Overview
The Point At Ames is a furnished student apartment community located at Ames, IA 50014, USA, roughly within walking and bus-riding distance to Iowa State University. Monthly rents range from 680 to 920 USD (indicative — confirm with the operator), with the lowest available unit costing about 24% above the citywide student‑housing from‑price of 549 USD. The property offers 2‑bedroom, 3‑bedroom and 4‑bedroom units, and becomes available from 14 August 2026. It carries a Google rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 232 reviews, and on‑site amenities include a game room, a gym and a swimming pool.
This article presents a neutral decision review based on published resident feedback and published data as of July 2026. All prices and unit types are indicative; always confirm directly with the operator before committing to a lease.
Who This Residence Suits
The Point At Ames works well for students who want a fully furnished apartment and prefer not to buy their own furniture for a single academic year. Multiple reviews mention the convenience of arriving with only personal belongings – the unit comes with sofas, beds, tables and other basics. The location is another draw: reviewers note that the property is close to campus (good for both bus and walking), next to a Hy‑Vee grocery store and a Casey’s convenience store. One resident who lived here for three years (sophomore to senior year at Iowa State) said the proximity was “really nice”.
The community also has a swimming pool, gym and game room – amenities that are helpful for socialising and staying active without leaving the complex. Parking is described as “stellar” compared to other student apartments in Ames, which is valuable if you own a car. The maintenance staff receive positive mentions: “helpful maintenance and staff” and “some of my favorites” appear in different reviews.
Students who value in‑unit washer/dryer and dishwasher will find those standard here. The apartment interiors are described as “nice” with “decent amenities”, and the furnishings are “solid”. If you plan to stay for two or three years and don’t mind gradual rent increases, the overall experience seems satisfactory for many residents.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
The most consistent drawback reported by long‑term residents is rising rent. One tenant who lived at The Point for two years is moving out specifically because “the rent prices are increasing too much though”. Another stayed three years and was overall happy, but the upward pressure on pricing may make this property less attractive for budget‑conscious students who intend to stay multiple years. Compared to the city’s starting student‑housing price of 549 USD per month, even the minimum of 680 USD is noticeably higher – and the upper end (920 USD) stretches beyond what some may be able to afford.
The quality of finishes is a second concern. One review notes that “the counters and cupboards are cheap”, even though the furnishings themselves are fine. If you expect high‑end surfaces or modern cabinetry, you may be disappointed. Another reviewer mentions “a large fee for moving units”, which suggests that changing apartments within the property carries extra costs – something to clarify before signing.
The property offers only shared living configurations (2‑bed, 3‑bed, 4‑bed). There are no studio or 1‑bedroom options here. If you need a private unit, you will have to look elsewhere in Ames. Additionally, the swimming pool is described as “small” by a resident, which may not satisfy those looking for a full‑size lap pool.
What Residents Actually Say
Below are three verbatim Google reviews left by tenants. These quotes represent a range of experiences and have not been edited for completeness (some end mid‑sentence in the original source).
“A good student living place with helpful maintenance and staff. Nice interiors and decent amenities, although the counters and cupboards are cheap. Furnishings were solid, and it was nice not having to buy a bunch of furniture for the year. The location was very nice, and the parking situation was stellar compared to o” – Carter Wolf, 3 stars
“I’ve lived at the point for 2 years now and it’s a really nice college apartment and I always loved the fact that it’s furnished. I will be moving out because the rent prices are increasing too much though. I enjoy the small pool and our own washer and dryer plus dishwasher. They charged us a large fee for moving units” – Abigail Steimel, 3 stars
“All in all, I am pretty happy I chose to live here for three years (sophomore to senior year at Iowa State). The proximity to campus is really nice for both bussing and walking, while also being really close to a Hyvee for groceries and now a Casey’s for gas and pizza. The maintenance people are some of my favorites I’” – Jared Jones, 2 stars
Common themes across these reviews: the furnished setup is appreciated, maintenance staff are helpful, and the location is convenient. The criticisms centre on cheap countertops / cupboards, rising rent, and a fee for moving units. The 2‑star review (Jared Jones) still expresses overall happiness after three years, but the lower rating suggests there were enough smaller issues to bring down the score.
Room Type Guidance
The Point At Ames offers three shared‑living floor plans:
- 2‑bedroom – suit two roommates who want a quieter dynamic or each want their own bedroom.
- 3‑bedroom – typical for a small group of friends; the per‑person cost is usually lower than a 2‑bedroom.
- 4‑bedroom – the most economical per‑person choice at the lower end of the price range; you share common spaces with three other people.
The published monthly price band (680–920 USD) covers all three unit types. Without a breakdown from the operator, you can assume that 2‑bedroom units tend to be at the higher end and 4‑bedroom units at the lower end — but always confirm the exact rate for your preferred layout. Because the property is furnished, you save the upfront cost of buying a bed, desk and sofa for the year.
Booking Timing
Availability begins 14 August 2026, which aligns with the start of the academic year at Iowa State University. Student housing in Ames is limited — the city lists only three student‑housing properties on this platform — so units at The Point are likely to be filled by early summer. If you are currently planning for the 2026–2027 academic year, consider reaching out in late 2025 or early 2026 to secure your preferred unit type and release date. The operator may offer early‑bird rates or a waitlist; ask directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Point At Ames close to Iowa State University?
Yes. Based on resident reviews and the address (Ames, IA 50014), the property is within walking and bus‑riding distance of Iowa State University. One reviewer who lived there for three years specifically praised the “proximity to campus” and mentioned easy access to both bussing and walking routes.
Are utilities included in the rent?
The published data does not specify a utility package. The operator should be able to confirm whether electricity, water, internet and other utilities are included or billed separately. Always ask for a full list of what the monthly rent covers before signing.
What is the cancellation policy?
No cancellation terms are provided in the available information. Policies vary by operator and lease agreement. Contact the landlord directly to understand the deposit conditions, early‑termination fees and any move‑out charges mentioned in reviews (such as the “large fee for moving units”).
Sources & Data Date
All pricing, reviews, ratings, and availability figures are based on data collected in July 2026. Prices are indicative and should be confirmed with the operator. Google ratings and reviews reflect the property’s status at the time of data retrieval.
For the most current availability and pricing, feel free to ask our on-site assistant.
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