Fitting for its location right at the center of Iowa, ISU is well known for its agriculture and veterinary medicine schools, with leading programs in engineering and design as well. The surrounding community, Ames, is a small city thirty minutes north of Des Moines that regularly finds itself on lists of the best places to live in America.
The beautiful Brookside Park and Stuart Smith Park lie within a short stroll of campus, along the tranquil Squaw Creek. Apartments, condos, and rental homes are easy to find very close to campus, with numerous units available under $1,000 per month within just a block or two of the university. The area near the southwest corner of campus at Lincoln Way and Sheldon Avenue is full of great rental options that will also put you right in the center of the local dining, nightlife, and entertainment scene.
As of February 2025, the average apartment rent in Ames, IA is $765 for a studio, $889 for one bedroom, $1,062 for two bedrooms, and $1,317 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Ames has increased by 2.5% in the past year.
Studio
412 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$765/month
Average Rent
1 BR
622 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$889/month
Average Rent
2 BR
903 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,062/month
Average Rent
3 BR
1,137 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,317/month
Average Rent
Discover the best ways to find off-campus housing near Iowa State University. Get tips on locations, budgeting, and more on Apartments.com.
Somewhat Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.
Very Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
This area is very bikeable. You’ll find a variety of bike paths and lanes.
Public
Grades K-5
528 Students
Kate Mitchell Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
290 Students
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Grades K-5
450 Students
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351 Students
Abbie Sawyer Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
367 Students
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1,002 Students
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