Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Mar 2026
Over 430 homes analyzed

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.

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Compare Assisted Living around Iowa

Grand Living At Tower Place
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

SNF

Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed

West Des Moines
76
Yes
-
63
-
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Wesley Acres
SNF

Nursing Home 24/7 care needed

AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
No
-
72
BUSKOHL, DAMON
-
$32,122,034.00
$19,390,658.00
60.4%
74.80
5/5
4.2396
4/5
5/5
3/5
-
5
-
+86%
-1%
+409%
384.1%
Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Cedar Rapids
86
Yes
-
47
-
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Allen Place Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

RC

Respite Care

Atlantic
78
No
A-
11
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bickford of Urbandale
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Urbandale
73
Yes
-
28
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Ramsey Village Continuing Care
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

SNF

Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed

Des Moines (Drake)
78
Yes
-
38
CLAREMONT HOUSE INC.
1 bed / 2 bed
$9,574,324.00
$5,566,584.00
58.1%
60.70
2/5
4.0399
2/5
3/5
2/5
-
31
1
-32%
-6%
+14%
85.8%
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

West Des Moines
93
No
-
58
-
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Valley View Village
SNF

Nursing Home 24/7 care needed

AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Yes
-
38
ELIM CARE INC
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
$9,251,393.00
$5,273,992.00
57%
71.10
3/5
5.5244
2/5
5/5
4/5
2
19
2
+45%
+29%
+20%
90.8%
Vintage Hills of Indianola
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

RC

Respite Care

Indianola
90
No
A+
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Arlington Place of Grundy Center
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Grundy Center
80
No
-
32
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Ridgecrest Village
SNF

Nursing Home 24/7 care needed

AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Davenport
339
Yes
-
41
BEADERSTADT, MICHAEL
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
$13,291,642.00
$6,851,833.00
51.5%
58.10
1/5
3.9792
1/5
3/5
3/5
2
43
3
+69%
-7%
-14%
64.9%
Windsor Manor Nevada
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

RC

Respite Care

Nevada
70
No
-
26
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sunset Park Place
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Dubuque
101
Yes
-
36
-
1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Holland Farms
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Norwalk
116
Yes
-
38
-
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Amelia Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

SNF

Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed

Council Bluffs
62
Yes
A+
2
-
Studio / 1 Bed
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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View all Nearby Homes
Vista Woods Care Center offers exceptional long-term skilled nursing services to the Ottumwa, IA area. The facility provides 24/7 nursing care and skilled therapy services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It is conveniently located next to hospitals and clinics, ensuring a comfortable stay for residents.
Overview of Vista Woods Care Center
Vista Woods Care Center offers exceptional long-term skilled nursing services to the Ottumwa, IA area. The facility provides 24/7 nursing care and skilled therapy services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It is conveniently located next to hospitals and clinics, ensuring a comfortable stay for residents.
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, including short-term and long-term care. The facility provides a range of medical services to support residents' health and wellness.
Overview of University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, including short-term and long-term care. The facility provides a range of medical services to support residents' health and wellness.
Timely Mission Nursing Home is located in Buffalo Center, Iowa. It provides rehabilitation services and skilled care in a comfortable and friendly environment. The facility offers a variety of services including skilled care, short-term respite care, and long-term care.
Overview of Timely Mission Nursing Home
Timely Mission Nursing Home is located in Buffalo Center, Iowa. It provides rehabilitation services and skilled care in a comfortable and friendly environment. The facility offers a variety of services including skilled care, short-term respite care, and long-term care.
The Village of Ackley is a senior living community in Ackley, Iowa. It offers a full range of senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. The facility is committed to providing compassionate care and a variety of social activities for residents.
Overview of The Village of Ackley
The Village of Ackley is a senior living community in Ackley, Iowa. It offers a full range of senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. The facility is committed to providing compassionate care and a variety of social activities for residents.
Harmony Utica Ridge is a rehabilitation facility located in Davenport, Iowa. It offers personalized care and a welcoming atmosphere designed to enhance recovery and overall quality of life. The facility provides various healthcare services, including short-term rehabilitation, wound care, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
Overview of Harmony Utica Ridge
Harmony Utica Ridge is a rehabilitation facility located in Davenport, Iowa. It offers personalized care and a welcoming atmosphere designed to enhance recovery and overall quality of life. The facility provides various healthcare services, including short-term rehabilitation, wound care, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
Stacyville Community Nursing Home is a community-owned, not-for-profit facility in Stacyville, Iowa. It provides multiple levels of care tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents. The facility has been part of the community since 1965 and accommodates 34 beds for Intermediate/Skilled Care.
Overview of Stacyville Community Nursing Home
Stacyville Community Nursing Home is a community-owned, not-for-profit facility in Stacyville, Iowa. It provides multiple levels of care tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents. The facility has been part of the community since 1965 and accommodates 34 beds for Intermediate/Skilled Care.
St. Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is located in Spencer, Iowa. It provides compassionate care and a range of services for seniors. The facility is part of St. Luke Homes & Services, which offers various senior care options.
Overview of St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home
St. Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is located in Spencer, Iowa. It provides compassionate care and a range of services for seniors. The facility is part of St. Luke Homes & Services, which offers various senior care options.
St. Francis Manor in Grinnell, Iowa, is a nonprofit skilled and long-term care nursing facility with a dedicated transitional care unit and Rehabilitation Clinic. It offers a variety of community services, including home healthcare, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and a number of other conveniences. The facility is part of a 31-acre Life Plan Community that includes independent living homes and assisted living apartments.
Overview of St Francis Manor
St. Francis Manor in Grinnell, Iowa, is a nonprofit skilled and long-term care nursing facility with a dedicated transitional care unit and Rehabilitation Clinic. It offers a variety of community services, including home healthcare, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and a number of other conveniences. The facility is part of a 31-acre Life Plan Community that includes independent living homes and assisted living apartments.
Solon Nursing Care Center is part of the Solon Retirement Village in Solon, Iowa. It offers personalized nursing care, assisted living, palliative care, independent living, memory care, and outpatient therapy. The center is committed to promoting happy, independent lives for its residents.
Overview of Solon Nursing Care Center
Solon Nursing Care Center is part of the Solon Retirement Village in Solon, Iowa. It offers personalized nursing care, assisted living, palliative care, independent living, memory care, and outpatient therapy. The center is committed to promoting happy, independent lives for its residents.
Hillcrest Home, INC is a community-owned retirement home serving Sumner, Iowa since 1965. It provides nonprofit retirement living with a focus on dedicated care and strong local heritage. The facility offers independent living and skilled nursing care.
Overview of Hillcrest Home, INC
Hillcrest Home, INC is a community-owned retirement home serving Sumner, Iowa since 1965. It provides nonprofit retirement living with a focus on dedicated care and strong local heritage. The facility offers independent living and skilled nursing care.

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

At Assisted Living Magazine, our rankings are designed to help families compare senior living communities with clarity and confidence.
Each community is evaluated and ranked based on reputation, transparency, digital trust, and on-site quality signals.
Below is the full explanation of every factor and the exact weight it contributes to the final score.

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
  • 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.
Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album

Check out our virtual tours

Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews

Cost guide to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more.

Check out our cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from families.
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.

Cost guide to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more.

Check out our cost guide.

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.
Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album

Check out our virtual tours

Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews

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