Other senior care options in Iowa:

Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 333 assisted living communities in Iowa using Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and 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
333 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: 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: 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

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Oaknoll Retirement Residence
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 407
No
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 45
Rank #344 / 528
Private Rooms
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 19
Rank #13 / 282
81.4%
Facility 81.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #111 / 379
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Mill Pond
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #439 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #14 / 379
-16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #158 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Green Hills Retirement Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #234 / 407
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #430 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 19
Rank #24 / 282
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #130 / 379
-11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Friendship Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #143 / 407
No
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 45
Rank #202 / 528
2 Bed / 3 Bed
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 19
Rank #8 / 282
91.7%
Facility 91.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #50 / 379
-17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Maple Ridge Assisted Living
AL
NH
Mt Ayr (Mount Ayr)
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 71
Rank #398 / 407
No
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 45
Rank #452 / 528
Private / Shared Rooms
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 19
Rank #98 / 282
--7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 45
Rank #488 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #24 / 379
A+15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
The Views of Marion
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Marion
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
No
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 45
Rank #315 / 528
Private Rooms
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
48.3%
Facility 48.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #282 / 379
-4
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Calvin Community
AL
NH
IL
MC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 71
Rank #226 / 407
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 45
Rank #145 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
93.2%
Facility 93.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #42 / 379
-17
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Independence Village of Waukee
AL
NH
IL
MC
SNF
Waukee
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 71
Rank #373 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 19
Rank #164 / 282
41.2%
Facility 41.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #332 / 379
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Corridor Crossing Place
AL
MC
RESC
RC
Cedar Rapids (Southwest Area)
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 71
Rank #210 / 407
No
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #269 / 528
Private Rooms
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 19
Rank #42 / 282
--9
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #187 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Amelia Senior Living
AL
Council Bluffs (Ferndale)
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 71
Rank #202 / 407
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 19
Rank #42 / 282
61.3%
Facility 61.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #218 / 379
A+10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Edencrest at The Tuscany
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #44 / 379
-7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #131 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Independence Village of Ames
AL
MC
RC
Ames
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 71
Rank #390 / 407
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #213 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #87 / 282
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #1 / 379
A+21
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 7
Rank #279 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Thornton Heights Assisted Living
AL
NH
Lansing (Main Street)
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 71
Rank #397 / 407
No
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 19
Rank #120 / 282
--7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Northridge Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Somerset)
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 71
Rank #352 / 407
Yes
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #269 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 19
Rank #189 / 282
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #28 / 379
A15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
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Overview of Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (alp)

Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (ALP) is a 36-bed assisted living program at 3000 Risen Son Boulevard in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, administered by Dave Creal. Operating since 2024, the facility provides a blend of independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care under an active Iowa license through September 2027. The community operates with 24-hour staffing and accepts both Medicare and Medicaid residents.

The facility’s regulatory record since December 2023 shows three deficiencies across two inspections, placing it 66% below the state average for deficiency findings. Issues addressed involved medication aide training documentation and initial tenant evaluation completion. No fines, enforcement actions, or substantiated complaints appear in the available reports, suggesting a facility with minimal regulatory friction during its early development.

Among short-stay rehabilitation residents, the program recorded zero major injuries from falls; 100% better than the state benchmark. Discharge preparation reflects similarly strong outcomes: 82.9% of residents achieved expected self-care ability when leaving (54% above state average), and 62.9% successfully returned home or to the community (24% above state performance). Rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge, however, runs at 34.7%; significantly above the state average of 21.3%.

Current occupancy of 39% trails the state average by 36 percentage points, reflecting the facility’s status as a newer entrant to the market.

The physical environment balances accessibility with comfort: spacious common areas featuring fireplaces, a library, covered patio, elegant dining room, chef-prepared meals, beauty salon and barber shop, and wheelchair-accessible showers throughout. Therapy services from physical, and occupational, to speech therapy, support residents working toward recovery during short-stay rehabilitation admissions.

The facility fits post-acute rehabilitation residents, particularly those seeking intensive therapy support in a newly constructed, fully accessible residential setting during short-term stays.

Contact Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (ALP)

Overview of Kosgrove Estates

Conveniently located in the thriving neighborhood of Sioux Center, IA, Kosgrove Estates is a blissful haven that offers assisted living. Committed to improving residents’ welfare, a compassionate and well-trained team provides top-notch care tailored to residents’ unique needs around the clock. Housekeeping and other household chores are also taken care of, ensuring that older adults have more time to do the things they love.

A jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and fun recreational programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Mealtimes are something to look forward to, with delicious and well-balanced dining options. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its dedicated services and well-maintained amenities.

Contact Kosgrove Estates

Overview of Lakeside Village

Set within the area of Panora, IA, Lakeside Village is an idyllic senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community guarantees their much needed independence with the benefit of added care and assistance with their daily living activities. In addition to a personal emergency call system, a round the clock team is available to attend to residents’ needs, concerns, and emergencies, giving them peace of mind and comfort.

