2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Northfield, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Northfield older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Northfield is 5.1 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Northfield or Ames?
- Northfield housing costs are 35.8% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Northfield or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Northfield is 4.5 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 Northfield?
Northfield is located in Rice County Minnesota with an estimated population around 20,400 people as of 2019. The area features plenty attractions such as attending the annual Defeat of Jesse James Days festival or exploring its various trails & parks designed for biking & hiking perfect way to enjoy some quality time outdoors plus there’s also the local country club which offers some scenic views ideal for golfing & mini golf giving folks a chance to spend some leisurely time away from home.

 Ames, IANorthfield, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock20,374329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.2%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 Northfield    5 Reviews

The city has nothing really to offer but high taxes and bad streets and sidewalks. Winter is really bad as the city sidewalks are barely passable. You usually can not  More

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For a town of 20 thousand, the amount of cars on the road at any given time is absolutely insane. Residents will tell you it's no secret that the drivers here are  More

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I've lived in Northfield for almost 14 years now, owning my own home here the entire time. I'm originally from the Twin Cities, and moved to Northfield after several  More

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