Best Assisted Living in Iowa City, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 10 assisted living communities in Iowa City, 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 Iowa City, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Iowa City, IA.
10 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa City:
Avg Monthly Cost: $4,656The average monthly cost across facilities in Iowa City, 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: 29/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Iowa City, 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: 70The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa City, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa City (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. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
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.
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.
Oaknoll Retirement Residence
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #129 / 334
No
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 46
Rank #290 / 424
Private Rooms
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 18
Rank #7 / 258
81.4%
Facility 81.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #81 / 295
-13
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Legacy Senior Living
AL
IL
Iowa City (Lucas)
136
Facility 136
IA AVG 71
Rank #23 / 334
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 46
Rank #343 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 18
Rank #68 / 258
52.2%
Facility 52.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #178 / 295
A+7
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
AL
IL
Iowa City (Weber)
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 71
Rank #209 / 334
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 46
Rank #343 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #87 / 258
57.7%
Facility 57.7%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #160 / 295
A+13
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #191 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Oaknoll Assisted Living
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Longfellow)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #87 / 334
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 46
Rank #2 / 424
-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 18
Rank #103 / 258
41.3%
Facility 41.3%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #249 / 295
-2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
FeatherStone at Hickory Hill
AL
MC
Iowa City (Hoover)
170
Facility 170
IA AVG 71
Rank #9 / 334
Yes
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 46
Rank #377 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 18
Rank #236 / 258
29.4%
Facility 29.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #284 / 295
-2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Stirlingshire of Coralville
AL
MC
Coralville (Weber)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
Yes
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 46
Rank #414 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #187 / 295
-9
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Keystone Place at Forevergreen
AL
IL
MC
North Liberty
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
Yes
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 46
Rank #398 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 18
Rank #169 / 258
52.5%
Facility 52.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #177 / 295
-6
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Bickford of Iowa City
AL
MC
Iowa City (Longfellow)
65
Facility 65
IA AVG 71
Rank #155 / 334
Yes
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 46
Rank #290 / 424
-
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 18
Rank #46 / 258
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #255 / 295
-7
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 7
Rank #285 / 299
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #295 / 299
Navigate MC at Featherstone at Hickory Trail
AL
MC
Iowa City (Lemme)
32
Facility 32
IA AVG 71
Rank #308 / 334
Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 46
Rank #278 / 424
-
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 18
Rank #236 / 258
--3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Chatham Oaks Inc.
AL
Iowa City (Weber)
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 71
Rank #331 / 334
No-----12
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #281 / 299

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 10 analyzed for Iowa City. See how we rank facilities

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

Overview of Legacy Senior Living

Ensconced within the charming ambiance of Iowa City, Legacy Senior Living stands as a pinnacle of retirement living on the east side. This vibrant community offers a harmonious blend of residential assisted living with memory care options, ensuring a holistic and dignified lifestyle for its residents. What sets Legacy Pointe apart is its dedication to continuous learning, exemplified by its specialized memory care training, empowering staff to provide compassionate and professional care to seniors.

The community’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its welcoming of respite stays and its efforts to cater to various dietary needs. The scenic campus boasts a pet-friendly environment, accompanied by splendid common areas, a beauty salon, a cutting-edge computer and media center, and a dynamic fitness hub. Engaging activities in the game room further enhance the sense of camaraderie and fulfillment.

Contact Legacy Senior Living

Overview of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Located in the heart of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community stands as a welcoming haven for seniors seeking assisted living. Offering a range of private senior apartments, this community provides a sanctuary where residents are free from the burdens of upkeep and monotony. With a reputation that shines brightly over the years, Melrose Meadows prides itself on transparency in its fee structure and offers a blend of independent and assisted living facilities.

Its strategic proximity to the University of Iowa hospitals and clinics ensures seamless access to world-class healthcare, supported by a dedicated on-site staff available around the clock. Amidst the vibrant energy of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community thrives as a place where seniors experience a fulfilling and supportive environment. Thoughtfully designed spaces create a sense of warmth and comfort, encouraging residents to embrace life to the fullest.

Contact Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Overview of Oaknoll Assisted Living

Oaknoll Assisted Living offers assisted living, independent living, and nursing care in Iowa City, Iowa. Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Independent living supports private living with community services and no daily care, while nursing care provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Having these care levels together may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time. Care can change within the same community rather than requiring a move elsewhere. The community is in the Longfellow neighborhood and has 80 beds, with Taylor Wheeler serving as administrator.

Respite care provides a short stay when a family caregiver needs to travel or recover. Dining includes varied food venues and choices, so residents have more than one setting or option for meals. The Fitness Center offers a place to exercise within the community, and rehabilitation services are available for residents who need therapy; Dementia Live® is one of the named programs.

