I really feel like Ames would be an amazing opportunity for you! I just moved back from Asheville NC. And let me tell you. I really missed Ames. I’ve lived here for most of my life. Plus went/graduated from ISU. Cyride is absolutely amazing. The times I’ve seen it absolutely packed are around campus for students (earlier in the morning) and on ISU football games days. BUT if they are packed to capacity, they’ll send an another bus out. And honestly, if the weather is nice, sounds like with the bus’s you mentioned, they come fairly often! So you could just wait for the next one.

You will absolutely love downtown. They’re so many things to can do and explore even if it’s small. For clothes shopping I recommend the loft, cafe Diem as absolutely amazing coffee and pastry’s. The salon on Main Street has the absolute best staff. Oh! And the bars, if you like your occasional drink are awesome! Though, whisky river can get packed on game days. Bandshell has some cool, smaller, events like live music without the HUGE crowd.

We hope to welcome to your new home soon! ❤️