Ames Homes under $500,000

Ames Homes under $500,000

Welcome to Ames, Iowa – a vibrant city that perfectly blends the charm of small-town living with the energy of a bustling community. Nestled in Story County, Ames is renowned for its rich history, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. Home to Iowa State University, the city boasts a youthful spirit and a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities, making it an ideal place for families, students, and professionals alike.

Ames offers a diverse range of housing options, and if you’re looking for homes under $500,000, you’re in luck! The local real estate market features an impressive selection of properties that cater to various tastes and needs. From cozy single-family homes with spacious yards to modern townhouses in vibrant neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone. Many of these homes are situated near top-rated schools, parks, and essential amenities, ensuring that you’re never far from what you need.

The community is also known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, with numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. With a lower cost of living compared to larger urban areas, Ames provides an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing access to quality education, healthcare, and entertainment.

Whether you’re drawn to the picturesque landscapes, the rich educational opportunities, or the friendly atmosphere, Ames is a place where you can truly feel at home. Explore the available homes under $500,000 today and discover the perfect setting for your next chapter in this delightful city!

Newest Ames Homes under $500,000

112 N Riverside Drive, Ames
$349,900
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 750455 MLS
This charming 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is full of character and sits in a great location just a short walk from Iowa State University. Beautiful hardwood floors run throughout the first and second floors, whimsical details like built-ins, pocket doors, and a laundry chute are all found here. Details you cannot find in a newer home. The dedicated dining room adds a nice touch for everyday meals and entertaining while the kitchen is flanked with an abundance of cabinetry for all your storage needs. All four bedrooms are located upstairs with whimsical details like built-in shelves, desks, and dressers. The partially finished basement offers extra space for a family room, office, hobbies, or storage. Outside, you'll love the screened-in porch overlooking the beautifully landscaped backyard, complete with tons of established perennials. The newer deck, approximately 5 years old, provides another great spot to enjoy the backyard. A new HVAC system installed in 2023 provides peace of mind and the 1 car attached garage provides great storage. With Brookside Park and Stuart Smith Park nearby, you'll have easy access to bike and walking trails while still being close to campus and all that Ames has to offer. A wonderful home in a convenient and welcoming location just waiting for you to make it your own! All information obtained from seller and public records.

112 N Riverside Drive, Ames
2509 Kent Avenue, Ames
$415,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 750278 MLS
More room for the way you actually live. Welcome to 2509 Kent Ave, where comfortable main-level living meets the neighborhood lifestyle of Ames' Somerset Village. From the covered front porch, step inside to a comfortable bright, vaulted living room anchored by a fireplace and designed to feel open without losing that cozy, at-home feeling. The living space flows naturally into the dining area and kitchen, making everyday life—and entertaining—easy. The kitchen offers generous counter space, stainless appliances, breakfast-bar seating and a large walk-in pantry. Just beyond the kitchen, main-floor laundry adds everyday convenience. One of the home's most unexpected spaces may become a favorite: a large enclosed porch/sunroom surrounded by windows. Morning coffee, a reading room, plants, conversation or game night—this is bonus space you'll use again and again. With 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, including three bedrooms on the main level, there's room to create the layout that works for you. The finished lower level adds even more flexibility with recreation and entertaining space, an additional bedroom and bath, plus valuable storage. Living in Somerset means nearby restaurants, parks, green spaces, walking and biking trails, plus easy access to North Ames shopping, Iowa State University and the rest of Ames. Co list agent Kim Roush is related to seller.

2509 Kent Avenue, Ames
225 S Hazel Avenue, Ames
$279,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 749771 MLS
Welcome to 225 S. Hazel Street, a beautifully maintained home where thoughtful care and attention to detail shine inside and out! Filled with natural light and a warm, cheerful feel, this inviting property features beautiful Pella windows, a new roof and gutter guards installed in 2024, and a radon mitigation system with two sumps. The oversized garage offers excellent storage with convenient loft space, adding both functionality and flexibility. Every detail of this home has been lovingly cared for, creating a property that feels exceptionally clean, bright, and move-in ready. And the location is hard to beat--just a short, walkable distance to Jack Trice Stadium, with Iowa State University, parks, and the indoor aquatic facility all nearby. With its combination of meticulous upkeep, abundant brightness, practical features, and outstanding location, 225 S. Hazel Street is a wonderful place to call home!

