Best Assisted Living in Ames, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 9 assisted living communities in Ames, IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in IA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Ames, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Ames, IA.
9 homes
Other senior care options in Ames:

Compare Assisted Living around Ames (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
Green Hills Retirement Community
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 73
Rank #168 / 289
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #249 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 18
Rank #15 / 232
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #75 / 259
A+?14
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #58 / 265
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #225 / 265
Northridge Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Somerset)
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 73
Rank #247 / 289
Yes
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #150 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 18
Rank #145 / 232
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #12 / 259
AC16
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6
Rank #89 / 265
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #210 / 265
Northcrest Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 73
Rank #140 / 289
No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 45
Rank #188 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #187 / 232
48.4%
Facility 48.4%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #152 / 259
-A3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Independence Village of Ames
AL
MC
RC
Ames
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 73
Rank #274 / 289
Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #117 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 18
Rank #54 / 232
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #1 / 259
A+C3
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 6
Rank #225 / 265
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #210 / 265
The Rose of Ames
AL
Ames
112
Facility 112
IA AVG 73
Rank #42 / 289
Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #117 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 18
Rank #85 / 232
43.8%
Facility 43.8%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #234 / 259
-B+9
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 6
Rank #239 / 265
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #225 / 265
Bickford of Ames
AL
Ames (Somerset)
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 73
Rank #196 / 289
Yes
45
Facility 45
IA AVG 45
Rank #144 / 302
Studio
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 18
Rank #34 / 232
59.2%
Facility 59.2%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #149 / 259
-C-9
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 6
Rank #239 / 265
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #242 / 265
Windsor Manor Nevada
AL
MC
Nevada
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 73
Rank #115 / 289
No
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 45
Rank #224 / 302
-
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 18
Rank #122 / 232
38.6%
Facility 38.6%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #230 / 259
-A+7
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6
Rank #161 / 265
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #242 / 265
The Lindens at Green Hills
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Green Hills)
-Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #249 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed-------
Heartwood House
AL
IL
MC
NH
Ames
-No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 45
Rank #188 / 302
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Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each assisted living community is ranked against every other IA assisted living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 9 analyzed for Ames. See how we rank facilities

Overview of Green Hills Retirement Community

Green Hills Retirement Community offers a vibrant lifestyle designed to support those in their golden years. This sprawling 33-acre property, nestled near Iowa State University, provides an exquisite living experience for individuals aged 55 and above. The community boasts beautifully appointed living spaces, ranging from apartments to townhomes, ensuring residents have a variety of comfortable options to choose from.Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Green Hills offers a plethora of wellness opportunities, engaging activities, and delightful restaurant-style dining experiences, creating a fulfilling environment for its residents.

They provide specialized memory care services, catering to individuals with dementia, alongside independent living options. The community is characterized by a compassionate atmosphere, where residents can enjoy their lives to the fullest. Moreover, Green Hills features a Medicare five-star rated health care center, offering both short-term and long-term services, including comprehensive rehabilitation programs. With all these amenities and services under one roof, Green Hills Retirement Community truly becomes a premier choice for residential assisted living.

Contact Green Hills Retirement Community

Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Overview of Northridge Village

Northridge Village offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing care in Ames, Iowa. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, medication, and other daily tasks. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Several care levels are available in one community. If a resident’s needs grow, they may be able to move within Northridge Village instead of leaving the setting, which may suit someone who could need more support over time. With 38 beds, the community is a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other.

One bedroom and two bedroom layouts are available. A two bedroom option can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Short term rehabilitation supports recovery from an illness, injury, or procedure, while long term nursing care supports ongoing medical needs, and Kayla Zellmer serves as the administrator.

Starting monthly prices are $3,590 for independent living, $6,140 for assisted living, and $8,860 for memory care, with the different rates tied to the listed living and care levels. Northridge Village accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Pets are allowed, so a resident can bring a pet to the community.

The community is in the Somerset neighborhood of Ames, Iowa. A Walk Score of 44 out of 100 places the area in a car dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. Transportation and off site outings can support trips to grocery stores and restaurants, while the courtyard and garden provide outdoor spaces for residents to use.

Contact Northridge Village

Overview of Northcrest Community

Create unforgettable moments at Northcrest Community, an outstanding community in Ames, IA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features.

Unique shops and recreational spaces surround the area, ensuring residents can easily access unending leisure and wellness opportunities. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting environment.

Contact Northcrest Community

Overview of Independence Village of Ames

Operated by the StoryPoint Group, Independence Village of Ames is a senior living community in Ames, Iowa, offering assisted living and memory care. The community is located within a few miles of Mary Greeley Medical Center, giving residents and visiting family convenient access to nearby hospital care when needed.

The two-story community has 30 beds and has been serving residents for 25 years. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. The community is currently at full occupancy. The combination of a long operating history and full occupancy reflects an established community with consistent demand.

