Story City, IA

Located about ten minutes north of Ames along Interstate 35, Story City offers a friendly, relaxed small-town feel for its roughly 3,400 residents. The town has preserved plenty of its historic charm, including a welcoming downtown anchored by the Story Theatre Grand Opera House, Iowa's oldest continuously operating movie house. Over at the city park, neighbors gather to ride the antique 1913 carousel and stroll across the wooden swinging bridge spanning the river.

Daily life here revolves around a strong local community and the well-regarded Roland-Story school district. Residents stay active with local parks, walking trails, and the town recreation center, while annual traditions like the Scandinavian Days festival bring everyone together each June for traditional food and music. With Iowa State University a quick drive down the highway and downtown Des Moines about 45 minutes away, it is an easy commute for anyone looking for a quiet neighborhood within reach of the city.