2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs Sun City West, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Sun City West older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Sun City West is 51.3 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Sun City West or Ames?
- Sun City West housing costs are 66.5% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Sun City West or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Sun City West is 7.4 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 Sun City West?
Sun City West, Arizona is a vibrant retirement community located in Maricopa County. This small city offers residents a laid-back lifestyle and plenty of recreational activities to keep them entertained. From attending monthly festivals or taking a stroll through the R.H. Johnson Memorial Garden to visiting one of the many recreation centers or golf courses located throughout the community, there is something for everyone to do in Sun City West. With easy access to nearby cities such as Phoenix and Scottsdale, this lively city has everything retirees need for an exciting and fulfilling life.

 Ames, IASun City West, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock26,354329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock74.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%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 Sun City West    6 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

We arrived to take possession of our home at then of April (2016). During the first four months we had many days when the temperature reached 120. When I see that  More

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You have been notified for several years per comments posted that there are NO schools in Sun City West. Why do you persist with the posting of cost per pupil in Sun  More

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Over 15 years ago

My wife and I live in a Del Webb retirement community - called Sun City West, in Phoenix Arizona. Since I am now in my early seventies, it has proven to be just perfect  More

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