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

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Indianola?
- The Median Age in Ames is 12.0 years younger than in Indianola.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Indianola?
- Ames housing costs are 7.7% less expensive than Indianola housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Indianola?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 4.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Indianola.

Things to do in Indianola?
Indianola, IA is located in Warren County in Iowa with a population around 14 thousand people. Indianola's downtown area offers plenty of shopping options with unique stores like Country Junction Antiques & Collectibles or The Nest Boutique & Gifts along with some great restaurants like El Charro Mexican Restaurant or Jitters Coffeehouse & Cafe. Indianola also hosts several annual events such as their Fourth of July celebration or their Summer Concert Series at Pickard Park which draw visitors from all over Iowa each year.

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.

 Indianola, IAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$67,206  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$259,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.02  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Indianola    1 Reviews

I have lived in Indianola over 10 years. The community is growing, friendly and homes/yards are mostly well-kept. We feel generally safe here. Schools are a priority  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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