2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ames, IA vs West Bend, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in West Bend older or younger than people in Ames?
- The Median Age in West Bend is 14.2 years older than in Ames.

Are housing costs cheaper in West Bend or Ames?
- West Bend housing costs are 41.9% less expensive than Ames housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, West Bend or Ames?
- The average commute for residents of West Bend is 1.1 minutes shorter 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 West Bend?
Living in West Bend, IA is truly a unique experience. With its small-town charm and tight-knit community spirit, it's no wonder why so many people choose to call this place home. Residents enjoy attractive parks and trails that are perfect for outdoor recreation, while the downtown area features boutiques, restaurants and galleries to explore. The town is also conveniently located near larger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, making it easy to take advantage of even more amenities. The local schools are top-notch and provide excellent educational opportunities for children, plus there are many golf courses and recreational facilities in the area for adults. For those who love the rural outdoors, West Bend is a great place to settle down and make memories that will last a lifetime.

 Ames, IAWest Bend, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock828329,725,481
 Median Income$54,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$239,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.6%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

   |    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 West Bend    0 Reviews

Start Your Review of West Bend


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.