Residents receive 24-hour supervision along with specialized memory care services. Respite care is available for families who need a short-term care option. Daily life includes chef-prepared meals served in a home-style setting, transportation services, and fitness and recreation programs that encourage residents to stay active and engaged. Sydney Petersen serves as the community’s administrator.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 51, which is moderately walkable. Some nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, while most errands and outings require a car. State inspection history has focused on staff training, resident assessments, care plan documentation, and building safety features such as exit door alarms. More recent complaint investigations found no substantiated issues.

Contact Independence Village of Ames

Overview of The Rose of Ames

The Rose of Ames is an assisted living community in Ames, IA, where residents can receive help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while continuing to live in an apartment. One bedroom and two bedroom options may work for someone living alone or for a couple moving together, making the community a possible fit for a loved one who needs daily support in one of those arrangements.

The community has 112 beds and opened in 1995. Jami Kaufman serves as the administrator. Medicare is accepted for covered short term skilled care after a hospital stay, not for long term residence.

On site therapies are part of the wellness program, so a resident can receive therapy without arranging transportation elsewhere. Pets are allowed, which means residents may be able to keep their pets with them at the community.

A Walk Score of 51 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, with some errands possible on foot. A resident who walks independently may be able to manage certain nearby errands without driving, while other errands may require a car or ride.

Contact The Rose of Ames

Overview of Bickford of Ames

Bickford of Ames offers a seamless journey through aging. With a deep commitment to assisted living, their caregivers provide personalized and top-notch services. Their unique approach involves an advanced resident monitoring system, ensuring safety through secure building features, pull cords, and wearable call buttons. Alongside this, they serve high-quality, culinary delights prepared within the community, maintaining exceptional culinary standards.

Their activities are far from ordinary, encouraging community engagement, positive values, and memorable family gatherings. They infuse excitement into daily routines with themed days and foster a sense of belonging through various events. The community also provides essential services like transportation and medication management, making it a pet-friendly haven that truly understands the needs of seniors, offering a home that goes beyond typical assisted living, catering to their unique requirements and preferences.

Contact Bickford of Ames

Overview of Windsor Manor Nevada

Located in the heart of Nevada, Iowa, Windsor Manor is a charming senior community offering an array of living options. With 30 thoughtfully designed assisted-living apartments, ranging from one to two bedrooms, residents find comfort in their private spaces equipped with convenient kitchenettes. The community takes pride in its exceptional housekeeping and personal laundry services, ensuring residents can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle. They go the extra mile by providing personalized emergency wireless pendants and round-the-clock assistance, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents.

In addition to its comprehensive services, Windsor Manor boasts a secure memory care area comprising 10 studio apartments, specially designed for individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Families appreciate the peace of mind offered by this secure environment. With scheduled transportation and easy access to highways, the community ensures convenient visits for families. What truly sets Windsor Manor apart is its commitment to offering reasonable assisted living costs, making it an affordable choice for seniors to embrace life to the fullest.

Contact Windsor Manor Nevada

Overview of The Lindens at Green Hills

Operated by the Green Hills Residents’ Association, The Lindens at Green Hills is a senior living community in the Green Hills neighborhood of Ames, Iowa. It offers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. The community is housed in a mid-rise building about 2.7 miles from Mary Greeley Medical Center, providing residents and families with convenient access to nearby hospital care.

The care team helps residents with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, and medication management while emphasizing personal choice and maintaining independence. Residents can choose from one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences ranging from about 536 to 1,489 square feet. Residents can access transportation services, fitness and recreation programs, and a pet-friendly environment.

The Lindens at Green Hills has 56 beds, with an occupancy rate of 79%, with an average daily census of approximately 44 residents. Nursing staff provides nearly 6 hours of direct nursing care per resident each day, giving families a useful measure of the hands-on support available within the community.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 18, which is car-dependent. Most errands and outings require a vehicle rather than a walk. Families considering The Lindens at Green Hills should ask about current apartment availability, especially for the one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.

Contact The Lindens at Green Hills

Overview of Heartwood House

Heartwood House is an assisted living and memory care community in Ames, Iowa, that provides 24-hour support and specialized memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Additional services include medication management, diabetic care, and respite care for families seeking temporary support.

Residents have access to secured indoor and outdoor common areas, promoting both safety and social engagement. Wheelchair-accessible showers also accommodate varying mobility needs.

On-site parking is available for visiting family members and friends, making regular visits more convenient. The surrounding neighborhood is slightly walkable, allowing a limited number of errands to be completed on foot, though most destinations are more easily reached by car.

For families seeking a combination of assisted living and specialized memory support, Heartwood House offers services tailored to residents with memory-related conditions while also addressing everyday care needs.

Contact Heartwood House

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Ames, IA

What is the average cost of assisted living in Ames, IA?

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Ames, IA is approximately $5,000. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for assisted living in Ames, IA?

Assisted living in Ames, IA typically ranges from $4,500–$7,100 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at assisted living facilities in Ames, IA?

Assisted living facilities in Ames, IA typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:6 to 1:12.

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover assisted living?

Iowa Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including Iowa) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

Assisted Living in Ames at a glance

Avg Monthly Cost: $5,995The average monthly cost across facilities in Ames, IA. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 36/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Ames, IA. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 60The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Ames, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90