225 S Hazel Avenue, Ames
4251 Eisenhower Lane Unit 2, Ames
$242,500
2 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 750394 MLS
You will be able walk out your backdoor and access the Ada Hayden trails from this well-maintained townhouse in North Ames and the Gilbert School District. On the main level there are vaulted ceilings, and the open layout creates access to the living room, dining area, and kitchen. There is also a pantry half bath and access to the attached double garage. Upstairs you'll find a spacious primary with walk-in closet, dual-access bath with double sinks, a second bedroom, and convenient laundry room. The basement has a 3/4 bathroom and additional space with an egress window for a future bedroom or living space.

4251 Eisenhower Lane Unit 2, Ames
1519 Ohio Avenue, Ames
$490,238
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 750354 MLS
Welcome to this beautifully designed new construction by Destiny Homes in west Ames, offering 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed ranch-style layout that blends comfort, style, and functionality. With views of mature trees from inside the home, this property offers a peaceful backdrop while providing modern living in a convenient Ames location. The open-concept design creates an inviting flow Just inside the garage entrance, a convenient mudroom provides a dedicated laundry area and spacious closet, offering an ideal drop zone for coats, shoes, and everyday essentials. At the heart of the home, the well-appointed kitchen features a large center island, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances. The adjoining dining area opens through sliding glass doors to the covered deck, creating an easy connection to the outdoors—perfect for al fresco dining, entertaining, or relaxing while enjoying the wooded views. The finished walkout lower level provides exceptional additional living space, featuring two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a spacious family room. Whether used for guests, hobbies, movie nights, or everyday living, this flexible space offers room to grow and plenty of possibilities. Ask about available tax abatement and up to $2,000 from the preferred lender to help make your new home even more affordable.

1519 Ohio Avenue, Ames
3812 Eisenhower Avenue, Ames
$380,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 750105 MLS
Some homes just make everyday life easier, and this one in northwest Ames does it well. Set in Bloomington Heights within the Gilbert Community School District, this 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom two-story has been cared for with real intention. The main level welcomes you with a vaulted living room and a wood-burning fireplace waiting for its first cozy night of the season. The kitchen was refreshed in 2025 with new countertops and sink, with appliances updated in 2021. Upstairs, all three bedrooms sit together, including a huge primary suite with a walk-in closet you will actually have room to use. Laundry is right there on the same floor, so no more hauling baskets up and down the stairs. The finished basement adds a second living area, a 3/4 bath, and a 4th bedroom with egress, giving everyone room to spread out. Then step outside to a backyard that is easy to love. A new composite deck (2024) overlooks a clean, freshly landscaped yard that is fully fenced, with a big concrete slab ready for a basketball hoop and a shed for all the outdoor gear. HardiePlank siding and a 2017 HVAC system mean the big-ticket items are handled, and the epoxy-coated 2-car attached garage is a nice finishing touch. Minutes to Iowa State University, shopping, and quick routes across town. With the updates finished and Gilbert schools in place, this one is ready for its next chapter.

3812 Eisenhower Avenue, Ames
630 Garden Road, Ames
$199,000
3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 749602 MLS
Don't miss this opportunity at 630 Garden Road in Ames! Whether you're looking for a great starter home or your next rental property, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch is full of potential. Set on a quiet street, the home features a large front window that welcomes natural light and an attached two-car garage for convenient parking and storage. Enjoy the fully fenced backyard with mature shade trees, a welcoming spot to relax, entertain, or spend time outdoors! The unfinished basement offers plenty of storage and exciting possibilities for future finished space. Bring your ideas and make it your own!

