Other senior care options in Des Moines:

Best Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 26 assisted living communities in Des Moines, IA using Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
26 homes
Other senior care options in Des Moines:
Avg Monthly Cost: $6,602The average monthly cost across facilities in Des Moines, 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: 49/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Des Moines, 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: 89The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Des Moines, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around Des Moines (Metro Area)

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Grand Living At Tower Place
AL
IL
MC
West Des Moines (South 51St Street)
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 71
Rank #125 / 407
Yes
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
47.4%
Facility 47.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #292 / 379
-7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
AL
MC
RC
West Des Moines
93
Facility 93
IA AVG 71
Rank #79 / 407
No
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 45
Rank #168 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
58.1%
Facility 58.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #228 / 379
-9
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #187 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Valley View Village
AL
HC
IL
MC
NH
RC
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 71
Rank #117 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 19
Rank #2 / 282
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #1 / 379
-24
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Vintage Hills of Indianola
AL
MC
RC
Indianola
90
Facility 90
IA AVG 71
Rank #83 / 407
No
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 45
Rank #441 / 528
-
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 19
Rank #160 / 282
45.6%
Facility 45.6%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #306 / 379
A+7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Holland Farms
AL
IL
MC
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 71
Rank #45 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
38.8%
Facility 38.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #346 / 379
-7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill
AL
IL
MC
Pleasant Hill
140
Facility 140
IA AVG 71
Rank #23 / 407
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 19
Rank #257 / 282
21.4%
Facility 21.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #377 / 379
-2
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Addington Place of Des Moines
AL
MC
Des Moines (Bloomfield/Allen)
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 71
Rank #249 / 407
Yes
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 45
Rank #507 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 19
Rank #170 / 282
31.5%
Facility 31.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #362 / 379
-32
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #329 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Edencrest at The Legacy
AL
IL
MC
RC
Norwalk
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 407
Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 45
Rank #372 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
35.0%
Facility 35.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #357 / 379
-8
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at Beaverdale
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 71
Rank #16 / 407
Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 45
Rank #70 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
39.4%
Facility 39.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #342 / 379
-17
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #264 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
The Rose of East Des Moines
AL
Des Moines (Martin Luther King Jr. Park)
128
Facility 128
IA AVG 71
Rank #32 / 407
No
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 45
Rank #98 / 528
1 bed / 2 bed
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 19
Rank #151 / 282
42.2%
Facility 42.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #326 / 379
A+33
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #339 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Edencrest at The Tuscany
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #44 / 379
-7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #131 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Independence Village of Waukee
AL
IL
MC
NH
Waukee
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 71
Rank #373 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 19
Rank #164 / 282
41.2%
Facility 41.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #332 / 379
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates)
AL
IL
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
-Yes
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 45
Rank #140 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 19
Rank #257 / 282
-A---
Edencrest at Riverwoods
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Woodside Park)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 407
Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 45
Rank #332 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 19
Rank #179 / 282
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #337 / 379
-19
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #247 / 348
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #320 / 348
Independence Village of Pella
AL
IL
MC
Pella
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 71
Rank #405 / 407
Yes
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 45
Rank #415 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
35.7%
Facility 35.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #354 / 379
A+23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #224 / 348
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #343 / 348
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Edencrest at Beaverdale

3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Overview of Edencrest at Beaverdale

Lead a meaningful life with the idyllic senior living community of Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA, providing assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs are well-cared for through different levels of care provided to meet their unique needs. With its commitment to understanding residents, the community crafts personalized care plans for their comfort.

Residents receive the utmost care and support with a care team attending to them 24/7, ensuring they enjoy every moment of their best years. With fun recreation and wellness programs, residents experience fun-filled days. The community promotes a pet-friendly and welcoming environment, making it ideal for those aiming to optimize their independence.

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

Overview of The Rose of East Des Moines

Nestled in the serene neighborhood of Des Moines, IA, The Rose of East Des Moines is a paradisal senior living community, offering premiere assisted living services. The community provides an array of beautifully designed one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with large windows for plenty of natural light and convenient access to medical facilities, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and entertainment venues. Residents feel safe and secure with round the clock emergency response systems and a dependable team available to attend to residents’ needs.

A wide selection of fun and entertaining activities tailored to residents’ various interests and passions are available to help them stay physically and mentally stimulated for maintaining their wellness. Residents also enjoy delicious, well-balanced meals served in an inviting dining room that fosters bonding and socialization. Various amenities, such as a sunroom, card & game room, cozy, reading area, and beautiful outdoor spaces are available for residents’ enjoyment.

Contact The Rose of East Des Moines

Overview of Independence Village of Waukee

Tucked away in Waukee, IA Independence Village of Waukee is a one-of-a-kind senior living community that offers an array of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community offers a wide range of apartment floor plans, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments, and shared suites for memory care residents. A dedicated care team is available 24-hours a day to provide licensed support and various assistance, from daily living activities to medication reminders, and mobility assistance.

Committed to offering a nurturing and engaging environment that fosters social interaction and vibrant living, the community offers a wide array of activities and events inspired by residents’ interests and skills. Residents also enjoy a personalized dining experience, consisting of tastefully prepared meals tailored to their dietary needs and tastes. Here, residents are given access to the necessities they need to live a fulfilling golden years.

Contact Independence Village of Waukee

Overview of Life Center

Offering excellent memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, The Life Center is a dependable senior living community in Des Moines, IA that helps residents maintain a sense of individuality and freedom while receiving additional support. The community features a reliable nursing team available 24-hours a day and an extensive rehabilitative program, featuring physical, speech, and occupational therapies that help residents maintain their highest level of functionality.

