2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Sparta, NJ vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Sparta?
- The Median Age in Ames is 19.0 years younger than in Sparta.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Sparta?
- Ames housing costs are 51.4% less expensive than Sparta housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Sparta?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 23.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Sparta.

Things to do in Sparta?
Sparta, NJ is a pleasant township northwest of Paterson featuring several spectacular spots such as Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area perfect for exploring or Stephens State Park ideal for recreational activities; locals gather yearly at the remarkable Sparta Irish Festival celebrating local culture with music and art.

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.

 Sparta, NJAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$145,000  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$491,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time39.63  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Sparta    7 Reviews

I lived in Sparta for 28 years and only moved away because I retired. Both our daughters went through the entire school system and received a great education. In the  More

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Over 16 years ago

Sparta is a wonderful place to raise a family. Sparta has a lot of organized activities plus an abundance of year- round outdoor activites. It has a number of private  More

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Over 16 years ago

We have enjoyed living in Sparta. It is an aesthetically pleasing area, nice lakes, good restaurants, a very good library and small town atmosphere. It lacks continuing  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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