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Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Whether you're an Iowa State student looking for a new study spot, a remote worker who needs to get out of the apartment, or someone who simply focuses better with a little background noise, Ames has plenty of places to study beyond the traditional library. From cozy coffee shops to beautiful parks and unique campus spaces, here are some of our favorite places to get some work done around Ames. Coffee Shops for a Productive Study Session A little caffeine, comfortable seating and some background noise can be the perfect combination for getting through that paper or studying for an exam. Morning Bell Coffee Roasters 111 Main St, Downtown Ames If you're looking for a quieter coffee-shop atmosphere, Morning Bell is a great downtown option. It's locally focused, has a comfortable atmosphere and is well suited for reading, studying or getting some laptop work done. Best for: Solo studying, reading and focused work. Visit Morning Bell Coffee Roasters Cafe Diem 229 Main St, Downtown Ames Cafe Diem is a classic Ames coffee-shop option with plenty of food and drink choices. The downtown location makes it convenient if you want to combine a study session with a walk around Main Street. Best for: Longer study sessions, group projects and people who need snacks to fuel their productivity. Visit Cafe Diem Cafe Milo 4800 Mortensen Rd, West Ames Cafe Milo is a cozy West Ames option that's particularly popular with people looking for a relaxed place to settle in with a laptop or book. Best for: Quiet studying, reading and getting away from campus. Labyrinth Coffee 159 Sheldon Ave, Campustown Located in Campustown, Labyrinth Coffee is a convenient option when you want to stay close to Iowa State without actually studying on campus. It's a great place to settle in with a laptop, book or classmate. Best for: ISU students, solo studying and a Campustown coffee break. Visit Labyrinth Coffee Burgie's Coffee 110 Airport Rd, South Ames Burgie's is another local option for coffee, breakfast and getting some work done. It's a particularly convenient choice if you live on the south side of Ames. Best for: Early-morning studying, breakfast and a change of scenery. Take Your Studying Outside When Iowa weather cooperates, take advantage of it. Sometimes stepping away from four walls is exactly what your brain needs. Ada Hayden Heritage Park 5205 Grand Ave, Ames Ada Hayden offers beautiful open spaces, walking paths and plenty of opportunities to get outside. Bring your headphones, textbook or tablet and find a comfortable spot to read or review notes. Best for: Reading, reviewing notes and getting some fresh air between assignments. Pro tip: This is probably better for a notebook or textbook than your laptop. Wi-Fi and power outlets aren't exactly the selling point here. Learn more about Ada Hayden Heritage Park Brookside Park 1325 6th St, Ames Brookside Park is one of Ames' most recognizable parks and offers plenty of space to spread out. Grab a blanket, find some shade and turn your study session into an outdoor break. Best for: Reading, flashcards and studying when you don't need Wi-Fi. Learn more about Brookside Park Reiman Gardens 1407 University Blvd, Ames For a more scenic study break, Reiman Gardens provides a beautiful setting right next to Iowa State. While it's not necessarily the place to spend an entire day on your laptop, it's a great option for reading, brainstorming or taking a break when you've been staring at a screen for too long. Best for: Reading, creative thinking and taking a mental reset. Visit Reiman Gardens Study Spaces on the Iowa State Campus If you're an ISU student, you don't necessarily have to head straight to Parks Library. Iowa State University Student Innovation Center 606 Bissell Rd, Ames The Student Innovation Center has collaboration areas, study spaces and plenty of room to work. It's a great option when you need to work on a group project or want a modern environment that's a little different from a traditional library. Best for: Group projects, collaborative work and studying with classmates. Visit the Student Innovation Center Hixson-Lied Student Success Center 215 Beach Rd, Ames This is another campus option that's worth knowing about. The Hixson-Lied Student Success Center offers academic support spaces, study rooms and areas for both individual and group work. Best for: Studying between classes, group work and academic support. Visit the Hixson-Lied Student Success Center Don't Forget About Your Apartment You don't always need to leave home to be productive. In fact, your apartment can be one of your best study spots if you create a space specifically for getting work done. Create a dedicated study zone You don't need an entire room. A small desk, dining table or designated corner can become your go-to workspace. Try adding: A good desk lamp A comfortable chair Simple organization A small plant Noise-canceling headphones Easy access to outlets A monitor for longer work sessions The goal is to create a space that tells your brain, "When I'm sitting here, it's time to focus." Your Living Room Can Work Too Not everyone likes studying at a desk. If you're reading, reviewing notes or watching lectures, your couch may be perfectly fine. Just be careful of the classic "I'll just sit down for five minutes" followed by a two-hour nap. If your couch automatically makes you sleepy, move to the kitchen table or a desk instead. Have a Balcony or Patio? Use It One of the easiest ways to change up your study environment without actually leaving your apartment is to move outside. On a beautiful Iowa spring or fall day, grab your laptop, headphones and textbook and turn your patio or balcony into your own private outdoor study spot. It's hard to complain about studying when you're doing it in the sunshine. How to Choose the Right Study Spot Different assignments call for different environments. Need complete concentration? Try your apartment desk or a quiet campus study space. Need some background noise? Head to a coffee shop. Working with a group? Try the Student Innovation Center or a larger coffee shop. Need