Residents also delight in an array of convenient services that help them live a maintenance-free lifestyle such as housekeeping, laundry, package delivery services, and more. A registered dietician carefully reviews the residents’ therapeutic diets to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and nourishment. With Life Center, residents are guaranteed to lead the lifestyle they deserve surrounded by compassionate support and care.

Contact Life Center

Overview of Independence Village of Des Moines (beaverdale Estates)

Make the most of your retirement years at the vibrant senior living community of Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates) in Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community features pet-friendly apartments featuring large windows with plenty of natural light, along with convenient access to housekeeping for a maintenance-free living. The community is conveniently located near numerous parks, recreational facilities and walking trails, as well as excellent health care facilities, including the MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.

The community fosters a vibrant living experience and social connection through their diverse array of social, cultural and recreational activities, as well as exercise, fitness and wellness programs. A talented culinary team carefully prepares diverse menu options catered to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a business center and library, beauty salon and barbershop, and community activity room, including a game room and lounge, for relaxing gathering spaces.

Contact Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates)

Overview of Holiday Beaverdale Estates

An Atria senior living community, Holiday Beaverdale Estates has built one of the finest senior living communities in Des Moines– prioritizing its inclusive amenities for the welfare of its residents. Their commitment to making sure that an individual can feel independent while being engaged is one of their utmost priority for a balanced lifestyle; they ensure that their residents are healthy and active. Holiday Beaverdale Estates has ensured a diverse and inclusive environment offering a strong sense of family.
The premier community has boasted an elevated lifestyle through the elevated service that they have provided for residential independent living seniors. Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef; weekly housekeeping and laundry, and daily fitness activities with their finest gym equipment– among others. They also provide every private apartment with an emergency call system.

Contact Holiday Beaverdale Estates

Edencrest at Riverwoods

2210 E Park Ave, Des Moines, Ia 50320, Usa
Overview of Edencrest at Riverwoods

Ideally set in the tranquil neighborhood of East Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA, is the reliable senior living community of Edencrest at Riverwoods that provides assisted living and memory care. Experience the highest quality of care and support with a compassionate and responsible team caring for residents’ needs and preferences around the clock. Featuring different levels of care for individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs, the community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment where residents thrive.

Elevate your retirement with fun recreation and wellness programs, highlighting your interests and strengths. Delightful and healthy meals are also provided to foster comfort and meet dietary needs. With beautiful courtyards and pet-friendly spaces, residents enjoy a peaceful and happy retirement.

Contact Edencrest at Riverwoods

Overview of Independence Village of Pella

Situated in Pella, IA, Independence Village of Pella is a reliable senior living community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. The community features an array of beautifully designed accommodations, ranging from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, providing a comfortable living space to residents. Care needs are fully met with personalized care plans and professionally trained employees available 24/7 to provide care and assistance.

There’s no shortage of enriching things to do with a vibrant calendar of activities, events, and programs offered by the community. Dining experience is improved with chef-prepared meals that are carefully curated to satisfy unique dietary needs and food preferences. Residents never have to worry about chores with housekeeping, laundry services, and other supportive services provided by a dedicated team. Here, residents have what they need to live a carefree and fulfilling lifestyle.

Contact Independence Village of Pella

3801 Grand

3801 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Ia 503122800
Overview of 3801 Grand

3801 Grand is a 106-bed senior living facility at 3801 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Administered by Angie Wadle, the community serves Polk County under license S0003, which is active through May 31, 2026. The facility reports a current occupancy rate of 41%, with 43 of 106 beds filled, falling below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. Located in the East Village neighborhood, the site holds a Walk Score of 91, making it a walker’s paradise where daily errands can be completed on foot.

Data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlights a record of consistent regulatory strength and notable improvement. Since 2004, the facility has accumulated 22 deficiencies over 18 inspections, yielding an annual average of one violation, a figure 17% lower than the state benchmark. The most recent evaluation in October 2025 resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. This performance is part of a sustained period of compliance, with four consecutive clean inspections recorded between 2022 and 2025.

Daily clinical operations at this 28-year-old campus cover a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. While current reviews indicate high quality, a 2016 investigation led to a $3,000 civil penalty after a resident exited through an unalarmed courtyard gate. More recent minor findings from 2018 and 2021 involved inconsistent insulin administration protocols and incomplete employee background checks. Professional care is currently provided without add-on fees, featuring chef-prepared dining and specialized nutrition support.

The campus environment focuses on integrated wellness programming and social engagement across various levels of care. Shared amenities include Wi-Fi access and communal spaces specifically designed to accommodate memory care residents. Although early 2000s records noted gaps in service plan documentation and wound care delegation, the community has since earned a Best Assisted Living designation from U.S. News & World Report. According to state records, the administration has comprehensively addressed previous life safety and medication oversight concerns.

Interested individuals should consider the community’s long-term history of operational excellence and its low deficiency rate. It is recommended to verify the current functionality of all security systems and to discuss staffing stability during a personal tour. Families may contact the Des Moines office to inquire about care transitions and to ensure the facility’s clinical protocols align with their specific 2026 wellness goals.

Contact 3801 Grand

Overview of Calvin Community Al
Calvin Community Al is a faith-based, not-for-profit retirement community located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers a complete continuum of care options including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community focuses on providing individualized care in a warm and supportive environment.

Contact Calvin Community AL

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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

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

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Des Moines, IA is approximately $5,300. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

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

Assisted living in Des Moines, IA typically ranges from $4,800–$7,400 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

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

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

How many licensed assisted living facilities are there in Des Moines, IA?

According to state licensing records, there are approximately ~50–60 licensed assisted living facilities in Des Moines, IA.

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.