Page 3 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. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative 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.
Harmony Marshalltown
AL
HOS
NH
PC
RESC
RC
SNF
Marshalltown
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #119 / 334
No
85
Facility 85
IA AVG 46
Rank #22 / 424
-
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 18
Rank #21 / 258
70.8%
Facility 70.8%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #130 / 295
-34
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 7
Rank #255 / 299
Edencrest at Beaverdale
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 71
Rank #15 / 334
Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 46
Rank #55 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #177 / 258
39.4%
Facility 39.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #260 / 295
A+13
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 7
Rank #237 / 299
Northcrest Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #158 / 334
No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 46
Rank #271 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #187 / 295
-2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
Boyson Heights Senior Living
AL
IL
MC
Cedar Rapids
132
Facility 132
IA AVG 71
Rank #25 / 334
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 46
Rank #167 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
22.7%
Facility 22.7%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #293 / 295
-4
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
Grand Living at Indian Creek
AL
IL
MC
Cedar Rapids
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #158 / 334
Yes
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 46
Rank #221 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #189 / 258
46.9%
Facility 46.9%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #218 / 295
-7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
Prairie Vista Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
South Altoona
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #141 / 334
Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 46
Rank #314 / 424
-
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 18
Rank #155 / 258
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #187 / 295
A7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
Mill Valley Care Center
AL
NH
SNF
Bellevue
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 71
Rank #229 / 334
No
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 46
Rank #102 / 424
-
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 18
Rank #5 / 258
76.1%
Facility 76.1%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #110 / 295
-18
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #191 / 299
The Views of Marion
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Marion
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #177 / 334
No
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 46
Rank #264 / 424
Private Rooms
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #189 / 258
48.3%
Facility 48.3%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #205 / 295
-3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
Wheatland Manor
AL
HOS
NH
RC
SNF
Lincolnway Wheatland
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 71
Rank #252 / 334
No
28
Facility 28
IA AVG 46
Rank #323 / 424
-
42
Facility 42
IA AVG 18
Rank #15 / 258
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #1 / 295
-14
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
The Summit at Bettendorf
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Bettendorf
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
Yes
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 46
Rank #387 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
87.5%
Facility 87.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #50 / 295
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 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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Harmony Marshalltown

910 East Olive Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158-4195
Overview of Harmony Marshalltown

Harmony Marshalltown provides nursing home and skilled nursing care, assisted living, hospice care, palliative care, residential care, and respite care in Marshalltown, IA. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide ongoing nursing support, while assisted living helps residents with daily tasks. Hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and support during serious illness, residential care provides a place to live with care available, and respite care offers short stays when temporary support is needed.

The community has 72 beds. Orthopedic rehabilitation, short term rehabilitation, and other rehabilitation services support residents who need structured recovery care, while respite stays can provide coverage when a usual caregiver needs a temporary break. The range of services is suited to someone recovering from an orthopedic condition, a resident needing ongoing nursing support, or a family seeking a short term care arrangement.

Harmony Marshalltown accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicare can apply to eligible short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid may help eligible residents cover longer term care, and private pay allows a family to pay directly. A Walk Score of 85 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still reach nearby daily needs independently. Grace Maitland serves as the administrator.

Contact Harmony Marshalltown

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.

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

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

Overview of Boyson Heights Senior Living

Boyson Heights Senior Living is the premier independent living, assisted living, and memory care home in Cedar Rapids that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere while ensuring a kind of service where residents are treated like family; they create an environment that strives to provide compassionate and loving care to seniors. Boyson Heights encourages its residents to live a life of independence by making important lifestyle choices based on their personal preferences.

Boyson Heights offers a range of  amenities and services that make everyday living easier and more comfortable; community features include a library, wellness center, common areas, and lounge areas, housekeeping and laundry, transportation, and all around 24/7 care.

Contact Boyson Heights Senior Living

Overview of Grand Living at Indian Creek

Grand Living at Indian Creek offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Cedar Rapids, 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 on one campus may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since a move to another level of care can happen without leaving the community. The community has 64 beds and offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences; a two-bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Pets are allowed, so a resident may keep a pet when living at the community.

A Walk Score of 44 places the area in a car-dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. Multiple restaurant-style dining venues with chef-prepared meals give residents more than one on-site setting for meals, while a salon and spa provide personal care without leaving the community. Chauffeured transportation is also available for residents who do not drive themselves, and Dara Fishnick serves as the administrator.

Contact Grand Living at Indian Creek

Overview of Prairie Vista Village

Prairie Vista Village provides independent housing, assisted living care, and short-term post-acute therapy at 2785 1st Avenue South in Altoona, Iowa. Under the leadership of owner and administrator John Freeman, the campus features a 68-bed nursing wing that frequently maintains a 50 percent occupancy level. Regular monthly accounts are handled through private funding avenues or standard federal Medicare network benefits. Stays here average about 285 days, meaning the daily scheduling balances temporary convalescent therapy cases with extended clinical residential placements.

