Home to Iowa State University, Ames sits 30 miles north of Des Moines and serves as a hub for scientific research and innovation. The city hosts the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory, known for its groundbreaking research in rare earth materials and metallurgy, along with major USDA research facilities. With nearly half the population connected to the university, Ames maintains a diverse rental market shaped by its academic and research community.

Renters in Ames discover a range of rental homes and apartment communities throughout the city's distinct neighborhoods. Campustown, located directly south of Iowa State's central campus, features apartment complexes amid local restaurants and shops. North Ames offers established neighborhoods with single-family rental homes and townhomes, while Somerset provides tree-lined streets with spacious rental properties. With average one-bedroom apartments renting for about $889 monthly and showing modest annual increases, Ames maintains reasonable housing costs compared to other college towns.

Transportation options make commuting simple in Ames, with easy access to Interstate 35 and U.S. Highways 30 and 69. The CyRide transit system, funded jointly by the city and university, operates 13 routes connecting major areas throughout town. Major employers include Iowa State University, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and the Iowa Department of Transportation, contributing to the city's stable economy. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the 55 miles of shared-use paths and trails, including the 430-acre Ada Hayden Heritage Park with its 130-acre lake and restored prairie wetlands, providing natural retreats within minutes of residential areas.