Page 4 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. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
Risen Son Christian Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
Council Bluffs
102
Facility 102
IA AVG 71
Rank #57 / 334
No
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 46
Rank #398 / 424
-
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 18
Rank #20 / 258
27.5%
Facility 27.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #285 / 295
A+6
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Amelia Senior Living
AL
Council Bluffs (Ferndale)
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 71
Rank #169 / 334
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 46
Rank #418 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 18
Rank #160 / 258
61.3%
Facility 61.3%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #152 / 295
A+6
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Holland Farms
AL
IL
MC
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 71
Rank #42 / 334
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 46
Rank #254 / 424
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
38.8%
Facility 38.8%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #264 / 295
-8
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Prime Assisted Living
AL
Sioux City
120
Facility 120
IA AVG 71
Rank #34 / 334
No
88
Facility 88
IA AVG 46
Rank #20 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 18
Rank #119 / 258
49.2%
Facility 49.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #198 / 295
-3
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Mill Pond
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #177 / 334
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 46
Rank #367 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #87 / 258
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #5 / 295
-18
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Green Hills Retirement Community
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #192 / 334
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 46
Rank #361 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 18
Rank #16 / 258
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #97 / 295
A+14
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Northridge Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #141 / 334
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 46
Rank #408 / 424
-
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 18
Rank #165 / 258
63.2%
Facility 63.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #147 / 295
A6
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
English Valley Nursing Care Center
AL
NH
SNF
North English
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 71
Rank #252 / 334
No
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 46
Rank #305 / 424
-
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 18
Rank #1 / 258
79.5%
Facility 79.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #92 / 295
-10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Calvin Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 71
Rank #186 / 334
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 46
Rank #120 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 18
Rank #247 / 258
93.2%
Facility 93.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #22 / 295
-17
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 46
Rank #408 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #9 / 295
A+16
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 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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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

Overview of Amelia Senior Living

Ideally situated in the quiet neighborhood of West Ferndale Drive, Council Bluffs, IA, Amelia Senior Living is a respected senior living community providing assisted living. Helping seniors live a maintenance-free lifestyle by taking care of daily living activities around the clock, the community provides more opportunities for seniors to do the things they love. Residents and families can rest easy knowing a trusted community has their backs and their loved ones are well-cared for.

With a jam-packed calendar of fun activities and engaging programs, residents create lasting moments with friends and lead an active lifestyle. Healthy and delightful meals are also provided, ensuring hassle-free dining that satisfies dietary needs and preferences. Amelia Senior Living is dedicated to caring for seniors with its spacious and sophisticated campus with senior-friendly amenities.

Contact Amelia Senior Living

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 Prime Assisted Living

Prime Assisted Living provides assisted living in Sioux City, IA, with help for daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while residents maintain their own apartments. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs support with everyday activities but does not require the secured setting or round-the-clock licensed nursing care associated with other care types.

Prime Assisted Living has 120 beds. Housing options include studios, one-bedroom residences, and two-bedroom residences, with the two-bedroom layout able to suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

A Walk Score of 88 places the area in the very walkable range, meaning most errands can be completed on foot and a resident who no longer drives may still reach nearby shops, pharmacies, or cafes independently. Nicole Thompson serves as the administrator.

Contact Prime Assisted Living

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

Overview of Green Hills Retirement Community

Green Hills Retirement Community offers a vibrant lifestyle designed to support those in their golden years. This sprawling 33-acre property, nestled near Iowa State University, provides an exquisite living experience for individuals aged 55 and above. The community boasts beautifully appointed living spaces, ranging from apartments to townhomes, ensuring residents have a variety of comfortable options to choose from.Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Green Hills offers a plethora of wellness opportunities, engaging activities, and delightful restaurant-style dining experiences, creating a fulfilling environment for its residents.

They provide specialized memory care services, catering to individuals with dementia, alongside independent living options. The community is characterized by a compassionate atmosphere, where residents can enjoy their lives to the fullest. Moreover, Green Hills features a Medicare five-star rated health care center, offering both short-term and long-term services, including comprehensive rehabilitation programs. With all these amenities and services under one roof, Green Hills Retirement Community truly becomes a premier choice for residential assisted living.

Contact Green Hills Retirement Community

Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
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

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

Overview of Calvin Community

Located in Des Moines, IA, Calvin Community is a skilled nursing community that offers memory care, assisted living, skilled care, and rehabilitation services. Licensed nurses also support skilled nursing, with 24-hour staffing available. With a wide range of care options, the community can accommodate a resident’s evolving needs without the need to move.

With 59 beds, the community’s size can support staff and residents getting to know each other under the leadership of Billy Meyers. Additionally, housing includes one-bed and two-bed layouts. The two-bed option can also suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

Through 24-hour staffing, staff are available at any time. Rehabilitation services are also available. Moreover, activity calendars and community events provide scheduled activities.

The community has a Walk Score of 61, placing it in the somewhat walkable band where some errands can be completed on foot. For a resident who no longer drives, certain nearby errands may be possible without a car, while other trips may still require transportation. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 39 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nurse staffing time allocated per resident.

Contact Calvin Community

Cedar Ridge Village

8950 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village, situated in the delightful West Des Moines, Iowa, provides a diverse range of senior living options, including independent living and assisted living including care for disabled adults. This community effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, with inviting spaces, high ceilings, and carefully chosen furnishings, ensuring an exceptional living experience for residents.

Residents here can engage in a variety of activities, from card games and book clubs to arts and crafts and movie nights. The community also organizes off site excursions, such as concerts, theater outings, museum visits, and more, enriching the lives of its residents. Their spacious apartments are thoughtfully designed to accommodate different care needs, offering tailored, top-tier services in a meticulously maintained environment. Count on Cedar Ridge Village for superior senior living options, whether you’re seeking assisted or independent living near you.

Contact Cedar Ridge 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
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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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.