Other senior care options in Iowa:

Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 333 assisted living communities in Iowa using Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
333 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: 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: 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

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Oaknoll Retirement Residence
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 407
No
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 45
Rank #344 / 528
Private Rooms
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 19
Rank #13 / 282
81.4%
Facility 81.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #111 / 379
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Mill Pond
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #439 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #14 / 379
-16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #158 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Green Hills Retirement Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #234 / 407
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #430 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 19
Rank #24 / 282
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #130 / 379
-11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Friendship Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #143 / 407
No
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 45
Rank #202 / 528
2 Bed / 3 Bed
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 19
Rank #8 / 282
91.7%
Facility 91.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #50 / 379
-17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Maple Ridge Assisted Living
AL
NH
Mt Ayr (Mount Ayr)
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 71
Rank #398 / 407
No
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 45
Rank #452 / 528
Private / Shared Rooms
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 19
Rank #98 / 282
--7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 45
Rank #488 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #24 / 379
A+15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
The Views of Marion
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Marion
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
No
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 45
Rank #315 / 528
Private Rooms
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
48.3%
Facility 48.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #282 / 379
-4
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Calvin Community
AL
NH
IL
MC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 71
Rank #226 / 407
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 45
Rank #145 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
93.2%
Facility 93.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #42 / 379
-17
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Independence Village of Waukee
AL
NH
IL
MC
SNF
Waukee
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 71
Rank #373 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 19
Rank #164 / 282
41.2%
Facility 41.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #332 / 379
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Corridor Crossing Place
AL
MC
RESC
RC
Cedar Rapids (Southwest Area)
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 71
Rank #210 / 407
No
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #269 / 528
Private Rooms
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 19
Rank #42 / 282
--9
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #187 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Amelia Senior Living
AL
Council Bluffs (Ferndale)
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 71
Rank #202 / 407
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 19
Rank #42 / 282
61.3%
Facility 61.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #218 / 379
A+10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Edencrest at The Tuscany
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #44 / 379
-7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #131 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Independence Village of Ames
AL
MC
RC
Ames
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 71
Rank #390 / 407
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #213 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #87 / 282
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #1 / 379
A+21
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 7
Rank #279 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Thornton Heights Assisted Living
AL
NH
Lansing (Main Street)
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 71
Rank #397 / 407
No
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 19
Rank #120 / 282
--7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Northridge Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Somerset)
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 71
Rank #352 / 407
Yes
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #269 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 19
Rank #189 / 282
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #28 / 379
A15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
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Maple Crest Manor

100 Bolger Dr, Fayette, IA 52142
Overview of Maple Crest Manor

Maple Crest Manor, located in scenic Fayette, IA, is a premier provider of skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care services. At this community, a dedicated and skilled team offers a variety of services to meet the needs of their residents, acknowledging that each resident has their individual needs and unique care requirements. The goal at Maple Crest Manor is to provide quality care and an active lifestyle in a home-like environment. This community goes beyond just basic care. Residents can enjoy engaging in a variety of activities like pet therapy, beauty services, and transportation services to make sure residents can attend all needed appointments. This focus on well-being ensures a fulfilling experience for all. Their ultimate goal is to create a comfortable and enriching environment where residents can truly feel at home. At Maple Crest Manor, a true community is built between residents and the devoted staff.

Contact Maple Crest Manor

Overview of NewAldaya Lifescapes

Located in the heart of Cedar Falls, IA, NewAldaya Lifescapes offers a vibrant and welcoming community for seniors. This community features a range of care options, including extended care, memory care, skilled nursing, and recreational therapy. Residents can choose from more than 15 unique floor plans in pet-friendly neighborhoods, designed for comfort and independence. The community’s prime location also provides easy access to Cedar Valley Bike Trails and Dry Run Creek, as well as local dining, shopping, and entertainment.

The community thrives with exceptional amenities such as the River Rock Café, New Day Salon and Spa, and a 24-hour wellness center. Residents can engage in various social and recreational activities to stay active and connected. NewAldaya Lifescapes is dedicated to enhancing lives through compassionate care, offering peace of mind in a lively, family-oriented environment.

Contact NewAldaya Lifescapes

Overview of Silvercrest Garner Senior Living

Silvercrest Garner Senior Living provides exceptional memory care and assisted living services tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services, striving to be one of the top-ranked assisted living homes in the city. 

