2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Oak Ridge, TN

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Oak Ridge older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Oak Ridge is 16.1 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Oak Ridge or Ames?
- Oak Ridge housing costs are 8.2% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Oak Ridge or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Oak Ridge is 4.7 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 Oak Ridge?
Oak Ridge, TN has around 28,000 residents and sits in Anderson county. It was founded during World War II and today it serves as home to the city's Technology Valley business incubator program.

 Ames, IAOak Ridge, TNUnited States
 Population  Unlock31,087329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ames

Reviews for Oak Ridge    8 Reviews

Overall it's on the positive side. It's pretty boring but it can feel like a real home at times. It could stand to be a hair closer to Western Knoxville.. Melton lake  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

Oak Ridge is located in beautiful East TN, has excellent public schools, is very safe for families, and is only 15-30 min away from Knoxville.  More

   |    Reply

Marginal, at best. Lack of social and business skills to perform anything but menial tasks. No clue about customer service, business etiquette or basic business  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Oak Ridge


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.