Page 2 of Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 512 senior communities in IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank senior communities in IA
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We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every senior community provider in Iowa.
512 homes
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Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

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

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment. SC (Senior Communities):
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
Bethany Lutheran Home
SC
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Council Bluffs
112Yes 77 -51 80.4% -D-3815-
Oaknoll Retirement Residence
SC
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70No 33 Private Rooms50 81.4% -A1321
Northridge Village
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Somerset)
38Yes 44 1 Bed / 2 Bed11 94.7% AC1632
River Living Center
SC
AL
Us-52 Guttenberg (Guttenberg)
11No 51 Private / Shared Rooms18 81.8% -A+32-
Legacy Senior Living
SC
AL
IL
Iowa City (Lucas)
136Yes 23 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed25 47.1% A+A753
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
SC
AL
MC
RC
West Des Moines
93Yes 58 Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed8 54.8% -A76-
Homestead of Oskaloosa
SC
AL
MC
Oskaloosa
96No 75 -8 67.7% --51-
Cornerstone AL
SC
HC
MC
PC
RC
Mason City
92No 84 -25 32.6% --42-
Summit Pointe Senior Living
SC
AL
IL
MC
Marion
178Yes 89 -7 52.2% --64-
New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center
SC
AL
NH
SNF
New Hampton
46No 68 -49 52.2% -A+175-
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Bethany Lutheran Home

Seven Elliott Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0297
Overview of Bethany Lutheran Home

Bethany Lutheran Home provides skilled nursing and nursing home care, assisted living, and memory care in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while nursing home care includes long term care and rehabilitation. Assisted living supports daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

The home opened in 1975 and has 112 beds. Its Rehab to Home program and rehabilitation services support a resident working toward returning home after a stay or treatment, when that goal is part of the care plan. A Walk Score of 77 places the area in the very walkable range, so most errands can be done on foot; shops, a pharmacy, and cafes can be reached by a short walk for a resident who no longer drives. Bethany Lutheran Home allows pets, so a resident can keep a pet with them during the move.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families payment paths for covered care or residence costs. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 41 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated per resident. Chandra Gustafson serves as administrator. Bethany Lutheran Home may be a good fit for someone whose needs could change over time because its assisted living, memory care, nursing home, and skilled nursing services are available within one community.

Contact Bethany Lutheran Home

Overview of Oaknoll Retirement Residence

Amidst the vibrant charm of Oaknoll Retirement Residence, an unparalleled retirement experience unfolds, seamlessly merging assisted-living and on-site nursing care services. Expertly curated by a dedicated full-time chef, meals are savored in posh and elegant dining venues, enhancing the overall dining experience. As a testament to their commitment to holistic well-being, Oaknoll extends access to an array of essential services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as personalized guidance from skilled dietitians and dedicated companion support.

Families can rest assured that Oaknoll collaborates closely, not only tailoring services to individual needs but also accommodating various insurance options, including Medicare, Social Security, veterans administration, and private insurance, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care. Moreover, Oaknoll fosters a sense of unity by offering invaluable support groups, promoting connections among residents and their loved ones.

Contact Oaknoll Retirement Residence

Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Overview of Northridge Village

Northridge Village offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing care in Ames, Iowa. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, medication, and other daily tasks. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Several care levels are available in one community. If a resident’s needs grow, they may be able to move within Northridge Village instead of leaving the setting, which may suit someone who could need more support over time. With 38 beds, the community is a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other.

One bedroom and two bedroom layouts are available. A two bedroom option can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Short term rehabilitation supports recovery from an illness, injury, or procedure, while long term nursing care supports ongoing medical needs, and Kayla Zellmer serves as the administrator.

Starting monthly prices are $3,590 for independent living, $6,140 for assisted living, and $8,860 for memory care, with the different rates tied to the listed living and care levels. Northridge Village accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Pets are allowed, so a resident can bring a pet to the community.

The community is in the Somerset neighborhood of Ames, Iowa. A Walk Score of 44 out of 100 places the area in a car dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. Transportation and off site outings can support trips to grocery stores and restaurants, while the courtyard and garden provide outdoor spaces for residents to use.

$3,590/Month

Contact Northridge Village

Overview of River Living Center

Experience a blissful retirement at River Living Center, an astounding community in Guttenberg, IA, offering assisted living. Committed to residents’ welfare, a kind and highly skilled team provides top-notch care tailored to their unique needs around the clock. Residents can also feel a sense of belonging, especially with the community’s nurturing and welcoming environment.