A Walk Score of 91 out of 100 places the area in the walker’s paradise band. Daily errands do not require a car, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently for those errands. The range of care may be a good fit for someone who wants private living now but may need daily help or nursing care later.

Contact Oaknoll Assisted Living

Overview of FeatherStone at Hickory Hill

FeatherStone at Hickory Hill offers assisted living and memory care in Iowa City, IA, within the Hoover neighborhood. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a personal living space. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and having both care levels can support a resident whose needs grow over time.

With 170 beds, FeatherStone is a larger community, with more residents, staff, and programming. Housing includes studios, one bedroom apartments, and two bedroom apartments. A studio offers one private space, while a two bedroom can work for a couple moving together or for someone who wants a companion. Pets are allowed, so residents may bring a pet with them.

Tracy Sherzer serves as the administrator. Dining includes a restaurant style dining room and an on site bistro, giving residents places to eat within the community. Rehabilitation services and short term rehabilitation are available for someone who needs temporary care while receiving rehabilitation support. Respite care provides a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs time to travel or recover.

Contact FeatherStone at Hickory Hill

Overview of Stirlingshire of Coralville

Stirlingshire of Coralville provides assisted living and memory care in Coralville, IA. Assisted living offers help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. The combination of care levels may be a good fit for a resident whose needs grow over time, because the resident can move to a different level of care without leaving the community.

The community has 40 beds, making it a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know one another. Housing options include studios, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom apartments, with the two-bedroom layout able to suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Located in the Weber neighborhood, the community is administered by Amy Kubik-Hasley, and pets are allowed so residents can bring a pet when moving in.

Contact Stirlingshire of Coralville

Overview of Keystone Place at Forevergreen

Located within North Liberty, Iowa, Keystone Place at Forevergreen stands as a haven of passionate care and vibrant living. Offering a comprehensive range of services, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, this community is renowned for its landscape-rich campus and its unwavering commitment to fostering an engaged and socially active lifestyle for its residents. Here, the pursuit of fun and personal growth thrives, allowing seniors to flourish physically and mentally.

The community boasts an elegant clubhouse adorned with a library and theater, serving as a hub for enriching activities. An expansive activity center and a state-of-the-art fitness hub contribute to the dynamic environment. The spacious apartment homes, available in large one and two bedroom floor plans, offer ample storage and comfort. With a 24-hour concierge and a specially trained staff available round the clock, residents experience a secure and supportive atmosphere. The courtyard also beckons with secure access, providing a breathable space for relaxation.

Contact Keystone Place at Forevergreen

Bickford of Iowa City

3500 Lower West Branch Rd, Iowa City, IA 52245
Overview of Bickford of Iowa City

Bickford of Iowa City provides assisted living and memory care in Iowa City, IA. Assisted living includes help with daily activities such as grooming and medication management, while memory care provides a supervised setting for someone who may be at risk of wandering. The combination may suit a resident whose needs could grow from help with daily tasks to memory-focused care without leaving the community.

The community has 65 beds and is located in the Longfellow neighborhood. Its Montessori Memory Care program gives residents in the memory care setting a named program designed for that level of care. Restaurant-style meals are served three times a day, allowing residents to eat prepared meals on site, and transportation is available for resident travel.

Pets are allowed, so a resident may bring a pet when moving in. A Walk Score of 33 places the area in a car-dependent setting, where most errands require a car or a ride, so residents who no longer drive will need one of those options for most errands. Paige Enlow serves as the administrator, and Ashley Ballard is the director.

Contact Bickford of Iowa City

Overview of Navigate Mc at Featherstone at Hickory Trail

Navigate Mc at Featherstone at Hickory Trail offers assisted living and memory care in Iowa City, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident maintains a private living space. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Having both care levels can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, because care can change without leaving the community or starting over socially. The community has 32 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, while short term rehabilitation supports temporary recovery needs.

Pets are allowed, so a resident can keep a pet as part of the move. Tracy Sherzer serves as the administrator. Rehabilitation services are available, and the community has dining venues with wellness programming.

A Walk Score of 35 places the area in a setting dependent on a car, so most errands require a car or a ride. Navigate Mc at Featherstone at Hickory Trail is in the Lemme neighborhood of Iowa City, IA.

Contact Navigate MC at Featherstone at Hickory Trail

Overview of Chatham Oaks

Chatham Oaks is an assisted living community in Iowa City’s Weber neighborhood. Residents receive help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while keeping their own apartment.

With 16 beds, Chatham Oaks is a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know one another. It may be a good fit for someone who prefers a smaller setting, and Lydia Olson-Kelley serves as the administrator.

Contact Chatham Oaks Inc.

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 Iowa City, IA

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

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

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

Assisted living in Iowa City, 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 Iowa City, IA?

Assisted living facilities in Iowa City, 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.