Nevada, IA

Located just east of Ames in central Iowa, Nevada (pronounced "nuh-VAY-duh" by locals) offers the comfortable feel of a small county seat with quick access to bigger city conveniences. Home to about 7,000 residents, it has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere where people genuinely look out for one another. Commuters love the location: you are only a 15-minute drive down Highway 30 from Ames and Iowa State University, and around 40 minutes from Des Moines, making it an attractive option for anyone wanting a quieter home base.

ATTRDavid Godwin / CC BY-SA 3.0

Daily life here centers on solid community schools, a historic downtown along the Lincoln Highway, and great recreational spots. You will find neighbors gathering at the Fawcett Family Aquatic Center in the summer, heading to the SCORE Recreation Complex for ball games, or checking out the Story County Fair. West Indian Creek and local parks add pleasant green space for walking the dog, while the public library and downtown businesses keep the town active throughout the year.