Residents are encouraged to live actively and make new friends with a jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs. Mealtimes foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and nutritious dining options. With its nurturing and vibrant environment, the community ensures residents make the most of their golden years without worries.

Contact River Living Center

Overview of Legacy Senior Living

Ensconced within the charming ambiance of Iowa City, Legacy Senior Living stands as a pinnacle of retirement living on the east side. This vibrant community offers a harmonious blend of residential assisted living with memory care options, ensuring a holistic and dignified lifestyle for its residents. What sets Legacy Pointe apart is its dedication to continuous learning, exemplified by its specialized memory care training, empowering staff to provide compassionate and professional care to seniors.

The community’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its welcoming of respite stays and its efforts to cater to various dietary needs. The scenic campus boasts a pet-friendly environment, accompanied by splendid common areas, a beauty salon, a cutting-edge computer and media center, and a dynamic fitness hub. Engaging activities in the game room further enhance the sense of camaraderie and fulfillment.

Contact Legacy Senior Living

Overview of MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

A proud member of the MorningStar Senior Living Group, MorningStar at Jordan Creek provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services that are all tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services; striving to be the top-ranked assisted living community in Des Mois. An elegant community that is built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like service. Residents of MorningStar at Jordan Creek can rest assured that they can feel like they’re a home away from home.

The community boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, which is why they have provided essential services to do so– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management highly encourages residents to take part in activities and maximize the amenities so as to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment. 

$5,425/Month

Contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

Overview of Homestead of Oskaloosa

Homestead of Oskaloosa provides assisted living and memory care in Oskaloosa, IA. Assisted living gives residents help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Offering both care levels may make the community a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time without leaving the community.

The community has 96 beds, and Candice Fuller serves as its administrator. A Walk Score of 75 out of 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops and services independently.

Contact Homestead of Oskaloosa

Cornerstone AL

302 2Nd Street Ne, Mason City, IA 50401-3412
Overview of Cornerstone Al

Cornerstone Al in Mason City, Iowa, provides memory care, home care, palliative care, and respite care. Structured memory care units feature secured environments for residents at risk of wandering, whereas respite services supply short-term relief for primary caregivers. Home care arrangements bring personal support directly into a client’s private residence, and palliative programs focus on symptom relief and daily comfort.

Managed by administrator Connie Bleile and director Jamie Harkema, the 92-bed facility sits in an area with an 84 walk score. This high walkability rating allows residents who remain mobile to run routine errands around the neighborhood on foot. On-site transportation options are also accessible when trips off campus are necessary.

Prospective residents and their relatives can get in touch with Cornerstone Al to review available home care or residential options, go over payment methods, and schedule a visit to tour the facility.

Contact Cornerstone AL

Overview of Summit Pointe Senior Living

Summit Pointe Senior Living in Marion, Iowa, provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care within a single 178-bed campus. Independent living offers private quarters without hands-on care, whereas assisted living adds personal help with bathing, dressing, and medications directly in the resident’s apartment. The memory care program utilizes a secure area to monitor individuals prone to wandering. Housing all three care levels together allows residents to increase their support services without changing communities.

Melinda Haley serves as administrator for the facility. Residents have access to rehabilitation therapies on site, and pet-friendly policies permit residents to move in with their animals. Located in an area with an 89 walk score, the surrounding neighborhood lets residents manage most daily errands on foot without relying on a vehicle.

Families evaluating long-term care options in Marion can reach out to Summit Pointe Senior Living to inquire about rates and schedule a tour.

Contact Summit Pointe Senior Living

Overview of New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center

New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center provides assisted living, nursing home, and skilled nursing care in New Hampton, Iowa. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private apartment. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Together, these care levels can suit a resident whose needs change over time without requiring a move to another community.

Skilled rehabilitation services are available for residents who need rehabilitation as part of their care. Respite care offers a short-term stay when a family’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The community has 46 beds, a size that is best considered plainly, without assuming a particular resident experience.

Medicare can help cover short-term skilled care after a hospital stay. Medicaid can matter when savings may not cover a long stay, while private pay uses personal funds. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 59 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nurse staffing time allocated per resident.

A Walk Score of 68 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot. A resident who no longer drives may be able to complete some nearby errands independently. Kristen Frazer serves as the administrator.

Contact New Hampton Nursing & Rehab 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 Senior Communities in Iowa

What is senior living?

Senior communities are residential settings designed for adults aged 55 or older, with options ranging from active independent living to assisted living and memory care.

How many senior communities are listed on this page?

This page features 512 senior communities in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right senior community 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 senior communities 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.

Senior Communities in Iowa at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 45/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Iowa. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 73The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90