Silvercrest boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. 

Contact Silvercrest Garner Senior Living

Overview of Corridor Crossing Place

Corridor Crossing Place is an elegant home that is built to ensure the convenience and comfort of its residents. The services provided and designed in the community allow residents to expand their vibrant social lives. Management aims to raise the standard for memory care services in Cedar Rapids. Corridor Crossing Place has strived to reimagine a senior lifestyle, allowing it to become one of the most trusted homes in the city.

As a proud member of the Jaybird Senior Living community, expect services to be delivered in an exceptional way; offering an extensive list of amenities that make everyday living easier. A full-service salon and barbershop, outdoor common areas, spacious lounge areas, an elegant dining room with delicious meals served, enriching activities, and specialized programs offered. 

Contact Corridor Crossing Place

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

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

Overview of Friendship Haven

Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, IA, is a non-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that offers independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. With a nurturing, home-like environment, the community ensures older adults can live comfortably during their stay. Light housekeeping, nutritious meals, and medication management are among the excellent services provided to improve residents’ living experiences. Residents also receive the utmost attention and care to recover and return to their routines with ease through personalized care plans.

Strength exercises, social events, and various recreational activities ensure residents can make friends and have fun. Safe trails, accessible common areas, and a garden also provide residents with more opportunities for recreation and wellness. Located near the Fort Museum and Frontier Village and bus stops along Kenyon Road, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This CCRC has a wide range of care options and a clean setting, making it a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Contact Friendship Haven

Overview of Thornton Heights Assisted Living

Make every moment count at Thornton Heights Assisted Living, a distinguished community in Lansing, IA, offering assisted living. Featuring beautifully furnished and secure one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also receive exceptional care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delicious and well-balanced meals are also served three times daily to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Emergency pendants are also provided for convenience and safety. The community is ideal for those looking to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its nurturing and welcoming environment.

Contact Thornton Heights Assisted Living

Overview of Independence Village of Ames

Independence Village of Ames, under the esteemed StoryPoint Group, redefines senior living where residents are empowered to lead life on their terms. With unwavering dedication to assisted living and memory care, they create a warm familial atmosphere. This close-knit community, nestled in Ames, Iowa, boasts 24-hour oversight and specialized programming. Their offerings include assisted living with memory care services, along with personalized respite care.

The community prides itself on fostering new friendships and cherished memories through engaging daily activities. Additionally, residents enjoy delightful chef-prepared meals, ensuring a dining experience that feels just like home. Independence Village is meticulously designed for comfort, with a keen attention to detail and professionalism in their interactions with both families and seniors. Their exceptional assisted living qualifications make them a preferred choice for seniors seeking a vibrant and supportive community tailored to their needs.

Contact Independence Village of Ames

Overview of Midlands Living Center

Midlands Living Center is a 94-bed skilled nursing facility at 2452 North Broadway in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Locally owned and administered by Jordan Tjaden, the community provides short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and hospice support for residents in Pottawattamie County. The campus is car-dependent with a Walk Score of 14, though it provides medical appointment transportation for its residents.

The facility is CMS-certified and carries an above average 4-star overall rating as of May 2026. Between 2021 and 2025, state inspections yielded an average of 4.3 deficiencies per year, which is 37% below the Iowa state average. While an April 2025 investigation identified a single deficiency related to infection control during catheter care, a September 2025 follow-up found the facility in substantial compliance with zero deficiencies. No federal fines or payment denials have been issued in the past three years.

Staffing levels exceed state averages in several key categories. Total adjusted nursing hours are 4 hours 31 minutes per resident day, with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) hours at 48 minutes, 41% above the Iowa average. Weekend nursing coverage is also a strength, performing 5% above the state mean. Quality measures are rated at 4 stars, with long-stay hospitalizations 28% better than average and a 96.4% success rate in managing residents’ physical restraint needs.

The campus offers furnished rooms with in-house laundry and on-site beauty and barber services.Shared clinical amenities include:On-site optometry, podiatry, and dentistry alongside physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The social calendar features recreational and spiritual activities, and the facility maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, with a current occupancy rate of approximately 72%.

Families should evaluate the current bedside care standards during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken after the 2025 catheter care finding and to confirm that the infection prevention protocols remain in full compliance for 2026.

Contact Midlands Living Center

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
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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 333 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.