On-site health routines center around a structured dining setup and a daily therapy calendar. To manage individual clinical needs, the floor staff coordinates an average of 4 hours and 42 minutes of direct hands-on nursing care per resident every day. Registered nurses cover 54 minutes of this daily schedule, working with licensed practical nurses who provide 24 minutes and certified nursing assistants who handle 3 hours and 5 minutes of bedside assistance. Outside the campus grounds, the surrounding neighborhood records a walkability score of 29 out of 100, which means visiting guests and families rely on a vehicle to handle standard errands around the town.

Regular evaluation surveys have logged clean findings across multiple checkup cycles, with past citations restricted to standard, corrected operational items involving localized nutrition and basic care procedures. Internal supervisors analyze these public safety reports to keep floor rules updated and coordinate mandatory ongoing training metrics for the clinical teams.

Prospective residents can call the main admissions line to double-check open room layouts, ask about the independent living floor plans, or set up a morning walkthrough of the common dining areas.

Contact Prairie Vista Village

Overview of Mill Valley Care Center

Serving the community for more than 50 years, Mill Valley Care Center is a skilled nursing home in Iowa owned by Robert Dempewolf. The 46-bed facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, so families have several options for arranging both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care. The community has 76% occupancy, and residents stay an average of 211 days, including rehabilitation patients and those receiving ongoing nursing care.

Rehabilitation and recovery services are the main focus of the facility. Residents have access to rehabilitation services and outpatient therapy as they work toward greater independence. Daily nurse staffing averages just under 5 hours per resident. Registered nurses provide about 47 minutes of care daily, nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 51 minutes, and LPN/LVN staff provide another 33 minutes. The facility also has 24-hour staffing to support residents.

State inspections have examined resident transfer safety practices, resident dignity and responsiveness to care requests, and the management of specialized care procedures. These areas have been a part of the facility’s quality focus.

Residents receive meals twice each day and have access to rehabilitation and outpatient therapy services on-site. The community has a Walk Score of 64, which is a moderately walkable area. Some nearby services and errands are within walking distance, but most trips require driving.

Contact Mill Valley Care Center

Overview of The Views of Marion

Sixty beds, all private rooms, spread across a two-story building in Marion, Iowa: that’s the physical shape of The Views of Marion. The community covers nursing home, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care, which means it’s built to hold residents across a wider range of needs than a single-care-type building would. Seven years in, it’s past the startup phase.

A Walk Score of 37 puts it in “somewhat walkable” territory, so most errands or outings mean a car ride rather than a short walk. Inside, though, safety features carry some of that weight back: personal emergency response systems and panic buttons give residents a way to call for help fast, and common areas mix indoor and outdoor space so there’s somewhere to go besides a private room.

Registered nurses, licensed nurses, and nurse aides each contribute to daily care, with nurse aides providing roughly two and a half hours of hands-on time per resident every day. That’s the category most families notice first, since it’s the most direct, hands-on part of care.

Right now, 29 of the 60 beds are filled, a 48% occupancy rate, and the average resident stays about six months. Medicare and private pay are both accepted. Dallas Urbain administers the community. State inspections, run by Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, have tended to center on medication management, staffing credentials, and how care gets documented.

Put together, The Views of Marion can be described as a nursing home built for a broad range of residents, from those needing intensive daily support to those in a shorter recovery stay, with staffing and safety infrastructure sized to match.

Contact The Views of Marion

Wheatland Manor

316 East Lincolnway, Wheatland, IA 52777-0368
Overview of Wheatland Manor

Owned by Janyce Buchannan, Wheatland Manor is a nursing home in Iowa that has served residents for 42 years. With 44 beds, the facility operates at full occupancy. Residents stay an average of 241 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term nursing care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for covering care expenses.

The facility’s nursing support is substantial. Daily nurse staffing averages nearly 4 hours per resident. The care team is composed of registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed vocational nurses. Rehabilitation services are a central part of the community’s care model.

Residents can also participate in structured daily activities such as exercise classes, gardening programs, and book clubs for physical activity and social engagement. Dining is offered in a restaurant-style setting with wholesome ingredients and shared mealtime experiences.

The facility’s location has a Walk Score of 28. A few nearby destinations may be accessible on foot, but most trips require transportation. On-site amenities include a salon and barbershop, fitness equipment, housekeeping services, and flexible all-day dining options that support day-to-day comfort and convenience.

State inspections in recent years highlighted the importance of resident transfer procedures and ongoing supervision practices. Families considering the facility should take a tour and ask how staff work on these areas.

Contact Wheatland Manor

Overview of The Summit at Bettendorf

The Summit at Bettendorf is a well-regarded retirement community in Bettendorf, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. The community also features a variety of thoughtfully furnished floor plans in a nurturing and home-like environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. With chef-prepared meals, 24-hour care, and wellness programs, residents can maintain their independence with ease. Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, the community provides exceptional care tailored to their needs and preferences.

Lectures, light physical activities, and resident clubs help residents have fun and continue learning. Residents can also interact with friends and lounge, as state-of-the-art amenities, like the rooftop bar, salon, and walking paths, are available. Set in the quiet neighborhood of Bettendorf, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With its exceptional quality of care, this retirement community is a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Contact The Summit at Bettendorf

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.