Page 5 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
Reviewed by
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.
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.
Community Memorial Health Center
AL
MC
NH
SNF
West Hartley
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 71
Rank #169 / 334
No
43
Facility 43
IA AVG 46
Rank #228 / 424
-
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 18
Rank #25 / 258
75.8%
Facility 75.8%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #116 / 295
-26
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 7
Rank #225 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Kennybrook Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Grimes (Governors District)
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #141 / 334
Yes
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 46
Rank #78 / 424
-
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 18
Rank #147 / 258
47.1%
Facility 47.1%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #215 / 295
-4
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #141 / 334
Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 46
Rank #175 / 424
-
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 18
Rank #169 / 258
51.5%
Facility 51.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #181 / 295
A+2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
The Rose of East Des Moines
AL
Des Moines
128
Facility 128
IA AVG 71
Rank #29 / 334
No
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 46
Rank #78 / 424
1 bed / 2 bed
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 18
Rank #131 / 258
42.2%
Facility 42.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #245 / 295
A+31
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 7
Rank #294 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
AL
IL
Iowa City (Weber)
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 71
Rank #209 / 334
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 46
Rank #343 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #87 / 258
57.7%
Facility 57.7%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #160 / 295
A+13
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #191 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Vintage Hills of Indianola
AL
MC
RC
Indianola
90
Facility 90
IA AVG 71
Rank #72 / 334
Yes
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 46
Rank #368 / 424
-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #189 / 258
45.6%
Facility 45.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #226 / 295
A+7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Apple Valley Place
AL
MC
RC
Osage
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 71
Rank #99 / 334
Yes
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 46
Rank #102 / 424
-
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 18
Rank #131 / 258
65.4%
Facility 65.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #145 / 295
-4
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Pennsylvania Place
AL
IL
MC
Ottumwa
102
Facility 102
IA AVG 71
Rank #57 / 334
No
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 46
Rank #49 / 424
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 18
Rank #201 / 258
32.4%
Facility 32.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #278 / 295
-5
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
The Kensington in Fort Madison
AL
MC
RC
Fort Madison
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 71
Rank #71 / 334
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 46
Rank #120 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #177 / 258
44.0%
Facility 44.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #231 / 295
-6
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Edencrest at The Tuscany
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 46
Rank #371 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #24 / 295
-7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 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

Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
1...456...32
Overview of Community Memorial Health Center

Community Memorial Health Center, a 62-bed nursing community, provides clinical care at 909 West 1st Street in Hartley, Iowa. The location functions under the local guidance of the Community Memorial Healthcenter Association and carries an average occupancy baseline of 76 percent. Families can route regular billing through a mix of private funding streams, traditional Medicare, or state Medicaid cards. Individual residential timelines average roughly 184 days, signaling a stable, day-to-day balance between ongoing medical housing and temporary physical rehab stays.

The building’s care teams deliver an average of 4 hours and 50 minutes of direct, hands-on attention to every resident each day. Certified nursing aides manage the largest share of this floor time at 2 hours and 37 minutes, while registered nurses add 1 hour and 2 minutes, and licensed practical nurses supply 23 minutes to oversee medication distributions and clinical treatments. On-site services include three meals daily and structured monthly recreational calendars, while the surrounding neighborhood records a walkability score of 43 out of 100, which means visiting guests generally use personal cars to run local tasks.

Official surveys conducted by state regulatory agencies have routinely evaluated administrative documentation, resident housing setups, and floor treatment procedures to confirm compliance with basic healthcare rules. Internal managers follow these recurring public evaluations to refine the facility’s day-to-day care patterns and keep staff clinical protocols aligned with state-level updates.

Prospective residents can call the main business phone to double-check immediate room availability, request a copy of the monthly calendar, or book an afternoon walkthrough of the property.

Contact Community Memorial Health Center

Overview of Kennybrook Village
Kennybrook Village is a senior living community in Grimes, Iowa, offering a range of living options including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The facility emphasizes a family-like atmosphere and personalized care for its residents. With a variety of activities and dining options, Kennybrook Village aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors.

Contact Kennybrook Village

Cedar Ridge Village

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

Cedar Ridge Village is a 68-bed healthcare campus at 8950 Coachlight Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa. Managed by Kathy Dehaven and operated by Central Iowa Hospital Corporation, the facility provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Current data indicates a census of 35 residents in the nursing wing, representing a 51% occupancy rate, which is below the Iowa average of 75.4%. The location earns a Walk Score of 51, providing residents with moderate foot access to local amenities in Dallas County.

While the campus maintains high marks in several categories, an August 2025 health inspection identified seven deficiencies. These findings included issues with infection control protocols and resident rights regarding service notifications, though the facility achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for the most severe “immediate jeopardy” classifications. Nurse staffing metrics remain a primary strength, with the facility providing 4 hours and 10 minutes of total nursing time per resident daily.

