Home to Iowa State University and recognized as one of the Midwest's leading research hubs, Ames, Iowa sits just 30 miles north of Des Moines. The city hosts several major research institutions, including the USDA National Animal Disease Center and Ames Laboratory, with rental houses available in neighborhoods like Somerset offering convenient access to these facilities.

The North Ames area features spacious rental homes near Ada Hayden Heritage Park, with its 130-acre lake and trail system. Rental houses in established neighborhoods west of campus, such as South Campus Area and College Creek, are within walking distance of Downtown's shops and restaurants. The average three-bedroom rental home costs $1,313, offering substantial space and privacy at rates significantly below larger metropolitan markets. Commute times average under 20 minutes, with convenient access to Interstate 35 and Highway 30. The city's extensive CyRide transit system and growing network of bike trails provide car-free transportation options for renters. Major employers including McFarland Clinic, 3M, and Danfoss Power Solutions maintain operations throughout Ames, while the Iowa Department of Transportation headquarters anchors the east side's business district.