2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Traverse City, MI vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Traverse City?
- The Median Age in Ames is 17.0 years younger than in Traverse City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Traverse City?
- Ames housing costs are 39.5% less expensive than Traverse City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Traverse City?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 1.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Traverse City.

Things to do in Traverse City?
Traverse City, MI is an independent city situated in Grand Traverse County west-north-west from East Bay Township populated by just over fourteen thousand people. Traverse City produces lots of parks such as Clinch Park which grants visitors the perfect chance to experience nature through different activities like birdwatching or horseback riding all year round! Additionally there are multiple restaurants and shops available within this area offering its citizens with something special when they’re here.

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.

 Traverse City, MIAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$64,033  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$394,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.13  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Traverse City    28 Reviews

Beautiful, clean, surrounded by some of the most beautiful and unpolluted nature in the nation, interesting residents from all over the world, an open-minded liberal  More

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Teri · 

Sorry I moved here homes overpriced, local people are rude. Too many rambo type personalities, pickup trucks and illiteracy Fun for about a week. Restaurants are  More

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Left in '78. Should have left sooner. If you are a snob and think you're better than any one else then maybe you can get a job teaching here. Hated it as a kid and come  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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