a mental reset? Take your textbook outside at Ada Hayden or Brookside Park. Need Wi-Fi and outlets? Stick with a coffee shop or indoor study space. Completely burned out? Stop studying for a minute. Take a walk. Get a coffee. Go outside. Sometimes changing your environment is exactly what you need to come back focused. Find an Apartment That Fits Your Lifestyle Where you live can have a big impact on how you spend your time. For Iowa State students, young professionals and families, Ames offers a variety of neighborhoods and rental options—from apartments close to campus to townhomes and single-family homes with more space. At Elite Property Management, we believe your rental should feel like more than just a place to sleep. It should be a place where you can live, work, relax and feel at home. Looking for your next place in Ames or the surrounding area? Explore available rentals with Elite Property Management and find a space that fits your lifestyle. Final Study Tip Don't be afraid to switch it up. Your favorite study spot on Monday might be a coffee shop. On Wednesday, it might be your apartment. On Friday, it might be a sunny spot outside. Find what works for you—and don't forget to take breaks. Because sometimes the best productivity hack isn't studying harder. It's knowing when to step away, grab a coffee and come back with a fresh perspective. What's your favorite place to study in Ames?

Whether you're a student, faculty member, young professional, or someone looking to enjoy everything Ames has to offer, living near Iowa State University comes with countless benefits. From convenient transportation and vibrant community events to excellent dining and entertainment options, it's easy to see why so many people search for apartments near Iowa State University each year. If you're considering making Ames your home, here's why renting near Iowa State University could be the perfect fit. Easy Access to Campus and Local Employers One of the biggest advantages of living near Iowa State University is convenience. Students can spend less time commuting and more time focusing on classes, extracurricular activities, and campus involvement. For professionals, the university is one of the area's largest employers and a major driver of innovation and economic growth. Living nearby provides quick access to campus facilities, research opportunities, and many local businesses that support the university community. Whether you're looking for Iowa State student housing or apartments for rent in Ames, proximity to campus can make daily life significantly easier. There is also CyRide, making Ames public transportation a breeze. A Vibrant Community Year-Round Living near Iowa State University means there's always something happening. Throughout the year, residents enjoy: Iowa State athletic events Community festivals Concerts and performances Educational lectures Farmers markets Local business events The energy that comes from a thriving university creates a welcoming atmosphere for residents of all ages. Excellent Transportation Options Many residents find they can comfortably live near campus without relying heavily on a vehicle. Ames offers: Extensive bike trails Walkable neighborhoods Public transportation through CyRide Easy access to major roads and highways For those searching for off-campus housing in Ames, convenient transportation options can save both time and money. Dining, Coffee Shops, and Entertainment Around Every Corner One of the most enjoyable aspects of living near Iowa State University is the abundance of local restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues. Popular areas such as Campustown and Downtown Ames feature: Locally owned restaurants Coffee shops perfect for studying or remote work Boutique shopping Seasonal events Live entertainment Whether you're meeting friends for lunch or grabbing coffee before work, you'll find plenty of options close to home. Outdoor Recreation Is Always Nearby Ames consistently ranks among Iowa's best communities for outdoor recreation. Residents living near Iowa State University enjoy easy access t o: Ada Hayden Heritage Park Reiman Gardens Brookside Park McFarland Park Numerous walking and biking trails These amenities make it easy to stay active while enjoying the natural beauty of Central Iowa. Strong Rental Options for Every Lifestyle The Ames rental market offers housing options for nearly every budget and lifestyle. Whether you're searching for: Studio apartments One-bedroom apartments Family-friendly rental homes Pet-friendly apartments in Ames Off-campus housing near Iowa State You'll find a variety of options throughout the community. Many renters appreciate having access to modern amenities such as in-unit laundry, garages, fitness centers, pet-friendly policies, and professional property management. A Great Place to Build Connections One of the hidden benefits of living near Iowa State University is the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. The university attracts students, faculty, researchers, and professionals from around the world, creating a dynamic and welcoming community. Many residents find that living near campus provides opportunities to build friendships, expand professional networks, and become involved in local organizations. Why Rent with Elite Property Management? At Elite Property Management, we understand what renters are looking for when searching for apartments near Iowa State University and throughout Ames. Our properties offer convenient locations, professional management, responsive maintenance, and a variety of floor plans to meet your needs. Whether you're a student searching for off-campus housing or a professional looking for a comfortable place to call home, our team is here to help. Browse our available rentals today and discover why so many residents choose Elite Property Management for their housing needs in Ames. Ready to Find Your Next Home? If you're looking for apartments for rent in Ames, pet-friendly housing, or rental homes near Iowa State University, contact Elite Property Management today. Our team would be happy to help you find the perfect place to live and enjoy everything Ames has to offer.

