In the summer of 2010 I got a crazy idea and ended up buying a condo in Ames. The real estate market was in crisis so I thought maybe it was a good time to buy. In reality I don't think the crisis affected Ames real estate prices but it helped me justify the purchase. I still wasn't sure it was a good idea. But I did it anyway.
Most people buy second homes in vacation destinations, not in Ames, Iowa. It sounded crazy, but I wanted to attend more events and with hotel stays I didn't really enjoy hauling my stuff around all the time. And besides there is no comparison to the cost of a second home in a vacation destination to that of a modest condo in Ames.
When I bought the condo it wasn't obvious it made sense for me. I figured I could always put it back on the market if it didn't work out. That was never necessary. From the very first year, I really enjoyed having the condo. It allowed me to take advantage of more Cyclone events. I didn't know I would eventually attend nearly all home games for the spectator sports, but that is what has happened (with the exception of soccer). Women's basketball, volleyball and wrestling have become some of my favorites. And recently softball too, although I do keep an eye to the weather before making the trip to Ames.
Today marks the end of my 9th school year with the condo. I have spent 653 total nights, with most of those from September to March. The last four years my nights have numbered in the 80's. I keep track of my stays on my Alumni Calendar which aligns with the school year. Here are the yearly totals as I close out my 2018-2019 Alumni Calendar and ready the new one.
Most people buy second homes in vacation destinations, not in Ames, Iowa. It sounded crazy, but I wanted to attend more events and with hotel stays I didn't really enjoy hauling my stuff around all the time. And besides there is no comparison to the cost of a second home in a vacation destination to that of a modest condo in Ames.
When I bought the condo it wasn't obvious it made sense for me. I figured I could always put it back on the market if it didn't work out. That was never necessary. From the very first year, I really enjoyed having the condo. It allowed me to take advantage of more Cyclone events. I didn't know I would eventually attend nearly all home games for the spectator sports, but that is what has happened (with the exception of soccer). Women's basketball, volleyball and wrestling have become some of my favorites. And recently softball too, although I do keep an eye to the weather before making the trip to Ames.
Today marks the end of my 9th school year with the condo. I have spent 653 total nights, with most of those from September to March. The last four years my nights have numbered in the 80's. I keep track of my stays on my Alumni Calendar which aligns with the school year. Here are the yearly totals as I close out my 2018-2019 Alumni Calendar and ready the new one.
- 2010-2011 46
- 2011-2012 60
- 2012-2013 65
- 2013-2014 76
- 2014-2015 69
- 2015-2016 84
- 2016-2017 81
- 2017-2018 87
- 2018-2019 85
