Ames, Iowa

Ames is one of the 20 best places in America to live and work by BestJobsUSA.com It was also voted the 20th best place to live in America by Men's Journal magazine. The Ames area has a large number of attractions, ranging from museums to botanical gardens. So whether you are thinking about enjoying art exhibitions or visiting a flower garden, you won't be disappointed.

So close to the crossroads of the nation, where I-35 and I-80 intersect, Ames is centrally located to all points. Interstate road systems place Ames less than a day's drive from Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee. Des Moines, the state capital, is only 30 minutes away.

Ames has a strong base for opportunities among companies such 3M, Sauer-Danfoss, UGS, Ball Plastics Corporation, Barilla, BASF and Boehringer Ingelheim. Numerous opportunities are also available with many high-tech and start-up companies.