Page 3 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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Compare Senior Communities 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. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. 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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. 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.
United Presbyterian Home
SC
AL
HC
HOS
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Washington Washington
55No 81 -21 89.1% -?174-
Bethany Life
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Story City
126No 56 -54 81.0% -?3824-
Northcrest Community
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames
64No 36 1 Bed / 2 Bed5 48.4% -A3--
Edencrest at Beaverdale
SC
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160Yes 76 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed8 30.0% A+B+13101
Independence Village of Ames
SC
AL
MC
RC
Ames
30Yes 51 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed25 100.0% A+C3112
Grand Living at Indian Creek
SC
AL
IL
MC
Cedar Rapids
64Yes 44 1 Bed / 2 Bed7 40.6% -D71-
Harmony Marshalltown
SC
AL
HOS
NH
PC
RESC
RC
SNF
Marshalltown
72No 85 -35 70.8% --3413-
Stoney Brook Village
SC
AL
West Union
72No 67 -21 50.0% A+-2--
Mill Valley Care Center
SC
AL
NH
SNF
Bellevue
46No 64 -51 76.1% -A+188-
Wheatland Manor
SC
AL
HOS
NH
RC
SNF
Lincolnway Wheatland
44No 28 -42 100.0% -A-143-
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United Presbyterian Home

1203 East Washington, Washington, IA 52353-2198
Overview of United Presbyterian Home

Independent living, home care, assisted living, hospice care, skilled nursing, respite care and nursing home care are all run by United Presbyterian Home in Washington, IA. Needs that change across years can be met here, and respite covers a family caregiver wanting a short stay arranged during travel or recovery.

Nurses licensed and on duty at all hours apply to the nursing end of a campus that otherwise runs on apartments. Assisted living helps with medication, bathing, and dressing while the apartment stays the resident’s. Independent living is private living with community services and nothing daily attached.

Home care carries support into somebody’s own house, and hospice care handles end-of-life support. Fifty-five beds make up the count. Each resident draws 5h 39m of nursing daily.

Private pay is the accepted route, and Kara Williams is the administrator. Salon and spa services are named, and the rehabilitation programs take in speech, physical, and occupational therapy.

The area scores 81 for walking, which is very walkable. Most errands can be done on foot, which leaves a non-driving resident able to get out alone.

Contact United Presbyterian Home

Bethany Life

212 Lafayette Avenue, Story City, IA 50248-1451
Overview of Bethany Life

Bethany Life in Story City, Iowa, delivers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. Assisted living programs support residents with routine daily activities like bathing, dressing, and managing medication. Independent living options provide private residential spaces with shared community amenities. Dedicated memory care features a secured setting for individuals experiencing cognitive challenges, while temporary respite stays assist primary family caregivers who require short-term coverage.

Established in 1914, this 126-bed community operates under administrator Morgan Voga. On-site metrics indicate an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes of direct nursing time allocated to each resident daily. Amenities include physical rehabilitation services, an on-site spa for salon appointments, and Tom & Stevie’s Bistro, which serves three daily meals. Located in an area with a 56 walk score, the setting enables residents to run select errands nearby without a car. Financial policies accept Medicare for post-hospital therapy, Medicaid, and direct private pay.

Families exploring continuous care options or short-term respite care can connect with Bethany Life to inquire about apartment availability, review payment programs, or arrange a personal tour.

Contact Bethany Life

Overview of Northcrest Community

Create unforgettable moments at Northcrest Community, an outstanding community in Ames, IA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features.

Unique shops and recreational spaces surround the area, ensuring residents can easily access unending leisure and wellness opportunities. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting environment.

Contact Northcrest Community

Edencrest at Beaverdale

3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Overview of Edencrest at Beaverdale

Lead a meaningful life with the idyllic senior living community of Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA, providing assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs are well-cared for through different levels of care provided to meet their unique needs. With its commitment to understanding residents, the community crafts personalized care plans for their comfort.

Residents receive the utmost care and support with a care team attending to them 24/7, ensuring they enjoy every moment of their best years. With fun recreation and wellness programs, residents experience fun-filled days. The community promotes a pet-friendly and welcoming environment, making it ideal for those aiming to optimize their independence.

$3,900/Month

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

Overview of Independence Village of Ames

Operated by the StoryPoint Group, Independence Village of Ames is a senior living community in Ames, Iowa, offering assisted living and memory care. The community is located within a few miles of Mary Greeley Medical Center, giving residents and visiting family convenient access to nearby hospital care when needed.

The two-story community has 30 beds and has been serving residents for 25 years. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. The community is currently at full occupancy. The combination of a long operating history and full occupancy reflects an established community with consistent demand.

