2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Parker, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Parker older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Parker is 12.2 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Parker or Ames?
- Parker housing costs are 179.9% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Parker or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Parker is 10.4 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 Parker?
Parker, Colorado is a vibrant community located just south of Denver. From luxury shopping and fine dining to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone in Parker. Visitors can take advantage of the nearby trails, golf courses and other outdoor activities such as horseback riding and stand-up paddle boarding. Meanwhile, culture enthusiasts can explore the area’s many art galleries, museums and festivals. Furthermore, numerous businesses provide plenty of employment opportunities while families benefit from quality schools ranging from pre-K through college prep courses. No wonder why Parker continues to be one of Colorado’s most sought-after places to live!

 Ames, IAParker, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock57,311329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%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 Parker    28 Reviews

I'm not a CO native. I didn't move here from CA. We've been here over 16 years. We are looking to move. Now that I said that, I'll say this: This is a nice small  More

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I'm not a CO native. I didn't move here from CA. We've been here 16 years. We are looking to move. Now that I said that, I'll say this: This is a nice small CITY but  More

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Over 4 years ago

This is my 15th year in Parker, CO. Very nice initially. VERY EXPENSIVE to buy a home now. I rented all this time and despite making over $100,000 per year, cannot  More

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