Page 2 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
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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:

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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. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
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.
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.
Legacy Senior Living
AL
IL
Iowa City (Lucas)
136
Facility 136
IA AVG 73
Rank #23 / 289
AYes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 45
Rank #235 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 18
Rank #54 / 232
47.1%
Facility 47.1%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #143 / 259
A+7
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6
Rank #140 / 265
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #225 / 265
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
AL
MC
RC
West Des Moines
93
Facility 93
IA AVG 73
Rank #65 / 289
AYes
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 45
Rank #92 / 302
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #168 / 232
54.8%
Facility 54.8%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #124 / 259
-7
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6
Rank #161 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Homestead of Oskaloosa
AL
MC
Oskaloosa
96
Facility 96
IA AVG 73
Rank #63 / 289
-No
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 45
Rank #39 / 302
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #157 / 232
67.7%
Facility 67.7%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #110 / 259
-5
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #35 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center
AL
NH
SNF
New Hampton
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 73
Rank #204 / 289
A+No
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 45
Rank #56 / 302
-
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 18
Rank #11 / 232
52.2%
Facility 52.2%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #143 / 259
-17
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6
Rank #121 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
United Presbyterian Home
AL
HC
HOS
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Washington Washington
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 73
Rank #173 / 289
?No
81
Facility 81
IA AVG 45
Rank #24 / 302
-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 18
Rank #85 / 232
89.1%
Facility 89.1%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #30 / 259
-17
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 6
Rank #140 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Bethany Life
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Story City
126
Facility 126
IA AVG 73
Rank #33 / 289
?No
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 45
Rank #98 / 302
-
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 18
Rank #3 / 232
81.0%
Facility 81.0%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #33 / 259
-38
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 6
Rank #265 / 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
CYes
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
A+16
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
ANo
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
-3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Edencrest at Beaverdale
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 73
Rank #15 / 289
B+Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 45
Rank #38 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #157 / 232
30.0%
Facility 30.0%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #224 / 259
A+13
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 6
Rank #214 / 265
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #180 / 265
Independence Village of Ames
AL
MC
RC
Ames
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 73
Rank #274 / 289
CYes
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+3
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 6
Rank #225 / 265
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #210 / 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

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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 MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

A proud member of the MorningStar Senior Living Group, MorningStar at Jordan Creek provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services that are all tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services; striving to be the top-ranked assisted living community in Des Mois. An elegant community that is built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like service. Residents of MorningStar at Jordan Creek can rest assured that they can feel like they’re a home away from home.

The community boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, which is why they have provided essential services to do so– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management highly encourages residents to take part in activities and maximize the amenities so as to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment. 

$5,425/Month

Contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

Overview of Homestead of Oskaloosa

Homestead of Oskaloosa provides assisted living and memory care in Oskaloosa, IA. Assisted living gives residents help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Offering both care levels may make the community a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time without leaving the community.

The community has 96 beds, and Candice Fuller serves as its administrator. A Walk Score of 75 out of 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops and services independently.

Contact Homestead of Oskaloosa

Overview of New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center

New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center provides assisted living, nursing home, and skilled nursing care in New Hampton, Iowa. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private apartment. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Together, these care levels can suit a resident whose needs change over time without requiring a move to another community.

Skilled rehabilitation services are available for residents who need rehabilitation as part of their care. Respite care offers a short-term stay when a family’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The community has 46 beds, a size that is best considered plainly, without assuming a particular resident experience.

Medicare can help cover short-term skilled care after a hospital stay. Medicaid can matter when savings may not cover a long stay, while private pay uses personal funds. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 59 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nurse staffing time allocated per resident.

A Walk Score of 68 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot. A resident who no longer drives may be able to complete some nearby errands independently. Kristen Frazer serves as the administrator.

Contact New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center

United Presbyterian Home

1203 East Washington, Washington, IA 52353-2198
Overview of United Presbyterian Home

Independent living, home care, assisted living, hospice care, skilled nursing, respite care and nursing home care are all run by United Presbyterian Home in Washington, IA. Needs that change across years can be met here, and respite covers a family caregiver wanting a short stay arranged during travel or recovery.

Nurses licensed and on duty at all hours apply to the nursing end of a campus that otherwise runs on apartments. Assisted living helps with medication, bathing, and dressing while the apartment stays the resident’s. Independent living is private living with community services and nothing daily attached.

Home care carries support into somebody’s own house, and hospice care handles end-of-life support. Fifty-five beds make up the count. Each resident draws 5h 39m of nursing daily.

Private pay is the accepted route, and Kara Williams is the administrator. Salon and spa services are named, and the rehabilitation programs take in speech, physical, and occupational therapy.

The area scores 81 for walking, which is very walkable. Most errands can be done on foot, which leaves a non-driving resident able to get out alone.

Contact United Presbyterian Home

Bethany Life

212 Lafayette Avenue, Story City, IA 50248-1451
Overview of Bethany Life

Bethany Life in Story City, Iowa, delivers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. Assisted living programs support residents with routine daily activities like bathing, dressing, and managing medication. Independent living options provide private residential spaces with shared community amenities. Dedicated memory care features a secured setting for individuals experiencing cognitive challenges, while temporary respite stays assist primary family caregivers who require short-term coverage.

Established in 1914, this 126-bed community operates under administrator Morgan Voga. On-site metrics indicate an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes of direct nursing time allocated to each resident daily. Amenities include physical rehabilitation services, an on-site spa for salon appointments, and Tom & Stevie’s Bistro, which serves three daily meals. Located in an area with a 56 walk score, the setting enables residents to run select errands nearby without a car. Financial policies accept Medicare for post-hospital therapy, Medicaid, and direct private pay.

Families exploring continuous care options or short-term respite care can connect with Bethany Life to inquire about apartment availability, review payment programs, or arrange a personal tour.

Contact Bethany Life

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.

$3,590/Month

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

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.

$3,900/Month

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

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

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.

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