2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Ridgecrest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Ridgecrest older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Ridgecrest is 13.2 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ridgecrest or Ames?
- Ridgecrest housing costs are 2.7% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ridgecrest or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Ridgecrest is 7.0 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 Ridgecrest?
Located in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, Ridgecrest is a city in Kern County known for its rich cultural and recreational activities. With a population of over 27,000, this growing city offers attractions such as the desert landscape and nearby mountains, along with local events and recreation opportunities.

 Ames, IARidgecrest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock27,989329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%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 Ridgecrest    7 Reviews

For context, I grew up in Ridgecrest and moved away after graduating high school. I have since lived in LA and the Bay Area but I visit RC often. RC is in the high  More

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Ridgecrest and Kern County are red state bastions in a land of blue voting counties. If you want a concealed weapons permit, you'll get it. Want to own any firearm  More

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Over 13 years ago

The hardest thing to get used to in Ridgecrest is the weather. It can get quite windy. And hot. 115 hot. But it's a dry heat! It does cool off in the evening, and it  More

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