Cambridge, IA

Tucked into southern Story County, Cambridge offers a quiet, small-town atmosphere right between Ames and Des Moines. It is the kind of community where neighbors wave from their porches, traffic is practically nonexistent, and open farmland sits just past the backyard fence. Families especially appreciate being part of the Ballard Community School District, with Ballard East Elementary located right in town. For anyone looking to slow down without giving up everyday convenience, Cambridge strikes a comfortable balance.

ATTRAshton B Crew / CC BY 3.0

Daily life here is relaxed and straightforward, centered around local parks, the community library, and familiar faces at neighborhood get-togethers. When you need bigger amenities, you are never far from the action. Ames is an easy 15-minute drive north for Iowa State events, healthcare, and retail, while the Des Moines metro sits about a half-hour south for major employment centers, concerts, and airport access. Living in Cambridge gives you an affordable, close-knit home base with two of central Iowa's main hubs within easy reach.