2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Oro Valley, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Oro Valley older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Oro Valley is 30.5 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Oro Valley or Ames?
- Oro Valley housing costs are 99.2% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Oro Valley or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Oro Valley is 12.1 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 Oro Valley?
Oro Valley, Arizona is located near Tucson making it perfect for those who look for thrill in Natural Bridge State Park Combined with some shopping spree at The Foothills Mall.

 Ames, IAOro Valley, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock46,515329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock53.938.4
 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 Oro Valley    5 Reviews

Some of these reviews are so inaccurate. Rentals for a 2-bedroom are closer to $1000/mo and up if you want to live in a safer neighborhood. People here are so intolerant  More

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Over 15 years ago

I have lived here in Oro Valley for 3.8 years -love it here. however lack of cultural diversity, water and the 100+ heat each day for 3 months a year means that i am  More

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I am a retiree from New York. I moved to Tucson two years ago. Now we are about to buy a home in Oro Valley, just north of Tucson. I love this area. The mountains  More

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