can testify to that, having lived in  More

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Over 16 years ago

Life in Carefree is definitely free and easy. Part Cowboy and part resort there is peace and quiet all around. If you love the old west than you are in the heart of it  More

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