2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Grinnell, IA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Grinnell?
- The Median Age in Ames is 15.2 years younger than in Grinnell.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Grinnell?
- Ames housing costs are 30.9% more expensive than Grinnell housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Grinnell?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 0.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Grinnell.

Things to do in Grinnell?
Living in Grinnell, IA is a unique experience. This small town of just over 9,000 people has a small-town feel but with the amenities of a larger city. The community is vibrant and friendly, which makes it easy to make connections and build relationships. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as biking, hiking, fishing, and camping in the nearby parks and lakes. Restaurants provide fun and variety for dining out or takeout. There are also great cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, music venues, theaters and more. In addition Grinnell has an excellent school system with some of the best education opportunities in the state. All these qualities make it a great place to live!

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.

 Grinnell, IAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$49,045  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$182,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.1  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Grinnell    1 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Planning on moving to CA...well, actually BACK to CA... Too Cold  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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