Page 2 of Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 319 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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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Iowa.
319 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: 46/ 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: 71The 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-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.
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.
Bethany Life
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Story City
126
Facility 126
IA AVG 71
Rank #33 / 334
No
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 46
Rank #144 / 424
-
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 18
Rank #2 / 258
88.9%
Facility 88.9%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #42 / 295
-38
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 7
Rank #299 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Cottage Grove Place
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Cedar Rapids (Oakhill Jackson)
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 71
Rank #83 / 334
Yes
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 46
Rank #41 / 424
-
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 18
Rank #46 / 258
67.1%
Facility 67.1%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #141 / 295
-5
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #206 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Northridge Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Somerset)
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 71
Rank #286 / 334
Yes
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 46
Rank #221 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 18
Rank #165 / 258
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #12 / 295
A16
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #236 / 299
River Living Center
AL
Us-52 Guttenberg (Guttenberg)
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 71
Rank #333 / 334
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 46
Rank #175 / 424
Private / Shared Rooms
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 18
Rank #125 / 258
81.8%
Facility 81.8%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #77 / 295
-9
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 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
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
AL
MC
RC
West Des Moines
93
Facility 93
IA AVG 71
Rank #69 / 334
Yes
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 46
Rank #137 / 424
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #189 / 258
58.1%
Facility 58.1%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #157 / 295
-7
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #175 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Homestead of Oskaloosa
AL
MC
Oskaloosa
96
Facility 96
IA AVG 71
Rank #67 / 334
No
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 46
Rank #59 / 424
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #177 / 258
66.7%
Facility 66.7%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #143 / 295
-5
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Summit Pointe Senior Living
AL
IL
MC
Marion
178
Facility 178
IA AVG 71
Rank #5 / 334
Yes
89
Facility 89
IA AVG 46
Rank #13 / 424
-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #189 / 258
52.2%
Facility 52.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #178 / 295
-6
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
United Presbyterian Home
AL
HC
HOS
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Washington Washington
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 71
Rank #198 / 334
No
81
Facility 81
IA AVG 46
Rank #37 / 424
-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 18
Rank #103 / 258
89.1%
Facility 89.1%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #38 / 295
-17
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center
AL
NH
SNF
New Hampton
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 71
Rank #229 / 334
No
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 46
Rank #85 / 424
-
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 18
Rank #11 / 258
52.2%
Facility 52.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #178 / 295
-17
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 319 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Bethany Life

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

Bethany Life operates a nonprofit continuum of senior care from its 126-bed medical community at 212 Lafayette Avenue in Story City, Iowa. Established over half a century ago, the campus manages resident entry through a unique membership model combining an initial entry fee with a predictable monthly rate to secure lifetime care tiers. Business staff process billing through multiple coverage lines, including traditional out-of-pocket funds, standard federal Medicare, and state Medicaid paths. The property runs with a regular occupancy baseline of roughly 89 percent, supporting individual stays that average 229 days.

On-site health teams coordinate an average of 4 hours of daily hands-on care per resident. Certified nursing assistants distribute the largest portion of these floor hours at 2 hours and 42 minutes, while registered nurses contribute 45 minutes, and licensed practical nurses provide 23 minutes of clinical tracking. This staff handles routine treatments, medication management, and dietitian support within dedicated transitional wings, including the LifeBridge Transitional Care track, Cedar Place, and Timberland Village. For local travel, the surrounding downtown area logs a walkability score of 82 out of 100, which allows visitors and residents to complete daily errands entirely on foot.

Daily lifestyle configurations are built around a central hub featuring dining at Tom & Stevie’s Bistro alongside massage therapy, chaplain services, and organized wellness education. To prevent unnecessary travel, the campus integrates personal emergency response systems and home health aides to assist individuals who reside in the adjacent Twin Homes independent living options. These internal systems are structured to help stabilize physical recovery following major surgeries or complex hospital stays while preserving as much personal independence as possible.

Older adults exploring active neighborhood placement details can call the front reception area to confirm room availability, ask about the lifetime membership tiers, or coordinate a time to see the shared dining spaces.

