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Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Mar 2026
We analyzed 502 homes in Iowa

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos
Watch this Video to see Iowa's Top-rated Senior Communities
Other Senior care options:

Benefit from a reasonable cost of living while enjoying a good quality of life in Iowa, a vibrant state home to scenic landscapes and well-maintained recreational amenities. Retirees here can enjoy four distinct seasons that bring diverse outdoor activities year-round for a fun living experience. Excellent assisted living communities are also available to support older residents who need extra care and assistance with their everyday activities like personal care and medication management. In Iowa, you can experience the safety of low-crime neighborhoods while enjoying countless conveniences for a comfortable retirement.

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa

Click column headers to sort
Grand Living At Tower Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

West Des Moines
76
Yes
63
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
47.4%
-
3
1
Wesley Acres
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
No
72
-
-
91.3%
-
8
3
Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Cedar Rapids
86
Yes
47
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
17
50.0%
-
6
3
Allen Place Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Atlantic
78
No
11
-
11
46.2%
A-
3
1
Bickford of Urbandale
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Urbandale
73
Yes
28
-
26
53.4%
-
7
1
Ramsey Village Continuing Care
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Des Moines (Drake)
78
Yes
38
1 bed / 2 bed
1
85.8%
-
8
2
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

West Des Moines
93
No
58
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
7
58.1%
-
6
0
Valley View Village
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Yes
38
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
100.0%
-
7
2
Vintage Hills of Indianola
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Indianola
90
No
15
-
16
45.6%
A+
3
0
Arlington Place of Grundy Center
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Grundy Center
80
No
32
-
24
36.3%
-
3
1
Ridgecrest Village
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Davenport
339
Yes
41
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
67.1%
-
6
3
Windsor Manor Nevada
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Ames
70
No
26
-
14
38.6%
-
6
4
Sunset Park Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Dubuque
101
Yes
36
1 Bed / 2 Bed
24
46.5%
-
14
3
Holland Farms
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Norwalk
116
Yes
38
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
4
38.8%
-
3
0
Amelia Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Council Bluffs
62
Yes
2
Studio / 1 Bed
31
61.3%
A+
2
1
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View all Nearby Homes
Prairie Creek Assisted Living is located in West Bend, Iowa. It offers a range of services including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community provides various activities, home-style dining, and personalized care to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Overview of Prairie Creek Assisted Living
Prairie Creek Assisted Living is located in West Bend, Iowa. It offers a range of services including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community provides various activities, home-style dining, and personalized care to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Contact Prairie Creek Assisted Living

Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Northridge Village is a senior living community located in Ames, Iowa. It offers a comprehensive range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, and long-term care. The community focuses on providing personalized care and a close-knit environment for its residents.
Overview of Northridge Village
Northridge Village is a senior living community located in Ames, Iowa. It offers a comprehensive range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, and long-term care. The community focuses on providing personalized care and a close-knit environment for its residents.
Contact Northridge Village
The Willows of Marshalltown is an assisted living and memory care facility located in Marshalltown, Iowa. It provides 24/7 certified staff, fresh food, and countless amenities in a state-of-the-art building. The facility offers a nurturing environment with a focus on social activities and quality care.
Overview of Willows of Marshalltown Assisted Living
The Willows of Marshalltown is an assisted living and memory care facility located in Marshalltown, Iowa. It provides 24/7 certified staff, fresh food, and countless amenities in a state-of-the-art building. The facility offers a nurturing environment with a focus on social activities and quality care.
Contact Willows of Marshalltown Assisted Living