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The Rise of Intentional, Stylish Green Living In 2026, plants are no longer just decorative accents. They’ve become essential to how we design, experience, and feel in our spaces. From lush indoor jungles to carefully curated outdoor sanctuaries, the plant world is evolving toward something deeper: intentional, expressive, and wellness-driven living . 🌱 Plants for Wellness (Not Just Decor) One of the biggest shifts in 2026 is the move toward plants with purpose . People are choosing greenery not just for aesthetics, but for how it impacts mood, productivity, and relaxation. Calming plants like ferns and peace lilies are popular in bedrooms Desk plants are chosen to boost focus and reduce stress Homes are designed around “feel-good greenery.” This trend reflects a broader lifestyle shift: people want their homes to actively support their mental health, not just look good. Minimalism is out. Indoor jungles are in. Big leaves, dramatic shapes, and layered greenery create a tropical escape right inside your home. Velvety leaves, bold patterns, and dramatic veining all bring visual interest without needing blooms. Whether you’re building a jungle corner, or nurturing a single low-maintenance plant, the goal is the same: creating a space that feels alive and uniquely yours. Start creating your “jungle.” Back Alley Plants Holub Greenhouse s Ames Greenhouse & Antiques Earl May Garden Center

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Apartment Clean Year-Round  Keeping your apartment clean doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few simple habits and a little consistency, you can maintain a fresh, tidy space all year long—without spending hours cleaning every week! Whether you're settling into a new place or just looking to refresh your routine, these easy tips will help you stay on top of things 1. Create a Simple Cleaning Schedule Instead of tackling everything at once, break cleaning tasks into smaller, manageable chunks throughout the week. For example: Monday: Wipe down kitchen surfaces Wednesday: Vacuum or sweep floors Saturday: Bathroom refresh A schedule helps prevent messes from piling up and makes cleaning feel much more doable. 2. Stay on Top of Laundry Laundry can quickly take over your space if it’s left too long. Try doing smaller loads more frequently instead of letting it build up. Bonus tip: Fold and put clothes away right away—your future self will thank you! 3. Clean as You Go One of the easiest ways to maintain a clean apartment is to tidy up as you go about your day. Wash dishes or load the dishwasher after meals Wipe down counters after cooking Put items back where they belong This habit keeps small messes from turning into big ones. 4. Declutter Regularly Clutter can make even a clean apartment feel messy. Take a few minutes each week to: Toss or recycle unwanted items Organize countertops and common areas Donate things you no longer use Less clutter = less to clean! 5. Do a Quick Daily Reset Spend 10–15 minutes each day doing a quick reset of your space. This can include: Making your bed Straightening up the living room Taking out the trash A daily reset helps you wake up (or come home) to a clean, stress-free environment. Final Thoughts Keeping your apartment clean year-round doesn’t require a major time commitment—just a few simple habits done consistently. By staying organized and tackling small tasks daily, you can enjoy a comfortable, inviting space all year long. Looking for a place you’ll love coming home to? Be sure to check out our available listings or contact our team today—we’re here to help you find the perfect fit!

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