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Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Apr 2026
We analyzed 7 homes in Iowa

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos

Video Tour: Top-rated senior communities facilities in Iowa.

Watch this Video to see Iowa's Top-rated Senior Communities

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

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Woodland Terrace
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Waverly
100No--- 87.0% 2510
Eagle Point Health Care Center
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Clinton
75No--30 70.7% 166
Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Fort Dodge
65No--- 93.3% 00
Navigate MC at Featherstone at Hickory Trail
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Iowa City (Lemme)
32No--1-00
Journey Senior Services
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Carroll
36No--7 75.0% 42
Homesteaders at Holland Farms
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Norwalk
80No--4 42.5% 53
Hansen House
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Council Bluffs (Kane Township)
54No--15 53.7% 125
Grand Haven Retirement Community Moments
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Eldridge
36No--18 41.7% 2318
Gardens at Ridgecrest Village
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Davenport (Downtown Davenport)
30No--24 40.0% 3426
Emery Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Robins
106No--11 48.1% 1713
Cottage Grove Place – Connections
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Cedar Rapids
36No--6 38.9% 53
Birdee Cottage AL and MC
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Waterloo
33No--4 51.5% 42
Better Living of Walcott
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Walcott
67No--6 34.3% 51
Apple Valley Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Osage
78No--17 65.4% 135
Addington Place of Burlington
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Burlington
100No--17 46.0% 2619
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Overview of Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail

Live the retirement of your dreams at Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail, an astounding community in Ankeny, IA, offering independent living. Purposely built and sophisticated accommodations are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring residents feel at ease during their stay. Maintenance services are also taken care of, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delightful restaurants and shops are also available nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options to meet their dietary needs and preferences. The community is great for those looking to downsize in their golden years, especially with state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional services.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Exercise Programs

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Parking Available

Contact Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail

Overview of Marycrest Senior Apartments

Peacefully nestled in the quiet setting of Davenport, IA, Marycrest Senior Apartments is a distinct 55+ community that offers independent living. The community has beautifully designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With convenient apartment features, residents enjoy a convenient lifestyle.

Thriving local shops and leisure sites are easily accessible, providing residents with various options to spend their days. Residents can prepare meals on their terms with a fully equipped kitchen in each unit. With a warm and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed to enjoy the best of their golden years without hassles.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Social and Recreational Activities

Contact Marycrest Senior Apartments

Overview of The 44 Dsm

Ideally set in the harmonious neighborhood of Des Moines, IA, The 44 Dsm is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. The community has a variety of beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom accommodations, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also gain easy access to their necessities with local shops in the area.

A thoughtfully planned calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delightful restaurants and shops surrounding the area also provide residents with various dining options to satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and friendly setting.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Parking Available

Contact The 44 DSM

Overview of Regency Retirement Residence of Clinton

Overlooking the serene neighborhood of Clinton, IA, Regency Retirement Residence of Clinton is an idyllic senior living community that provides an ideal environment for independent living. Catering to active and dynamic residents who wish to maintain their independence for as long as possible, the community offers an array of conveniences, such as housekeeping services to free them from the common hassles of living. Featuring an array of beautifully designed accommodations, the community ensures residents are given a relaxing environment for resting or enjoying the things they love.

Various activities are conducted year round to give residents an abundance of opportunities to interact with fellow residents, make new experiences, and learn new things. Residents also relish delicious meals that are served in a cozy dining room, which also serves as a social hub for exchanging meaningful conversations. At Regency Retirement Residence of Clinton, residents are guaranteed to enjoy the lifestyle they want in the comfort of a nurturing and welcoming environment.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Building Type: Single-story

Contact Regency Retirement Residence of Clinton

Overview of Home Instead – Cedar Rapids

Serving Cedar Rapids and nearby areas, Home Instead offers senior home care assistance that prioritizes enhancing quality of life and independence for retirees, from the comfort of their family home. Personalizing each elderly care plan to meet the specific needs of every individual, Home Instead brings the full-range of daily living support and medical management from retirement homes, to your doorstep.

