Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 15 of 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
Jul 2026
We analyzed
310 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
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: 47/ 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: 72The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

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 to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Oaknoll Retirement Residence
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 72
Rank #156 / 404
No
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 47
Rank #344 / 505
Private Rooms
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 19
Rank #15 / 286
81.4% -12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 295
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #201 / 295
Green Hills Retirement Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 72
Rank #232 / 404
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 47
Rank #430 / 505
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 19
Rank #25 / 286
78.6% -11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Sunrise Retirement Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Sioux City
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 72
Rank #136 / 404
Yes
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 47
Rank #411 / 505
Studio
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 19
Rank #5 / 286
90.5% A+25
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 295
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #285 / 295
Mill Pond
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 72
Rank #213 / 404
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 47
Rank #438 / 505
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #106 / 286
98.3% -16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #146 / 295
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #201 / 295
Wesley Acres
AL
ADC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 72
Rank #105 / 404
Yes
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 47
Rank #89 / 505
-- 91.3% -21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #202 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Deerfield Health Care Center
AL
NH
IL
RESC
Urbandale
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 72
Rank #388 / 404
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 47
Rank #487 / 505
-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 19
Rank #126 / 286
73.3% A+19
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Terrace Glen Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Marion (Flynn)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 404
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 47
Rank #443 / 505
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #201 / 286
95.0% A13
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Meth Wick Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Cedar Rapids (The Meth-Wick Community)
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 72
Rank #167 / 404
No
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 47
Rank #405 / 505
-- 81.4% ----
Heart of Siouxland Senior Care
AL
Sioux City
-No
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 47
Rank #118 / 505
-------
Simpson Memorial Home
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Liberty (North Miller Street)
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 72
Rank #238 / 404
No
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 47
Rank #287 / 505
-- 58.2% -18
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 295
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #270 / 295
St Francis Manor
AL
HOS
NH
SNF
Grinnell
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 72
Rank #119 / 404
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 47
Rank #39 / 505
-
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 19
Rank #15 / 286
69.2% -10
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #121 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
Friendship Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 72
Rank #143 / 404
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 47
Rank #202 / 505
2 Bed / 3 Bed
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 19
Rank #9 / 286
91.7% -17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Prairie Vista Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
South Altoona
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 72
Rank #170 / 404
Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 47
Rank #372 / 505
-
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 19
Rank #178 / 286
50.0% A7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
Mount Carmel Bluffs
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Dubuque (South Switch Junction)
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 72
Rank #213 / 404
No
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 47
Rank #499 / 505
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 286
93.3% -10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 295
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #232 / 295
Mayflower Home
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Grinnell
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 404
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 47
Rank #39 / 505
-- 77.5% -11
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
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Overview of Cedar Vale Assisted Living

A beautiful senior living community that offers exquisite living options such as for residents of assisted living and respite care. Regardless of what kind of living option you are in, management and staff are guaranteed to provide resort-like accommodations with exceptional hospitality. The cozy home offers an environment where the holistic wellness of seniors is met. Cedar Vale strives to provide a comfortable lifestyle of everyday living for its residents, making it an ideal place to call a new home. 
The assisted living community strongly promotes independence for its seniors by offering scheduled activities and care plans. Comprehensive care is provided to all residents to reach maximum individuality. 

Contact Cedar Vale Assisted Living

Overview of MeadowView Memory Care Village

MeadowView Memory Care Village, located within The Views of Cedar Rapids in Cedar Rapids, IA, is an assisted living community with specialty in memory care services. Their community facility is specifically designed to help individuals with memory related challenges, thrive and stay as independent as possible despite their memory loss. As part of their care services, their residents are provided 24/7 supervision and care, as well as assistance with daily living activities as needed.
Additionally, MeadowView offers a beautiful array of amenities that provides additional comfort for the residents. Their atrium provides a small town setting that offers normal day experiences but in a secure environment. This includes a trip to the post office, or cooling at the ice cream parlor.

Contact MeadowView Memory Care Village

Overview of Bickford of Burlington

Burrowed in the peaceful community of Burlington, IA, the Bickford of Burlington is an exceptional senior living community providing assisted living and memory care services. A wide range of cozy and well-appointed accommodations with different floor plans are available for its residents based on their preferences. As for memory care, those with cognitive conditions like dementia receive 24/7 professional care, specialized programming, and a thoughtfully designed Mary B’s Neighborhood.

Explore its extraordinary amenities and services to maximize the living experience in this beautiful place. Indulge in a restaurant-style dining with healthy meals prepared by a talented culinary team. Avail of their HigherPart Care Coordination, medication management, and transportation services. Meet new companions and create unforgetabble memories together through its various social activities and community events coordinated by a professional team. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors are guaranteed a wonderful retirement with the Bickford of Burlington.

Contact Bickford of Burlington

Edencrest at Kettlestone

805 Se Tallgrass Ln, Waukee, IA 50263
Overview of Edencrest at Kettlestone

Enjoy care and support like no other with the distinguished senior living community of Edencrest at Kettlestone in Waukee, Iowa, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Residents can rest assured of living their lives to the fullest with a care team caring for their needs and aspirations 24/7. Housekeeping and laundry are also handled by the community to provide residents more time to do the things they love.

