United Group Insurance

Website: Ames is best college town in U.S.

News

August 18th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

An online publication has named Ames, Iowa as the best college town in the nation. The operators of Livability dot com note Ames provides affordable housing and a variety of restaurants, cultural attractions, and parks. Director of Communications at the Ames Chamber of Commerce, Lauren Frandsen, says Ames encourages students to make the city their home. “We’ve been working really hard here at the Chamber and the Ames Economic Development Commission to make sure Ames is a place is not just a place people think of coming to Iowa State and going to school and getting an education, but then a place they really feel connected to and they want to stay after they get their degree,” Frandsen said.

Director of the Campustown Action Association in Ames, Kim Hanna, is thrilled to hear about the rating. She attributes the success of the city to the relationship between the university and local businesses.  “The research park, which is bringing so many young professionals to the community and keeping them there…all of the businesses and start ups and entrepreneurial programs that are coming out of the research park are adding more excitement and vibrancy to the community,” Hanna said.

The website gathered data on housing costs, population of degree holders, and entertainment venues to rank the cities. The town support for the Cyclone football program also contributed to Ames’ top ranking. Logan, Utah came in second, followed by Oxford, Ohio; Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Tempe, Arizona.

(Radio Iowa)