This level of support includes registered nurse (RN) hours that are approximately 56% higher than the state average. Professional services focus heavily on recovery, with nearly 73% of short-stay residents reaching expected self-care abilities by discharge—a figure significantly higher than the national average. Quality measures for long-term residents also perform at a 5-star level, particularly in areas like pressure ulcer prevention.

Residential options include private apartments with kitchenettes and access to various communal social spaces. The facility provides three nutritional meals daily plus snacks, alongside amenities such as a hair salon, library, and landscaped courtyards. Wellness programming is supported by scheduled transportation for medical appointments and community outings. The community is pet-friendly and maintains a 2.58:1 staff-to-resident ratio, which is 29% better than the regional benchmark.

Prospective representatives evaluating a high-staffed rehabilitation setting with recognized quality standards may find this campus appropriate. Families are encouraged to ask directly about the corrective steps taken regarding 2025 infection control findings and request current nurse-to-resident ratios for the skilled nursing wing before making a placement decision.

Contact Cedar Ridge Village

Overview of The Rose of East Des Moines

The Rose of East Des Moines is an assisted living community in Des Moines, Iowa, with 128 beds. Assisted living here includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while allowing a resident to maintain a private living space, making the community a possible fit for someone who needs regular support without skilled nursing care.

Residents can choose between one bed and two bed housing options. A two bed option may suit someone moving with a companion, while a one bed option is intended for a single resident. The area has a Walk Score of 70, meaning most errands can be handled on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still reach nearby shops or services independently. Alexis Morrison serves as the administrator.

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

Overview of Vintage Hills of Indianola

Administered by Jeremy Prior, Vintage Hills of Indianola is an assisted living community in Indianola, Iowa. The home about 1.6 miles from the city center serves residents seeking assisted living, memory care, or respite care. Operating for 16 years, the mid-sized, 90-bed community currently has a 46 percent occupancy rate.

The neighborhood surrounding Vintage Hills is car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 15, so a car is required for most errands. This setting fits occupants and families who prefer a more tranquil and residential part of town instead of a walkable urban area. Pets are welcome here, which can be a crucial consideration for residents wanting to bring their companions with them.

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing’s state inspections have documented isolated concerns involving staff documentation and medication administration practices over the facility’s operating history. The latest inspection found no regulatory insufficiencies, reflecting the home’s compliance with state safety standards.

Contact Vintage Hills of Indianola

Overview of Apple Valley Place

Apple Valley Place is an assisted living, memory care, and respite care community in Osage, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks while a resident keeps their own apartment, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Respite care offers a short stay for a resident whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, making Apple Valley Place potentially suitable for families whose care needs may change over time.

Apple Valley Place has 78 beds. A Walk Score of 64 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach select nearby destinations independently. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to bring a pet when moving in. Sharina Winter serves as the administrator.

Contact Apple Valley Place

Overview of Pennsylvania Place

Pennsylvania Place offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Ottumwa, IA. Assisted living supports residents with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while they retain their own apartment, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Because Pennsylvania Place offers multiple care levels, it can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to another community. Housing includes Patio Homes, independent living apartments, assisted living apartments, and specialized Memory Support, and Pennsylvania Place has 102 beds.

A Walk Score of 77 / 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Transportation is available, giving residents an option for trips without arranging every ride themselves. Brenda Hostetler serves as administrator.

Contact Pennsylvania Place

Overview of The Kensington in Fort Madison

Nestled in the vibrant community of Fort Madison, IA, The Kensington in Fort Madison is an esteemed senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. A wide array of spacious and cozy accommodations ranging from studio to deluxe studio, one-bedroom, large one-bedroom, deluxe suite, and deluxe one-bedroom are available for its residents. The community is committed to providing a warm an supportive atmosphere for its residents to live a more fulfilling life. In terms of memory care, the community thoughtfully created a memory care neighborhood called Primrose Path catering to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Known for its top-notch amenities and services, residents can enjoy 3 delectable and healthy home-cooked meals, housekeeping and laundry services, and complimentary health care services. Meet new companions in recreational trips and scenic tours with transportation provided. Further self-care efforts by going to an on-site salon. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors are guaranteed a wonderful retirement with The Kensington in Fort Madison.

Contact The Kensington in Fort Madison

Edencrest at The Tuscany

1600 8Th St Se, Altoona, IA 50009
Overview of Edencrest at the Tuscany

Have a peaceful retirement with Edencrest at the Tuscany, an outstanding senior living community in Altoona, IA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With its commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life, a reliable and highly skilled team cares for their personal needs and other responsibilities 24/7. A resident-centered approach is also utilized for residents to live their lives to the fullest.

Fostering a nurturing and inviting environment, enriching social programs, and fun activities are orchestrated for residents’ happiness and wellness. Here, delectable and nutritious meals are served to meet dietary needs and tastes. Filled with beautiful scenery and tranquil walking trails, residents live a serene lifestyle while receiving the utmost care they deserve.

Contact Edencrest at The Tuscany

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
Submit a correction
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

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.