A meticulously curated calendar of events and programs is orchestrated to encourage residents to live an active and well-connected lifestyle. Here, residents have delightful dining experiences with healthy and delicious meals catering to their dietary needs and tastes. Surrounded by scenic trails and a quiet neighborhood, the community creates an ideal setting for a wondrous retirement.

Contact Edencrest at Kettlestone

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 Brookdale Sioux City

Thirty-two years in, Charter Senior Living of Northpark Place is still doing what it was built for: housing 60 residents across assisted living, independent living, and residential care in Sioux City, Iowa. Jean Stevens runs the place. The neighborhood is walkable enough that residents and visitors can knock out an errand or two on foot (Walk Score 59), though it’s not the kind of area where you’d ditch a car altogether.

Rehabilitation services, nursing services, and 24-hour staffing cover the medical side, and a dedicated Short-Term Stays program exists for people who need a bridge, not a permanent move. Life outside the care schedule looks like happy hours, walking clubs, and group outings, plus a fitness center, an arts and crafts studio, a chapel, and concierge help when residents need it. Pharmacy support and free transportation mean fewer outside errands fall on family members. Pets are allowed, which matters more than people expect when someone’s leaving a house they’ve lived in for decades.

Money-wise: studios start at $3,295 a month, and a larger unit type runs $4,595. State inspectors in Iowa have tended to zero in on medication management and how well the community documents its care planning.

Put it together and Charter Senior Living of Northpark Place reads like a community built for two overlapping groups: people settling in for ongoing assisted living support, and people using the Short-Term Stays track to recover from something and then move on. The mix of nursing coverage, round-the-clock staffing, and a defined short-term option is what makes that dual purpose work.

Contact Brookdale Sioux City

Overview of Amera Senior Living

Beautifully set in the thriving neighborhood of Sioux City, IA, Amera Senior Living is an exceptional community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community has purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with maintenance services and plenty of convenient apartment features.

With a variety of exciting events and engaging programs, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Delightful and healthy meals are also available, striving to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and welcoming environment.

Contact Amera Senior Living

Overview of Pleasantview Assisted Living

Pleasantview Assisted Living is a 56-bed faith-based community at 811 3rd Street in Kalona, Iowa. Administered by Marcille Ward, the facility serves Washington County under a license issued in August 2023. Current data shows a 41% occupancy rate with 23 residents, as the facility is in a growth phase following its recent opening. The location holds a Walk Score of 50, indicating moderate walkability in the downtown Kalona area.

The initial certification inspection conducted on December 5, 2024, resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. While the community lacks a long-term operational history, this first review earned a 5-star inspection rating, signaling that all regulatory requirements were met at launch.

Clinical care at this campus follows a multi-level model including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Professional services are provided by a licensed nursing team capable of supporting residents as they transition between different levels of care. The community also hosts dementia support groups and provides volunteer opportunities to foster resident engagement and family involvement.

The residential environment emphasizes spiritual values and a home-like atmosphere with landscaped grounds and garden spaces. Outdoor dining areas and common rooms are designed to support a quality-of-life focused approach within a faith-centered setting. As a two-year-old facility, management focuses on establishing long-term care protocols and stabilizing operations within its newly built environment.

Prospective residents may find the community’s early zero-deficiency status and faith-based values a strong foundation for placement. It is advisable to confirm current staffing stability and discuss the availability of skilled nursing services during a personal tour. Individuals can contact the Kalona office to discuss how the multi-level care model supports aging in place and to verify that 2026 safety standards remain consistent with the initial high rating.

Contact Pleasantview Assisted Living

Overview of Homestead of Oskaloosa

Homestead of Oskaloosa is a senior living community at 2102 South Market Street in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Administered by Candice Fuller, the facility serves Mahaska County under license S0186, which is active through February 2026. Current data shows a 67% occupancy rate with 64 residents, which is below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. The location earns a Walk Score of 75, indicating that most local errands can be completed on foot.

State monitoring records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate a history of high regulatory compliance. Over the past six years, the facility has recorded an annual average of 0.5 deficiencies, a rate 89% lower than the state benchmark. The most recent complaint investigation in February 2025 resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. While a 2023 review identified three minor administrative issues regarding staff background checks and service plan updates, no fines or enforcement actions are documented.

Clinical care is delivered by a professional team that includes licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants available 24 hours a day. Services include medication management, personalized health assessments, and specialized support for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The facility follows an elderly waiver-eligible model and offers different levels of care to match the specific functional needs of each resident.

The residential environment focuses on an intimate, personalized atmosphere where residents can maintain independence through customized care plans. Shared amenities feature home-cooked meals, transportation services, and daily assistance with activities such as dressing and grooming. Although the community is currently pet-free, it provides a secure environment with various common spaces for social engagement.

This environment suits individuals seeking a highly walkable setting with a consistent record of regulatory excellence. Families evaluating Homestead of Oskaloosa should ask directly about the corrective actions taken following the 2023 service plan citation and request a copy of the current dementia-specific activity schedule before making a placement decision.

Contact Homestead of Oskaloosa

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

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

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.