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Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Feb 2026
6 homes analyzed

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

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

Home to scenic landscapes and boasting a rich agricultural heritage, Iowa is a Midwestern U.S. state that offers an affordable cost of living and excellent access to healthcare facilities, making it an ideal home to families and retirees. There’s an abundance of recreational activities with relaxing parks and cultural events conducted by the state’s charming and diverse towns. Iowa also helps retirees to thrive in their golden years with numerous senior communities established throughout the state, offering the services, activities, and amenities tailored to their specific needs.

Compare Senior Communities around Iowa

Grand Living At Tower 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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

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).

West Des Moines
76
Yes
-
63
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
Wesley Acres
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.

Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
No
-
72
-
Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids
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
86
Yes
-
47
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Allen Place Senior Living
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.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Atlantic
78
No
A-
11
-
Bickford of Urbandale
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Urbandale
73
Yes
-
28
-
Ramsey Village Continuing 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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

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).

Des Moines (Drake)
78
Yes
-
38
1 bed / 2 bed
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

West Des Moines
93
No
-
58
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
Valley View Village
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.

Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Yes
-
38
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
West Ridge 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).

Cedar Rapids
60
No
-
48
-
Vintage Hills of Indianola
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Indianola
90
No
A+
15
-
Arlington Place of Grundy Center
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.

Grundy Center
80
No
-
32
-
Ridgecrest Village
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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Davenport
339
Yes
-
41
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Windsor Manor Nevada
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Ames
70
No
-
26
-
Sunset Park 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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Dubuque
101
Yes
-
36
1 Bed / 2 Bed
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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Norwalk
116
Yes
-
38
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
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Cottage Grove Place - Connections is a senior living community located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care. The community emphasizes a worry-free living experience with a focus on health services and engaging activities.
Overview of Cottage Grove Place – Connections
Cottage Grove Place - Connections is a senior living community located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care. The community emphasizes a worry-free living experience with a focus on health services and engaging activities.
Contact Cottage Grove Place – Connections
Birdee Cottage is a family-owned assisted living and memory care facility located in Waterloo, IA. It offers personalized care and a home-like environment for residents, focusing on safety and comfort. The facility provides memory care services and home-cooked meals, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for individuals with memory loss.
Overview of Birdee Cottage Al and Mc
Birdee Cottage is a family-owned assisted living and memory care facility located in Waterloo, IA. It offers personalized care and a home-like environment for residents, focusing on safety and comfort. The facility provides memory care services and home-cooked meals, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for individuals with memory loss.
Contact Birdee Cottage AL and MC
Better Living of Walcott offers compassionate senior living services in Walcott, IA. It provides assisted living, memory care, respite care, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Residents are treated like family, with personalized support and meaningful connections.
Overview of Better Living of Walcott
Better Living of Walcott offers compassionate senior living services in Walcott, IA. It provides assisted living, memory care, respite care, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Residents are treated like family, with personalized support and meaningful connections.
Contact Better Living of Walcott
Apple Valley Place of Osage offers compassionate senior living services. It provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care options in Osage, IA. The community is designed to create a warm and vibrant environment for residents.
Overview of Apple Valley Place
Apple Valley Place of Osage offers compassionate senior living services. It provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care options in Osage, IA. The community is designed to create a warm and vibrant environment for residents.
Contact Apple Valley Place
Addington Place of Burlington is a senior living community where care and comfort come first. Residents enjoy their days with the right mix of independence and support, participating in group activities and enjoying fresh meals. The community focuses on creating a warm atmosphere where residents feel at home.
Overview of Addington Place of Burlington
Addington Place of Burlington is a senior living community where care and comfort come first. Residents enjoy their days with the right mix of independence and support, participating in group activities and enjoying fresh meals. The community focuses on creating a warm atmosphere where residents feel at home.
Contact Addington Place of Burlington
Careage Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare is a facility that focuses on providing exceptional care and service to its residents. The dedicated and compassionate staff work to create a sense of community and exceed expectations. They offer customizable therapy programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Overview of Careage Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare
Careage Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare is a facility that focuses on providing exceptional care and service to its residents. The dedicated and compassionate staff work to create a sense of community and exceed expectations. They offer customizable therapy programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Contact Careage Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare
Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Jefferson is a skilled health care facility designed to meet the needs of the aging population, the disabled, and rehabilitating residents. It offers a range of services including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and therapy services. The center emphasizes compassionate care and individualized resident care plans.
Overview of Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Jefferson is a skilled health care facility designed to meet the needs of the aging population, the disabled, and rehabilitating residents. It offers a range of services including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and therapy services. The center emphasizes compassionate care and individualized resident care plans.
Contact Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Hillcrest Family Services - RCF provides a full spectrum of care to meet the diverse needs of the community. It offers residential services, outpatient services, and outreach services, including behavioral health intervention and supported living programs. The organization has been a trusted provider of behavioral health and community services for over 125 years.
Overview of Hillcrest Family Services – Rcf
Hillcrest Family Services - RCF provides a full spectrum of care to meet the diverse needs of the community. It offers residential services, outpatient services, and outreach services, including behavioral health intervention and supported living programs. The organization has been a trusted provider of behavioral health and community services for over 125 years.
Contact Hillcrest Family Services – RCF

Midlands Living Center LLC

2452 North Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 515030434
Midlands Living Center is a locally owned 94-bed skilled nursing facility located on the north edge of Council Bluffs. It provides both short- and long-term care, specialized nursing care, rehabilitation, respite care, and hospice. The facility is committed to meeting the physical, social, emotional, recreational, and spiritual needs of all residents.
Overview of Midlands Living Center LLC
Midlands Living Center is a locally owned 94-bed skilled nursing facility located on the north edge of Council Bluffs. It provides both short- and long-term care, specialized nursing care, rehabilitation, respite care, and hospice. The facility is committed to meeting the physical, social, emotional, recreational, and spiritual needs of all residents.
Contact Midlands Living Center LLC

Meth Wick Health Center

1625 Brendelwood Drive, Cedar Rapids, IA 524052499
Meth Wick Health Center is a senior living community located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. The community emphasizes wellness and recreation, providing various events and classes for residents.
Overview of Meth Wick Health Center
Meth Wick Health Center is a senior living community located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. The community emphasizes wellness and recreation, providing various events and classes for residents.
Contact Meth Wick Health Center

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.

Contact us Today