Contact Bethany Life

Cottage Grove Place

2115 1St Ave Se, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-6358
Overview of Cottage Grove Place

Cottage Grove Place is an 82-bed healthcare facility at 2115 First Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Administered by Jennifer Snook and operated as a voluntary non-profit by Life Care Services LLC, the campus serves Linn County with a license valid through February 2027. Current data shows a census of 37 residents, representing a 45% occupancy rate, which is below the Iowa average of 75.4%. The location earns a high Walk Score of 79, placing it near city center amenities and pharmacies.

Monitoring data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a history of lower-than-average citations. Over two decades, the facility has recorded an annual deficiency rate 31% lower than state benchmarks, averaging 0.9 violations per year. While the January 2026 inspection concluded with four health citations—focusing on medication administration and service plan documentation, the assisted living program achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero in its most recent certification. There are no documented fines or severe penalties in the past three years.

Clinical care is delivered by a team providing 4 hours and 22 minutes of nursing time per resident daily, exceeding the Iowa average by approximately 15%. Professional services emphasize short-term recovery, with physical therapy staffing levels 150% above state averages. While short-stay outcomes are strong, quality measures for long-term residents show historical challenges in functional mobility and pressure ulcer prevention, which occur at rates above the state benchmark. The facility accepts a combination of private pay and Medicare, which accounts for 40% of new admissions.

The residential environment is part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, featuring private suites and a full therapy gym. Shared amenities include a woodworking shop, a private movie theater, a library, and landscaped courtyards. Social programming is provided through a Life Enrichment department, offering cultural workshops and educational events. The community is pet-friendly and includes emergency response systems in all apartments.

Prospective representatives seeking specialized physical therapy and short-term rehabilitation may find this campus appropriate. Families should ask directly about the specific interventions implemented to address long-term functional decline and request current data on nurse aide turnover rates before making a placement decision.

Contact Cottage Grove Place

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 River Living Center

Experience a blissful retirement at River Living Center, an astounding community in Guttenberg, IA, offering assisted living. Committed to residents’ welfare, a kind and highly skilled team provides top-notch care tailored to their unique needs around the clock. Residents can also feel a sense of belonging, especially with the community’s nurturing and welcoming environment.

Residents are encouraged to live actively and make new friends with a jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs. Mealtimes foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and nutritious dining options. With its nurturing and vibrant environment, the community ensures residents make the most of their golden years without worries.

Contact River Living Center

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. 

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 Summit Pointe Senior Living

Summit Pointe Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Marion, IA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Having all three care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since changing care levels does not require leaving the community. The community has 178 beds, placing it among larger communities with more residents, staff, and usually more programming. Melinda Haley serves as the administrator.

An 89 / 100 Walk Score means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Pets are allowed, giving residents the option to live with a pet. Rehabilitation services are available for residents who need support during recovery or while maintaining function.

Contact Summit Pointe Senior Living

United Presbyterian Home

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

The United Presbyterian Home operates a 55-bed skilled nursing unit as part of its 35-acre continuing care retirement campus in Washington, Iowa. The facility coordinates billing through Medicare and Medicaid, offering options for people recovering from short-term hospital stays as well as those needing long-term residential placements. Stays here average about 171 days, and visitors will find the local neighborhood highly walkable, scoring an 81 out of 100 for foot travel.

Residents get around 4 hours and 52 minutes of direct daily care from the on-floor nursing staff and nurse aides. To minimize travel for medical checkups, the team partners with specialized therapists to offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy right on campus. The property also runs an independent home health service for residents transitioning back to apartments, cottages, or studios, and features a wellness center equipped with an indoor walking track and a warm water therapy pool.

Reviews by state inspectors over the last 16 years have consistently monitored environmental management, staff supervision, and clinical documentation to ensure regulatory safety guidelines are met.

Prospective families can reach out to the admissions office to check on current bed availability, learn about the campus home health services, or schedule a tour of the grounds. The main desk can also explain the entry paperwork and outline how Medicaid or Medicare applies to the community’s different care programs.

Contact United Presbyterian Home

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

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 319 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.