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

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Thornton older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in Thornton is 10.3 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in Thornton or Ames?
- Thornton housing costs are 111.2% more expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Thornton or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of Thornton is 13.8 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 Thornton?
Thornton, Colorado is a vibrant city located in the northern corner of the United States. Home to attractions such as Cattail Creek Park and The Double Header Little League Park, visitors can explore outdoor activities and sports when visiting Thornton. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Greasewood Flat Schoolhouse. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Thornton has something for everyone!

 Ames, IAThornton, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock140,538329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock33.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.9%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 Thornton    5 Reviews

Good place. Very suburbany (similar to the Springs). The houses are very small and old and yet still very expensive (albeit cheaper than southern Denver). Actually lots  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

I like Denver metro, but some cities aren’t too great. Thornton being one of them. Moved here because of highway access, and convenience to DIA for business travel. Am  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

The quality of life here in not good. The traffic is bad all the time. To try to get to the mountains takes forever! Also most lakes along the front range you can't even  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Thornton


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.