Free from the hassles of maintaining their living spaces, residents can fully devote their time to enrichment and enjoyment with an array of activities to engage in. Restaurant style meals are also provided each day to give residents the nutrients and energy they need to stay active. An array of beautiful amenities are offered as well to make residents stay within the community more pleasing and enjoyable.

Contact Lakeside Village

Overview of The Lindens at Green Hills

At The Lindens at Green Hills, the vision is to provide premier Assisted Living in Ames, Iowa, ensuring residents can continue doing what they love with just the right amount of support. With a specially trained care team, they prioritize individual choice and assist with daily activities like bathing, grooming, and medication management.

Their mission revolves around offering comprehensive services and amenities that empower residents to maintain their lifestyles, fostering dignified independence and comfort.

Contact The Lindens at Green Hills

Overview of PrairieStone Senior Living

Nestled in the welcoming neighborhood of Cedar Falls, IA, the PrairieStone Senior Living is an esteemed community providing independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Well-appointed and pet-friendly accommodations with several floor plans are available depending on the needs of its residents. As for memory care, those with cognitive conditions undergo specialized program with a neighborhood setting and advanced technology.

Explore its top-quality amenities and services including delightful and nutritious meals in restaurant dining, housekeeping and maintenance, concierge service, and transportation. Take time for self-care by visiting its barber shop and salon. Participate in a full-packed calendar of activities and programs to boost social engagement and life enrichment. At PrairieStone Senior Living, seniors are assured of a blissful retirement.

Contact PrairieStone Senior Living

Edencrest at Riverwoods

2210 E Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320
Overview of Edencrest at Riverwoods

Ideally set in the tranquil neighborhood of East Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA, is the reliable senior living community of Edencrest at Riverwoods that provides assisted living and memory care. Experience the highest quality of care and support with a compassionate and responsible team caring for residents’ needs and preferences around the clock. Featuring different levels of care for individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs, the community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment where residents thrive.

Elevate your retirement with fun recreation and wellness programs, highlighting your interests and strengths. Delightful and healthy meals are also provided to foster comfort and meet dietary needs. With beautiful courtyards and pet-friendly spaces, residents enjoy a peaceful and happy retirement.

Contact Edencrest at Riverwoods

Overview of Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

Located in Urbandale, and serving nearby areas including Ankeny, Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center specializes in memory care services that foster a safe and nurturing environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Understanding that each resident’s journey is unique, personalized care plans are crafted to address individual needs and preferences, ensuring residents feel comfortable and supported.

Residents also have access to a wealth of amenities in this memory care facility, designed to stimulate and engage residents. From beautifully landscaped courtyards to spacious common areas, the atmosphere establishes a sense of community and belonging. Daily activities calendars keep residents active and social, with options ranging from exercise classes and music therapy to pet visits and religious services.

Contact Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

Overview of Rock Creek Senior Living
Rock Creek Senior Living is a senior living community located in Ankeny, Iowa. It offers a range of services including assisted living and memory care, with a focus on quality service and a vibrant social environment. Residents can enjoy amenities such as a restaurant, fitness center, and various daily events.

Contact Rock Creek Senior Living

Overview of Rotary Senior Living

Find all the care you need with the astounding senior living community of Rotary Senior Living in Eagle Grove, IA, which offers an array of care options including assisted living, independent living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. With its dedication to delivering the highest quality of care and support, the community provides a team of licensed and well-trained professionals helping seniors with their needs 24/7. Families can also rest easy with the knowledge that their loved ones are well-cared for.

The community fosters a vibrant and welcoming environment, ensuring residents have the freedom to live as they please. Healthy and delicious meals await residents every mealtime for a delightful dining experience. Rotary Senior Living is great for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in one place.

Contact Rotary Senior Living

Overview of Risen Son Christian Village

Located just outside Ohama, Risen Son Christian Village is a community deeply rooted in faith, offering a holistic approach to senior living. Within its welcoming embrace, residents have access to a range of exceptional services, including assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term healthcare support. Embracing a philosophy of spaciousness and tranquility, the home offers comfortable and thoughtfully designed apartments. These living spaces become sanctuaries where residents can find solace and contentment, surrounded by an atmosphere of faith and love. With compassionate caregivers available around the clock, residents can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their needs are attended to with utmost care and dedication.
The community exudes a distinct small-town charm, creating an intimate and close-knit environment that fosters genuine connections among residents and staff. It’s a place where neighbors become friends, and a true sense of community thrives. Residents can bid farewell to the burdens of household chores and upkeep, allowing them to focus on embracing the fullness of their lives. With meticulous attention to cleanliness and aesthetics, Risen Son Christian Village emanates a sense of professionalism and elegance, creating an ambiance that enhances the overall living experience.

Contact Risen Son Christian Village

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
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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 333 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.