Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 310 assisted living communities in 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Iowa.
310 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa

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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. 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.
Sunrise Retirement Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Sioux City
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 73
Rank #104 / 289
Yes
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 45
Rank #238 / 302
Studio
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 18
Rank #4 / 232
90.5%
Facility 90.5%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #27 / 259
A+?25
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6
Rank #89 / 265
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #256 / 265
Friendship Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 73
Rank #108 / 289
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 45
Rank #111 / 302
2 Bed / 3 Bed
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 18
Rank #7 / 232
83.3%
Facility 83.3%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #22 / 259
-?17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 265
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #225 / 265
St Francis Manor
AL
HOS
NH
SNF
Grinnell
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 73
Rank #92 / 289
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 45
Rank #20 / 302
-
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 18
Rank #11 / 232
69.2%
Facility 69.2%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #104 / 259
-?13
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 6
Rank #121 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
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
Stonehill Care Center
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Dubuque
185
Facility 185
IA AVG 73
Rank #3 / 289
No
89
Facility 89
IA AVG 45
Rank #10 / 302
-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 18
Rank #85 / 232
85.4%
Facility 85.4%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #46 / 259
-?17
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6
Rank #188 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Valley View Village
AL
HOS
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 73
Rank #90 / 289
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #175 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 18
Rank #1 / 232
96.2%
Facility 96.2%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #1 / 259
-C27
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6
Rank #174 / 265
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #210 / 265
Bethany Lutheran Home
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Council Bluffs
112
Facility 112
IA AVG 73
Rank #42 / 289
Yes
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 45
Rank #34 / 302
-
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 18
Rank #5 / 232
80.4%
Facility 80.4%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #67 / 259
-D-38
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 6
Rank #261 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 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
Oaknoll Retirement Residence
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 73
Rank #115 / 289
No
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 45
Rank #200 / 302
Private Rooms
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 18
Rank #7 / 232
81.4%
Facility 81.4%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #62 / 259
-A13
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #58 / 265
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #180 / 265
Martina Place
AL
Johnston (Winwood Apartments)
120
Facility 120
IA AVG 73
Rank #34 / 289
No
67
Facility 67
IA AVG 45
Rank #60 / 302
Private / Studio / 1 Bed
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 18
Rank #26 / 232
43.3%
Facility 43.3%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #200 / 259
-A+2
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #58 / 265
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #180 / 265

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 310 on this page. See how we rank facilities

Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
12...31
Overview of Sunrise Retirement Community

Welcome to Sunrise Retirement Community, a distinguished assisted living community nestled in Sioux City, Iowa. Sunrise takes great pride in its resident-centered care philosophy, focusing on individual needs and promoting the “freedom of choice” for the beloved residents. The community’s approach aims to create an inviting and less institutionalized environment, allowing residents to experience increased independence, privacy, and flexibility in their daily lives. At Sunrise, the team tailors services to cater to each resident’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring they receive the best possible care that suits them best.

As part of Sunrise Retirement Community’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the residents, the community has embraced the Eden approach, fostering meaningful connections with children, pets, and green spaces, further enriching their daily experiences. The funding sources for Sunrise include Medicare, Medicaid, third-party arrangements, and private payment options, ensuring that compassionate care is provided while addressing residents’ financial considerations. At Sunrise Retirement Community, the staff deeply cares for the residents, establishes meaningful connections every day, leads with boldness, and serves faithfully, creating a nurturing and fulfilling environment for all. 

Contact Sunrise Retirement Community

Overview of Friendship Village

Conveniently located near MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo, IA, Friendship Village is an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and long-term care. The community also features beautifully furnished and spacious floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with the community helping with housekeeping and chores.

Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents also enjoy a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced meals to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are welcome to stay to ease residents’ loneliness. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Friendship Village

St Francis Manor

2021 Fourth Avenue, Grinnell, IA 50112-2064
Overview of St Francis Manor

St Francis Manor provides nursing home care, assisted living, hospice care, and skilled nursing in Grinnell, Iowa. Nursing home care supports residents who need ongoing assistance, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Hospice care focuses on comfort and end of life needs.

The Rehabilitation Clinic offers inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy, so residents can receive rehabilitation during a stay or through scheduled visits. Home Healthcare, along with hospital to home skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, supports care after a resident returns home. S.H.A.P.E. Fitness includes fitness classes, exercise equipment, and a walking track for structured movement activities.

St Francis Manor has 78 beds, with total nurse staffing of 5 hours and 39 minutes per resident each day. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, and Dion Schrack serves as the administrator. A Walk Score of 82 out of 100 places the area in the very walkable band, meaning most errands can be done on foot; a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently.

