2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Apple Valley, MN vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Apple Valley?
- The Median Age in Ames is 14.1 years younger than in Apple Valley.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Apple Valley?
- Ames housing costs are 33.2% less expensive than Apple Valley housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Apple Valley?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 8.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Apple Valley.

Things to do in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley, Minnesota is a thriving suburb located in the south of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. With a population of nearly 54,000, Apple Valley offers an ideal mix of suburban living with plenty of amenities nearby. Residents can enjoy outdoor recreation throughout the city's many parks and trails, or explore the numerous shopping centers and attractions. The city also boasts excellent schools, health care options and services. Whether you're looking for a place to relax after work or an exciting place to explore on weekends, Apple Valley is certainly worth checking out.

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.

 Apple Valley, MNAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$91,936  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$357,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.88  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Apple Valley    5 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

Being ex military, I have traveled to a lot of States. If I had my way, Id live in San Diego, but I can't afford it. My second choice would be Mn. There are lots of  More

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Over 16 years ago

Apple Valley is a somewhat boring place to live. Most of the houses look the same. They are painted the same to conform to rules. Mostly chain stores but I prefer  More

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Over 17 years ago

Quiet w lots of parks and low  More

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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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