Moving to the Ames, Iowa, Region: The Ultimate Newcomer’s Relocation Guide
Every year, more and more people are discovering the Greater Ames region and why it’s the perfect place to live.
Jessica Mortvedt
From its affordability and inviting college-town atmosphere to its great jobs, outdoor recreation options and cool arts scenes, people have everything they need to build lives they love here.
Since transitioning to a new community comes with a learning curve, Livability chatted with two area residents, Jessica Mortvedt and Morgan Brons, to get their thoughts on what newcomers need to know about the region.
Morgan Brons
Mortvedt and her husband, Jason, are raising two daughters, 15 and 18, on their lavender and goat farm. They moved to Ames 14 years ago, and Mortvedt is the chief marketing officer for real estate developer Haverkamp Group.
Brons arrived in Ames eight years ago to attend Iowa State University. Today, she is the wellness coordinator for Northcrest senior living community and coaches high school athletes in mindset, nutrition and strength training. She and her husband, Colin, have been married for one year.
At a Glance: Greater Ames Relocation Benchmarks
- Top Regional Employers: Iowa State University, Mary Greeley Medical Center
- Average Local Commute: 15 to 20 minutes across town
- Key Networking Hubs: AREA YP (Ames Young Professionals), Ames Public Library
- Premier Outdoor Assets: Ada Hayden Heritage Park, High Trestle Trail, Ledges State Park
- Kid-Friendly Spots: Furman Aquatic Center, Perfect Games Entertainment
What tips do you have for people looking for a house or apartment in the area?
Mortvedt: Ames is great, no matter where you live. It’s all about what you want to be close to. Do you want to be close to the university, a swimming pool or a particular school? Ask people you meet what they enjoy about where they live. Plus, Ames has many great Realtors.
What events should newcomers attend to learn more about the region?
Mortvedt: The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market is weekly all summer, with vendors right up and down Main Street. The Octagon Art Festival is a lot of fun, too. Reiman Gardens hosts events all year, and, of course, Iowa State University has sporting events, plays and just so many activities to fill your calendar.
What advice do you have for job seekers?
Mortvedt: Start with some of the large employers. Iowa State University needs everything from maintenance workers to marketing professionals. We also have large health care providers in the region. And make sure to ask around as you are out and about and meeting people.
Brons: I recommend checking out the “work” tab on the Live in Ames website: liveinames.com.
What is the average commute like? Is there anything newcomers need to know about staying up to date on traffic?
Mortvedt: Commuting here is pretty easy, as long as it’s not a game day. Basically, Ames is a breeze to get around, and game days are fine once you know the right routes.
Brons: In Ames, everything is about 15 to 20 minutes away, which makes getting around very convenient.
“People here are incredibly kind. The community is genuinely friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand.”
Morgan Brons, wellness coordinator for Northcrest senior living community
How should young professionals go about getting connected?
Brons: I am involved in AREA YP in Ames, a networking group for young professionals, and it has been an amazing opportunity to connect with others. AREA YP offers volunteer opportunities, networking events, after-work socials, educational seminars and more.
How should families get connected?
Mortvedt: We spent a ton of time at the library when we first arrived. It’s a great place to start. It has so many activities. We’ve gotten involved in school activities, too, and that’s a great way to meet other parents. Also, church is where we have made many of our friends.
What are some of your favorite outdoor activities that newcomers should know about?
Mortvedt: Reiman Gardens is wonderful, and we open our lavender farm to the public several times over the summer, where people can pick a bunch of lavender and pet our goats.
Brons: I really love going to Ledges State Park. High Trestle Trail, which is a 25-mile paved trail connecting Ames to other cities, is also great. Ames also has a variety of great parks around town. One of my personal favorites is Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
“Living in a college town is really amazing. Ames has been the perfect place to raise my family. It has a small-town feel yet lots of opportunities.”
Jessica Mortvedt, chief marketing officer for Haverkamp Group
What are some kid-friendly activities newcomers need to know about?
Mortvedt: Furman Aquatic Center is a beautiful facility with an outdoor pool and lazy river. Perfect Games is the place for bowling, laser tag, arcade games and mini golf. We go there Thanksgiving evening.
What is something a newcomer might not know about the area?
Mortvedt: Living in a college town is really amazing. Ames has been the perfect place to raise my family. It has a small-town feel yet lots of opportunities.
Brons: People here are incredibly kind. The community is genuinely friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. It may sound cliché, but the people are one of the biggest reasons I’m drawn to Ames.