Residents receive 24-hour supervision along with specialized memory care services. Respite care is available for families who need a short-term care option. Daily life includes chef-prepared meals served in a home-style setting, transportation services, and fitness and recreation programs that encourage residents to stay active and engaged. Sydney Petersen serves as the community’s administrator.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 51, which is moderately walkable. Some nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, while most errands and outings require a car. State inspection history has focused on staff training, resident assessments, care plan documentation, and building safety features such as exit door alarms. More recent complaint investigations found no substantiated issues.

Contact Independence Village of Ames

Overview of Grand Living at Indian Creek

Grand Living at Indian Creek offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Cedar Rapids, IA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Having all three care levels on one campus may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since a move to another level of care can happen without leaving the community. The community has 64 beds and offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences; a two-bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Pets are allowed, so a resident may keep a pet when living at the community.

A Walk Score of 44 places the area in a car-dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. Multiple restaurant-style dining venues with chef-prepared meals give residents more than one on-site setting for meals, while a salon and spa provide personal care without leaving the community. Chauffeured transportation is also available for residents who do not drive themselves, and Dara Fishnick serves as the administrator.

Contact Grand Living at Indian Creek

Harmony Marshalltown

910 East Olive Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158-4195
Overview of Harmony Marshalltown

Harmony Marshalltown provides nursing home and skilled nursing care, assisted living, hospice care, palliative care, residential care, and respite care in Marshalltown, IA. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide ongoing nursing support, while assisted living helps residents with daily tasks. Hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and support during serious illness, residential care provides a place to live with care available, and respite care offers short stays when temporary support is needed.

The community has 72 beds. Orthopedic rehabilitation, short term rehabilitation, and other rehabilitation services support residents who need structured recovery care, while respite stays can provide coverage when a usual caregiver needs a temporary break. The range of services is suited to someone recovering from an orthopedic condition, a resident needing ongoing nursing support, or a family seeking a short term care arrangement.

Harmony Marshalltown accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicare can apply to eligible short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid may help eligible residents cover longer term care, and private pay allows a family to pay directly. A Walk Score of 85 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still reach nearby daily needs independently. Grace Maitland serves as the administrator.

Contact Harmony Marshalltown

Stoney Brook Village

705 South Pine Street, West Union, IA 52175-1548
Overview of Stoney Brook Village

Stoney Brook Village is an assisted living community in West Union, IA. The community opened in 2006 and has 72 beds, providing assisted living residences for older adults who need support with daily routines.

Residents live in one-bedroom apartments with kitchens, while assisted living provides help with tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication while residents keep their own apartments. This arrangement may suit someone who needs daily assistance but wants a one-bedroom home with a kitchen.

Daily activities include arts and crafts, exercise classes and movie nights, giving residents scheduled options for creative, physical and entertainment-based participation. Religious services are also available for residents who wish to attend them.

A barber and salon are available on site, allowing residents to receive grooming services within the community, and transportation can help with off-site appointments or errands. A Walk Score of 67 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still manage occasional outings independently. Kathryn Moser serves as the administrator.

Contact Stoney Brook Village

Overview of Mill Valley Care Center

Operating since 1974, Mill Valley Care Center offers assisted living, skilled nursing care, and rehabilitation services in Bellevue, IA. Along with support for daily tasks, nursing services are also provided to ensure residents receive continuous clinical support. 24-hour staffing is also available, providing residents with access to services as needed.

Administered by Leanae Sieverding, the community has a 46-bed capacity. Moreover, 35 beds are currently in use, indicating a 76% occupancy. Rehabilitation services also provide recovery support to help improve residents’ functionality. Its 4 hours and 56 minutes of total nurse staffing per resident per day represents the daily nurse staffing time allocated to each resident.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families options that include public benefits and direct payment. A Walk Score of 64 out of 100 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete certain errands.

Contact Mill Valley Care Center

Wheatland Manor

316 East Lincolnway, Wheatland, IA 52777-0368
Overview of Wheatland Manor

Wheatland Manor in Wheatland, Iowa, offers a continuum of support that includes assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice care, and respite stays. Residents in assisted living receive assistance with daily activities like dressing, bathing, and medication management while residing in personal apartments. The facility delivers structured rehabilitation services for recovery goals, alongside arranged transportation for medical appointments, shopping, and community outings.

This 44-bed community operates under administrator Michael Weih. Daily nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 55 minutes per resident. Social features encompass restaurant-style dining along with scheduled daily activities like group exercise, gardening, and book clubs. A salon and barbershop on-site provides personal grooming services. Financial options cover Medicare, Medicaid, and private payment.

Interested families looking for short-term care or long-term nursing placement can reach out to Wheatland Manor to inquire about admission details, verify apartment availability, or arrange a personal visit.

Contact Wheatland Manor

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