Retirement surroundings are often thought of as tropical paradises and sunny beaches in places that most of us only dream of.

But this is not always the case. In a recent issue of Fortune magazine, Ames was named one of the top 20 places in the world to retire.

The publication cited Ames and the rest of central Iowa as good retirement locations because of factors such as low crime rate, clean streets and high-quality health care.

Although real estate can be expensive by Midwestern standards, Ames ranks as the second least expensive town to buy a new two-bedroom, two-bathroom home for $90,000. Like the other top locales, many senior citizens make connections to the local university or college which offer them educational and recreational opportunities, often with a reduced price tag.

Iowa State’s College for Seniors offers specific courses for those over 55. The university’s sporting events and Hilton concerts also contribute to the pleasurable lifestyle for more than 4,000 Ames retirees.

Although Ames and Iowa State may offer a comfortable environment for senior citizens, it isn’t the paradise many dream of socially and environmentally.

Ames is a university town, geared toward the younger generation. The town’s newest businesses, like Victoria’s Secret, and major events, such as Veishea, have catered to the likings of college students.

Campustown businesses, despite its variety of offerings, usually attract men and women in their late teens to baby boomers. This leaves a limited number of small-town activities for the elderly.

Another turn-off for some are the winter days when the warmest temperatures are below zero, causing young and old to get ill if they are not properly clothed.

But despite the setbacks, the highlights of a small-town retirement life has helped Ames attract its own paradise. The diverse population and culture is a quality many retirees say they want, and get in Ames without having to move to a larger city.