The range of nursing, assisted living, hospice, and rehabilitation services may suit a resident whose care needs change over time. That breadth can allow related services to remain available as needs shift, from daily assistance and rehabilitation to around the clock nursing or hospice support.

Contact St Francis Manor

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

Overview of Stonehill Care Center

Stonehill Care Center offers skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Dubuque, IA. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care around the clock, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, and memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. The range of care settings may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since different care levels are available within the same community.

Stonehill Care Center has 185 beds, a size that brings more residents, staff, and usually more programming. Its 85% occupancy means the community is operating below full bed capacity. Total nurse staffing is 4h 50m per resident/day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time allocated to each resident.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted; Medicare applies to short-term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid may help cover a long stay when personal savings are limited, and private pay allows a family to pay directly. A Walk Score of 89 / 100 places the area in the very walkable band, meaning most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Matt Jahn serves as the administrator. Outpatient therapy provides rehabilitation services through the community, while personal training gives residents access to structured exercise with a trainer.

Contact Stonehill Care Center

Overview of Martina Place

Age without worries at Martina Place, a blissful retreat in Johnston, IA, offering assisted living. Residents do not have to worry about their daily living activities and personal needs with a compassionate and well-trained team available around the clock. Housekeeping and laundry services are also provided, ensuring residents have a worry-free lifestyle.

With fun recreational activities and enriching programs, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Mealtimes promote social connections with delicious and healthy dining options, striving to provide the finest dining experience. Medication management is also provided for convenience and safety. Residents enjoy a blissful retirement accompanied by the community’s nurturing and inviting environment.

Contact Martina Place

Overview of Valley View Village

Valley View Village 2571 is a high-standard nursing home in Des Moines, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, from independent living to rehabilitation. Promoting a welcoming environment, the community strives to maintain connections for older adults’ happiness and wellness. Delicious dining, recreational activities, and pet-friendly spaces are among the community’s unique features that make it an ideal retirement destination. With its dedication to residents’ welfare, personalized care plans are crafted to meet their healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences.

Hobby groups, fun excursions, and spiritual activities are just some of the activities that residents can join for leisure and wellness. The community also features a variety of amenities, including a library, well-maintained gardens, and walking paths, dedicated to enriching residents’ living experiences. As a community of its own, Valley View Village has all the local amenities needed for residents’ needs and leisure. This retirement community is one of Iowa’s finest choices for senior living, especially for its wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

Contact Valley View Village

Bethany Lutheran Home

Seven Elliott Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0297
Overview of Bethany Lutheran Home

Bethany Lutheran Home provides skilled nursing and nursing home care, assisted living, and memory care in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while nursing home care includes long term care and rehabilitation. Assisted living supports daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

The home opened in 1975 and has 112 beds. Its Rehab to Home program and rehabilitation services support a resident working toward returning home after a stay or treatment, when that goal is part of the care plan. A Walk Score of 77 places the area in the very walkable range, so most errands can be done on foot; shops, a pharmacy, and cafes can be reached by a short walk for a resident who no longer drives. Bethany Lutheran Home allows pets, so a resident can keep a pet with them during the move.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families payment paths for covered care or residence costs. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 41 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated per resident. Chandra Gustafson serves as administrator. Bethany Lutheran Home may be a good fit for someone whose needs could change over time because its assisted living, memory care, nursing home, and skilled nursing services are available within one community.

Contact Bethany Lutheran Home

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 Oaknoll Retirement Residence

Amidst the vibrant charm of Oaknoll Retirement Residence, an unparalleled retirement experience unfolds, seamlessly merging assisted-living and on-site nursing care services. Expertly curated by a dedicated full-time chef, meals are savored in posh and elegant dining venues, enhancing the overall dining experience. As a testament to their commitment to holistic well-being, Oaknoll extends access to an array of essential services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as personalized guidance from skilled dietitians and dedicated companion support.

Families can rest assured that Oaknoll collaborates closely, not only tailoring services to individual needs but also accommodating various insurance options, including Medicare, Social Security, veterans administration, and private insurance, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care. Moreover, Oaknoll fosters a sense of unity by offering invaluable support groups, promoting connections among residents and their loved ones.

Contact Oaknoll Retirement Residence

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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Submit a correction
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Iowa

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.

How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?

This page features 310 assisted living facilities in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Iowa?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Iowa, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in Iowa?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.

Assisted Living in Iowa at a glance

Avg Monthly Cost: $5,500The average monthly cost across facilities in Iowa. 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: 45/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Iowa. 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: 73The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90