2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Watertown, SD vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Watertown?
- The Median Age in Ames is 14.8 years younger than in Watertown.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Watertown?
- Ames housing costs are 5.9% less expensive than Watertown housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Watertown?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 3.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Watertown.

Things to do in Watertown?
Watertown, SD is an independent city located on the banks of Big Sioux River in South Dakota. Home to over 21 thousand citizens , this vibrant area offers plenty of recreational opportunities such as skiing , snowboarding , camping , fishing etc during colder months while outside activities become more available during warm seasons such as hiking , swimming or boating .

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.

 Watertown, SDAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$56,520  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$254,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time13.32  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Watertown    5 Reviews

Let me start by saying that I've lived all over the US and spent 3 years in Watertown. On the positive side, Watertown has a lot to offer for a town of 22,000 people.   More

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Many lakes with in driving distances and many public hunting areas but if your looking for the night life its not here this is a small town  More

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Watertown in general has alot of old people, if your in Downtown and watch cars go by it seems as though every other car has a elderly person in it. But apart from all  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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