Family members and seniors alike can rest easy knowing that Home Instead’s brand of dependable personal care and companionship are handled with the utmost respect and compassion, by a duly licensed team. Light housekeeping, meal preparations, errands, and medication reminders, are conducted warmly and professionally. For those struggling with the challenges of Alzheimer’s, Home Instead has got you covered as well.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms

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Building Type: Single-story

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Home Instead – Cedar Rapids

Overview of Windsor Oaks

Windsor Oaks independent living community offers an inviting atmosphere so that residents can be comfortable and feel a sense of belonging in their new home. Life in the retirement home means a life of convenience and flexibility because management ensures that everyone is treated with respect and compassion. Windsor Oaks is an excellent community that has proven to be an exemplary resident-centered community where seniors can thrive while living a lovely life.

The tight-knit community excels at cultivating individual-focused senior living that fosters growth and independence in a nurturing environment. Residents can immerse themselves in amenities such as home-cooked meals, recreational activities, enriching programs, and ADLs.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 800 - 1500 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Contact Windsor Oaks

Overview of Visiting Angels in Cedar Rapids

Visiting Angels in Cedar Rapids is reliable for families seeking home care services. Their dedicated team of professionals offers compassionate assistance during challenging times, ensuring families experience the actual benefits of senior care. With a proven track record of expert care, they personalize their services to meet each patient’s unique needs, promoting independence and dignity in the comfort of their own home. 

Visiting Angels caregivers practice a friendly and family-like treatment for seniors to feel secure, emotionally supported, and socially connected. Offering personal home care services, dementia care, respite care, and companion care, the caregivers are guided by a profound commitment to providing exceptional one-on-one care while treating their caregiving staff with the utmost respect.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Visiting Angels in Cedar Rapids

Overview of Heritage Court Assisted Living

Heritage Court Assisted Living in West Des Moines offers a comfortable and safe environment. Residents are guaranteed to feel welcomed in a friendly atmosphere; once can experience graceful aging thanks to the commitment of the staff to do everything for them. The assisted living home also offers an independent living program and nursing care services.

The cozy home-like setting of Heritage Court offers a range of services focused on the holistic wellness of its residents– weekly excursions, recreational activities, specialized programs, meals served daily, housekeeping, and transportation services provided.

What does this home offer?

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Building Type: Single-story

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Heritage Court Assisted Living

Overview of Chatham Oaks INC.

Chatham Oaks Inc. stands as a gracious provider of residential care facility services in Iowa City. Serving as an assisted living community, it offers an intermediate level of care tailored to residents who require a secure and supportive environment. The facility delivers round-the-clock skilled nursing services, ensuring residents receive the highest level of care and attention. Moreover, this community goes beyond mere residence, offering independent living options alongside a diverse array of amenities and services.

Contact Chatham Oaks Inc.

Overview of Bickford of Cedar Falls

A beautiful senior living community that offers exquisite living options such as for residents of assisted living and memory care. Regardless of what kind of living option you are in, management and staff are guaranteed to provide resort-like accommodations with exceptional hospitality. The cozy home offers an environment where the holistic wellness of seniors is met. Bickford of Cedar Falls strives to provide a comfortable lifestyle of everyday living for its residents, making it an ideal place to call a new home. 

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Bickford of Cedar Falls

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How Assisted Living Magazine Evaluates & Scores Nursing Homes

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence.
Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest share of every nursing home’s score — 45% of the total weighting — comes from clinical and regulatory indicators, including:

  • Overall, staffing, and inspection ratings
  • Long-stay and short-stay quality measures
  • Nurse-to-resident and staff-to-resident ratios
  • Health deficiencies and regulatory history
  • Accreditations and positive local news reporting

These factors directly reflect resident safety, care quality, and compliance.

Operational Stability & Resident Support

Another 35% of the score comes from operational and stability signals, such as:

  • Nurse hours per patient per day
  • Occupancy levels and cleanliness citations
  • Administrative stability and ownership quality
  • Readmission rates and registered-nurse turnover
Balancing Additional Factors

The remaining 20% of the score includes contextual elements such as:

  • Year built or renovated
  • Penalties, fines, and preventable readmissions
  • Revenue per bed
  • Administrator tenure

These factors help round out the overall picture but carry less weight because our methodology prioritizes clinical outcomes and regulatory consistency above all else.
The result is a clear, data-driven ranking system that elevates nursing homes delivering exceptional care and long-term resident safety.

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.
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.

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