Forest Plaza AL

635 Hwy. 9 East, Forest City, IA 504361028
Forest Plaza Al is an assisted living facility located in Forest City, Iowa. It offers personalized services tailored to individual needs, including medication management, meals, housekeeping, and laundry. The facility promotes health and quality of life while providing a supportive community for seniors.
Overview of Forest Plaza Al
Forest Plaza Al is an assisted living facility located in Forest City, Iowa. It offers personalized services tailored to individual needs, including medication management, meals, housekeeping, and laundry. The facility promotes health and quality of life while providing a supportive community for seniors.
Contact Forest Plaza AL
Pleasantview Assisted Living is a welcoming, faith-based community in Kalona, Iowa. It offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and skilled care. The facility focuses on supporting healthy living and quality of life for its residents.
Overview of Pleasantview Assisted Living
Pleasantview Assisted Living is a welcoming, faith-based community in Kalona, Iowa. It offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and skilled care. The facility focuses on supporting healthy living and quality of life for its residents.
Contact Pleasantview Assisted Living
Willow Winds Assisted Living in Denver, Iowa, is Bremer County's newest choice for senior living where residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. The facility offers a variety of activities and social events to engage residents. It aims to provide personalized assistance to help residents maintain their independence.
Overview of Willow Winds Assisted Living
Willow Winds Assisted Living in Denver, Iowa, is Bremer County's newest choice for senior living where residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. The facility offers a variety of activities and social events to engage residents. It aims to provide personalized assistance to help residents maintain their independence.
Contact Willow Winds Assisted Living

Timberland Village

725 Timberland Drive, Story City, IA 502488772
Timberland Village is Story City's premier Assisted & Independent Living community. It offers a variety of facilities to provide homes for multiple stages of living, including independent living, assisted living, and retirement living. Residents enjoy amenities such as delicious restaurant-style dining, transportation services, and access to chaplain services.
Overview of Timberland Village
Timberland Village is Story City's premier Assisted & Independent Living community. It offers a variety of facilities to provide homes for multiple stages of living, including independent living, assisted living, and retirement living. Residents enjoy amenities such as delicious restaurant-style dining, transportation services, and access to chaplain services.
Contact Timberland Village
Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offering a full continuum of services and care with personalized, faith-filled, and intergenerational living. It provides joyful living, meaningful connections, and compassionate care for every season of life. The campus offers services such as long-term care, memory care, assisted living, and rehabilitative therapy.
Overview of Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus
Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offering a full continuum of services and care with personalized, faith-filled, and intergenerational living. It provides joyful living, meaningful connections, and compassionate care for every season of life. The campus offers services such as long-term care, memory care, assisted living, and rehabilitative therapy.
Contact Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus
Terrace Park Assisted Living is located in Leon, Iowa, and offers a supportive environment for seniors who value their independence. The facility provides well-balanced meals, wellness programs, and a variety of activities to engage residents. With a focus on dignity and choice, Terrace Park aims to assist residents in their daily living while promoting a sense of community.
Overview of Terrace Park Sr Living
Terrace Park Assisted Living is located in Leon, Iowa, and offers a supportive environment for seniors who value their independence. The facility provides well-balanced meals, wellness programs, and a variety of activities to engage residents. With a focus on dignity and choice, Terrace Park aims to assist residents in their daily living while promoting a sense of community.
Contact Terrace Park Sr Living
Summit Pointe Senior Living in Marion, Iowa, offers a welcoming community providing independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. The facility focuses on comfort, care, and community, ensuring the right level of support for every stage of life. Residents enjoy a fulfilling and enriching senior living experience tailored to their preferences.
Overview of Summit Pointe Senior Living
Summit Pointe Senior Living in Marion, Iowa, offers a welcoming community providing independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. The facility focuses on comfort, care, and community, ensuring the right level of support for every stage of life. Residents enjoy a fulfilling and enriching senior living experience tailored to their preferences.
Contact Summit Pointe Senior Living

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence. Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest portion of every community’s score comes from resident feedback and online reputation (40%), which reflects real experiences shared by families and caregivers.

An additional 45% of the score comes from a combination of transparency and operational quality signals, including:

  • Photos, videos, and virtual tours (visual transparency)
  • Website quality and digital trust indicators
  • Occupancy levels and number of units (community scale & stability)

These factors help us evaluate how well a community presents itself and how consistently it meets resident needs.

Balancing Additional Factors

The final 15% of the score comes from supportive context data, including: walkability and local accessibility, estimated property value, and pricing information.

These elements provide helpful context but carry less weight because our rankings prioritize real-world satisfaction and care consistency first.

The result is a fair, clear, and data-driven ranking system for families researching senior living options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

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

Contact us Today