2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Grand Forks, ND

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Highlights
Are people in Grand Forks older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Grand Forks is 6.0 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Grand Forks or Ames?
- Grand Forks housing costs are 0.4% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Grand Forks or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Grand Forks is 3.3 minutes shorter 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 Grand Forks?
Grand Forks, North Dakota is a friendly and vibrant city located in the Red River Valley. With its rich history and diverse culture, Grand Forks offers plenty of attractions for those looking to explore. The city has a number of great parks and trails that are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and fishing. There are also several museums and art galleries showcasing the city’s culture and past. In addition, Grand Forks is home to plenty of restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues as well as excellent shopping opportunities. From its diverse cultural heritage to its breathtaking views, Grand Forks is a great place to visit or live!

 Ames, IAGrand Forks, NDUnited States
 Population  Unlock58,867329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.8%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 Grand Forks    21 Reviews

I lived here for about a year and I can't say many good things about it. I'll start with the positives, it has low crime rate and stores are all close by. Negatives  More

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Over 8 years ago

I am a black male and recently moved to the area do to a job offer. For the most part the people are friendly. However if you are black be prepared to give an  More

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Over 12 years ago

If you try to get a job here, please know that there is a strong culture of support for bullying and verbal abuse. The HR department openly supports and assists  More

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