630 Garden Road, Ames
no property photo
$286,900
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 749692 MLS
This home is currently listed as a ''delayed showing''. Under no circumstances will any showings be allowed until September 25th at 9:00am. This updated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home is a doozy! This well-cared-for ranch offers a peaceful backyard oasis in a convenient North Ames location. The updated craftsman-inspired exterior combines curb appeal with low-maintenance features, including cement board siding, stone accents, and composite decking in front. A screened in porch adds to the exterior charm. Inside, that same character continues with custom woodwork, updated doors and trim, high-end windows, updated HVAC and water heater, and more. The large, south-facing backyard is fully enclosed with a privacy fence and features a rainwater harvesting system that will help if you want to build an impressive garden and to maintain the small pond. The basement provides plenty of storage and flex space with room to expand and make it your own. The lower level is also stubbed for an additional bathroom. This a great chance to buy a home at a fantastic price! Call today to schedule a showing.

1314 Top O Hollow Road, Ames
3804 Eisenhower Avenue, Ames
$329,900
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 749628 MLS
Welcome to 3804 Eisenhower Ave! This recently updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a functional layout, abundant natural light, great outdoor space, Gilbert School District, and plenty of future potential in the desirable North Ames location. The main level features an inviting open-concept living area that flows seamlessly into the spacious kitchen and dining room, highlighted by a large island with plenty of room for gathering, dining, and entertaining. All three bedrooms and both bathrooms are conveniently located on the main level. The attached 2-car garage includes a 220-amp outlet, ready for an electric vehicle charger. Downstairs, the unfinished basement provides valuable additional space and an opportunity to add finished square footage. An existing egress window makes the possibility of a future family room or 4th bedroom simple. Outside, enjoy a spacious, fully fenced backyard with a new storage shed and raised garden beds--perfect for relaxing, playing, gardening, or entertaining. The home is also ideally located within walking distance to Lloyd Kurtz Park, Friedrich Pitch, and Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Recent updates include a new furnace and A/C (2021/2022), water heater (2024), storage shed (2025), refrigerator (2026), dishwasher (2024), and sump pump (2024). With all of these thoughtful updates, a great layout, and room to make the space your own, this home is ready to welcome its next owner. Schedule your showing today!

3804 Eisenhower Avenue, Ames
19516 515th Avenue, Ames
$400,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 749377 MLS
Opportunities like this don’t come along often! Tucked among mature trees on 1.33 acres in North Ames and located in the Gilbert School District, this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath walkout home offers privacy, space and turn-key living just minutes from everything Ames has to offer. Meticulously maintained and extensively updated, this home is ready for you to move in and enjoy! Loads of natural light fill the interior. The remodeled kitchen features new cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a large island perfect for prep, storage and gathering. Both bathrooms have been beautifully renovated, with fresh paint, new flooring, lighting, doors and hardware throughout. The fully finished walkout lower level features a cozy gas fireplace and plenty of space for a family room or entertaining. Major improvements include a new roof and windows (2023), sliding glass doors (2023), front and garage doors (2024), exterior paint and new asphalt driveway (2026). The HVAC has been extensively serviced and upgraded with 3 comfort zones and smart thermostats. The insulated, sheet-rocked 2-car garage is heated with a new furnace. Outside, enjoy over an acre with mature trees, garden space, storage shed, grape arbor and a deck perfect for taking in the birds and wildlife. Beautifully updated, privately situated and ready to be loved by its next owners!

19516 515th Avenue, Ames
2820 Roxboro Drive, Ames
$410,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 749489 MLS
Easy living doesn't have to mean giving up space. This spacious zero-entry townhome in North Ames pairs more than 2,400 finished square feet with quality finishes, a private backyard setting and the convenience of the Somerset area. Vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors bring warmth to the main living space, anchored by a stone gas fireplace, while granite countertops and updated appliances complete the kitchen. The main level also offers the primary suite, laundry and additional living space designed for everyday ease. Downstairs, an extra-wide staircase leads to a generously finished lower level with a large family room and additional bedrooms. Outside, enjoy the concrete patio, private-feeling backyard and nearby walking path. Lawn care and snow removal are handled by the HOA, leaving more time to enjoy a location with coffee, groceries, restaurants and everyday conveniences nearby. An attached two-car garage, brand-new water heater and well-maintained finishes round out a home that offers the space of a traditional home with the ease of townhome living.

2820 Roxboro Drive, Ames
4719 Toronto Street, Ames
$325,000
749379 MLS

4719 Toronto Street, Ames
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