Who Is The Grove at Ames Best Suited For? A Resident-Guided Decision Review
Choosing off‑campus housing in Ames involves weighing convenience, cost, and community. The Grove at Ames is a mid‑range apartment complex located at Ames, IA 50010, USA, situated within walking distance or a short drive of Iowa State University. With monthly rents between $549 and $735 (indicative — confirm with the operator) and a Google rating of 4.3 out of 5 (based on 489 reviews), it attracts a mix of students and young professionals. This review draws directly from resident feedback to help you decide if it fits your priorities.
Who This Residence Suits
- Students who want a place with dedicated study areas and social amenities. The property lists a study area, laundry facility, and swimming pool among its tags. Resident Chloe Kallal (5‑star review) highlights: “The Grove office building is so beautiful and has great amenities! I have hosted and attended a hand full of events there including a bridal shower, engagement party, dinner party, and a hot chocolate bar gathering!” If you enjoy hosting events or studying in a communal setting, the common spaces appear well‑maintained.
- Those seeking spacious floor plans in a 2‑bedroom or 3‑bedroom layout. The same review notes “the units have very spacious bedrooms and living area.” For group living situations—roommates sharing a 2b or 3b—the room sizes are a clear selling point.
- Residents who value responsive maintenance and friendly staff. Caelyn Adams (4‑star review) says, “Staff is really friendly and the maintenance people are quick.” Quick fixes can make a big difference during the semester, especially for students balancing classes and work.
- People starting their lease in August 2026. The property lists available from 16‑08‑2026, with a minimum lease of 4 months. This timing aligns well with fall intake semesters at Iowa State University, typically starting in late August.
Who This Residence Is Not Ideal For
- Tenants who prioritise parking security. One‑star reviewer Lainey Burroughs shares a serious concern: “I would advise looking elsewhere to live for your time in college. Not worth the price in rent. … There are no cameras in the parking lot, my car got broken into and I had to file a police report that went no where because of the lack of cameras.” If you own a car or rely on street parking, the absence of camera surveillance is a risk to consider.
- Those who are sensitive to noise from neighbours. Caelyn Adams mentions, “The walls are a little thin so your likely to hear your neighbors but the community is great so its no where near a level of noise to …” (the review cuts off). Even with a “great community”, thin walls can be an issue for light sleepers or students who need absolute quiet for study.
- Budget‑conscious renters looking for the absolute lowest price in town. The city of Ames has a starting rent of $549 per month (indicative). The Grove at Ames’s cheapest unit also begins at $549, placing it at the city’s floor price. However, the range goes up to $735. If you are after a studio or a 1‑bedroom (not offered here), you will need to look elsewhere, as only 2‑bedroom and 3‑bedroom units are available.
- Students who prefer short‑term flexibility. With a minimum 4‑month lease, it is not ideal for a single‑semester exchange or summer‑only stay unless you can commit to four full months.
What Residents Actually Say – Key Quotes
Chloe Kallal (5 stars): “The Grove office building is so beautiful and has great amenities! I have hosted and attended a hand full of events there including a bridal shower, engagement party, dinner party, and a hot chocolate bar gathering! The staff at the Grove is so friendly and helpful! The units have very spacious bedrooms and living area”
Lainey Burroughs (1 star): “I would advise looking elsewhere to live for your time in college. Not worth the price in rent. My time here for 2 years has not been pleasant to say the least. There are no cameras in the parking lot, my car got broken into and I had to file a police report that went no where because of the lack of cameras. Contacting”
Caelyn Adams (4 stars): “Nice apartments, the amenities are nice and its really nice having in unit laundry, I just wished our dryer worked though. Staff is really friendly and the maintenance people are quick. The walls are a little thin so your likely to hear your neighbors but the community is great so its no where near a level of noise to ”
These three reviews capture both the strengths (spacious units, friendly staff, nice amenities) and the weaknesses (car safety, thin walls, dryer issues). The 4.3 overall rating suggests the majority of residents are satisfied, but the negative feedback focuses on specific, actionable concerns.
Price Positioning vs. Ames’s From‑Price
The city of Ames has a market starting price of $549 per month (indicative) for off‑campus housing – based on the three properties currently listed on the platform. The Grove at Ames begins at exactly that figure, making it a budget‑competitive option if you choose the cheapest available unit. The upper end ($735) is roughly 34% above the city floor. Given that only 2‑bedroom and 3‑bedroom units exist, the lower rent likely applies to a bedroom in a shared flat, while the higher price corresponds to a larger or premium room.
There are only three properties in Ames on the platform, so The Grove may be one of the limited choices. If you are sharing with one or two roommates, splitting the rent on a $549 unit could be very affordable. But if you are seeking a solo studio or a 1‑bedroom, you would need to check the other two properties – which may have different price points.
Room‑Type Guidance
- 2‑bedroom (2b): Suitable for two roommates. Shared common areas, two private bedrooms. Ideal if you have a friend you already know, or if you are willing to be paired with a flatmate.
- 3‑bedroom (3b): Best for three people who want dedicated study spaces and a larger living area. The “spacious bedrooms” noted by Chloe Kallal apply to both layouts.
The complex does not offer studios or 1‑bedroom units. If you need a private unit, you will have to look at the other two Ames properties. Also note that unit‑specific amenities include in‑unit laundry (though one resident reported a dryer that didn’t work); the swimming pool and study area are shared.
Booking Timing for 2026–2027
The property becomes available from 16 August 2026. As a rule of thumb for off‑campus housing in college towns, securing a lease by early spring 2026 (February–April) gives you the best chance at preferred unit types and lowest rates. By summer, the most desirable rooms may be gone, and you might face limited choices. Since the city has only three properties on the platform, demand could be high. Plan to start inquiring no later than March 2026 to compare options and read through the lease terms carefully.
Because the minimum lease is 4 months, you could theoretically rent from August to December (fall semester) or January to April (spring semester) if you align with the academic calendar. However, the given availability start date of August suggests a standard academic‑year lease. Confirm with the operator whether shorter or longer terms can be negotiated.
Frequently Asked Questions
H3 How does The Grove at Ames compare to other off‑campus housing in Ames?
The Grove is the only property among the city’s three listings that offers 2‑bedroom and 3‑bedroom units with a swimming pool and study area. Its rent starts at the city’s lowest price point ($549), but it goes up to $735. The other two properties may offer different unit types (e.g., studios) or different amenity sets, but exact details are not publicly available from this data set. For a direct comparison, it is best to check the platform’s other Ames listings and read their individual reviews.
H3 Is the parking situation really as bad as the one‑star review suggests?
According to one resident, the parking lot lacks cameras and her car was broken into without any follow‑up from the police. This is a legitimate concern. However, the overall Google rating of 4.3 indicates that most residents did not cite parking security as a major issue. If you bring a car, you should ask the operator directly about current security measures, such as lighting, patrols, or any recent camera installations. You may also want to speak with current tenants during a tour.
H3 Can I move in before August 2026?
The available‑from date listed is 16‑08‑2026. No earlier move‑in is indicated. If you need housing for summer 2026 (May–August), you would need to consider other properties or negotiate with the operator. The minimum 4‑month lease means you could theoretically start in August and stay until December, or start later if the operator allows. Always confirm precise move‑in windows.
Sources & data date: 2026‑07. All pricing and availability subject to change. Prices shown are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For live availability and to see current room types, use the on‑site assistant to check real‑time vacancies and ask any specific questions before you sign a lease.
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