Page 4 of Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 310 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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We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Iowa.
310 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:

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Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
Holland Farms
AL
IL
MC
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 73
Rank #40 / 289
D+Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #175 / 302
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #187 / 232
46.6%
Facility 46.6%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #229 / 259
-8
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6
Rank #89 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Grand Living at Indian Creek
AL
IL
MC
Cedar Rapids
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 73
Rank #140 / 289
DYes
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #150 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #168 / 232
40.6%
Facility 40.6%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #183 / 259
-7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #35 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Meadowview of Davenport
AL
IL
MC
Davenport
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 73
Rank #168 / 289
?Yes
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 45
Rank #80 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 18
Rank #207 / 232
26.8% -2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
English Valley Nursing Care Center
AL
NH
SNF
North English
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 73
Rank #218 / 289
ANo
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 45
Rank #210 / 302
-
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 18
Rank #1 / 232
79.5%
Facility 79.5%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #72 / 259
-10
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #58 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Mill Pond
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 73
Rank #158 / 289
?Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #254 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #71 / 232
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #7 / 259
-18
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6
Rank #140 / 265
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #180 / 265
Elkader Care Center
AL
NH
SNF
Sw Elkader
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 73
Rank #225 / 289
A+No
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 45
Rank #87 / 302
-
39
Facility 39
IA AVG 18
Rank #16 / 232
70.0%
Facility 70.0%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #101 / 259
-14
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6
Rank #140 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Community Memorial Health Center
AL
MC
NH
SNF
West Hartley
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 73
Rank #151 / 289
C+No
43
Facility 43
IA AVG 45
Rank #157 / 302
-
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 18
Rank #20 / 232
75.8%
Facility 75.8%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #90 / 259
-26
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6
Rank #203 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
The Summit at Bettendorf
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Bettendorf
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 73
Rank #225 / 289
?Yes
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 45
Rank #270 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #187 / 232
87.5%
Facility 87.5%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #39 / 259
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #58 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
The Rose of East Des Moines
AL
Des Moines
128
Facility 128
IA AVG 73
Rank #29 / 289
A+No
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 45
Rank #50 / 302
1 bed / 2 bed
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 18
Rank #113 / 232
40.6%
Facility 40.6%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #210 / 259
A+9
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 6
Rank #261 / 265
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #225 / 265
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
AL
IL
Iowa City (Weber)
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 73
Rank #184 / 289
A+Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 45
Rank #235 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #71 / 232
57.7%
Facility 57.7%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #125 / 259
A+2
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6
Rank #174 / 265
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #180 / 265

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each assisted living community is ranked against every other IA assisted living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 310 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Holland Farms

Located on Sunset Drive in Norwalk, Iowa, Holland Farms is a three-story community that has been in operation for five years. It offers 116 private and semi-private apartments and currently serves 45 residents, giving older adults a choice of living arrangements based on their preferences for privacy or shared space.

The surrounding neighborhood has a walkability score of 38, so while a few nearby destinations can be reached on foot, most errands and family visits require a vehicle. The quieter setting may appeal to those who prefer a less urban environment.

State inspections have identified areas for improvement in medication management procedures and service planning documentation. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a tour to discuss these findings with staff and learn more about the safeguards and care practices in place.

Contact Holland Farms

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 Meadowview of Davenport

Conveniently located in the thriving neighborhood of Davenport, IA, Meadowview of Davenport is an exceptional community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring a variety of specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Here, residents also enjoy a worry-free lifestyle with maintenance services.

Fun recreational activities and stimulating programs are conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delectable and healthy dining options are available, ensuring residents have a delightful dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a fitness center, an art studio, a memory care garden, a barber shop, and a fireside lounge, creating the ideal setting for recreation and wellness.

Contact Meadowview of Davenport

English Valley Nursing Care Center

150 West Washington Street, North English, IA 52316-0430
Overview of English Valley Nursing Care Center

English Valley Nursing Care Center offers nursing home, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in North English, Iowa. Nursing home care provides a residential setting for ongoing care and supervision, while skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. The combination may be a good fit for a resident whose care needs may grow over time, since the available care levels can support a move without leaving the community.

The community opened in 1973 and has 44 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Valley View Assisted Living (ALP) | S0185 operates English Valley Nursing Care Center, and Jalissa Winn serves as the administrator.

Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 52 minutes per resident per day. That represents the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident. Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay: Medicare applies to short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid can help when savings do not cover a long stay, and private pay means paying directly.

A backyard picnic area gives residents an outdoor place to sit, while gardening provides an activity involving plant care. With a Walk Score of 31, the area is car dependent, so most errands require a car or a ride, making it a quieter residential setting where residents who no longer drive generally need transportation for errands.

Contact English Valley Nursing Care Center

Mill Pond

1201 Se Mill Pond Ct, Ankeny, IA 50021
Overview of Mill Pond

Mill Pond offers nursing home, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Ankeny, IA. Nursing home and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while residents maintain their own apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Several care levels share one community here. That can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, because a move to a different level of care can happen without leaving Mill Pond. The community has 60 beds and 98% occupancy, meaning nearly all beds were filled at the time represented by that figure. Housing includes studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom layouts. A studio provides one private space, while a two bedroom can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment routes for eligible care and services. Total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 13 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated per resident. Pets are allowed, giving a resident the option to bring a pet when moving in. Jesica Culp serves as the administrator.

Contact Mill Pond

Elkader Care Center

116 Reimer Street Sw, Elkader, IA 52043-9558
Overview of Elkader Care Center

In Elkader, IA, Elkader Care Center offers assisted living, skilled nursing, and nursing home care. Long-term care is handled by the nursing home part. Assisted living handles everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and managing medication. Skilled nursing keeps licensed nurses available at any hour, which is all about activity and not necessarily activity, so they’re still there even on the quiet nights.

That covers a resident needing ongoing support, and one working through recovery. Elkader Care Center is a 40-bed community, and its rehabilitation services are available to residents needing therapy.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are the three ways a nursing home bill can get settled, and this center takes all three. Kaitlin Landon runs the building day-to-day.

Take one resident on one day, and 4 hours and 44 minutes of nursing time is what you’ll find on average. A Walk Score of 59 makes for a somewhat walkable area, so a resident who has given up driving but can still walk around on their own will still be able to manage some errands on foot.

Contact Elkader Care Center

Overview of Community Memorial Health Center

Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, Iowa, combines assisted living, memory care, nursing home services, and skilled nursing within a single campus. Assisted living residents receive help with personal routines like bathing, dressing, and managing medication while maintaining private apartments. Dedicated memory care units feature secured environments for individuals prone to wandering, and on-site rehabilitation offers therapy services during recovery stays.

This 62-bed facility operates under administrator Steven Ziller. Daily care records show a total nurse staffing average of 4 hours and 59 minutes per resident. Setting a car-dependent standard, the local neighborhood holds a 43 walk score, meaning trips off campus typically call for arranged transportation. Financial options accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private payment methods.

Interested families can connect with Community Memorial Health Center to check unit availability, tour the grounds, and determine specific service plans.

Contact Community Memorial Health Center

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

Overview of The Rose of East Des Moines

The Rose of East Des Moines in Des Moines, Iowa, features 128 beds across one- and two-bedroom layouts, accommodating single residents as well as companions living together. Staff assist with personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, and medication management, while residents keep their own private space.

Administrator Alexis Morrison oversees operations at the community. A walk score of 70 allows non-driving residents to complete most daily errands on foot within the neighborhood.

Interested individuals considering assisted living support alongside flexible apartment choices can contact The Rose of East Des Moines for information on current openings.

Contact The Rose of East Des Moines

Overview of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Located in the heart of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community stands as a welcoming haven for seniors seeking assisted living. Offering a range of private senior apartments, this community provides a sanctuary where residents are free from the burdens of upkeep and monotony. With a reputation that shines brightly over the years, Melrose Meadows prides itself on transparency in its fee structure and offers a blend of independent and assisted living facilities.

Its strategic proximity to the University of Iowa hospitals and clinics ensures seamless access to world-class healthcare, supported by a dedicated on-site staff available around the clock. Amidst the vibrant energy of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community thrives as a place where seniors experience a fulfilling and supportive environment. Thoughtfully designed spaces create a sense of warmth and comfort, encouraging residents to embrace life to the fullest.

Contact Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

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 310 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.

Assisted Living in Iowa at a glance

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: 73The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90