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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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Clarence Nursing Home is part of the Clarence Senior Living Campus, which started in 1968. It offers skilled nursing services and long-term care in a home-like environment. The facility has 46 beds and provides various amenities to support a healthy lifestyle.
Overview of Clarence Nursing Home
Clarence Nursing Home is part of the Clarence Senior Living Campus, which started in 1968. It offers skilled nursing services and long-term care in a home-like environment. The facility has 46 beds and provides various amenities to support a healthy lifestyle.
Contact Clarence Nursing Home
Chautauqua Guest Homes is a senior living community located in Charles City, Iowa. It provides comprehensive and high-quality long-term care services. The organization focuses on building relationships and has been recognized for its quality care.
Overview of Chautauqua Guest Home #2 (11th St.)
Chautauqua Guest Homes is a senior living community located in Charles City, Iowa. It provides comprehensive and high-quality long-term care services. The organization focuses on building relationships and has been recognized for its quality care.
Contact Chautauqua Guest Home #2 (11th St.)
Belle Plaine Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community located in Belle Plaine, IA. It provides compassionate, individualized care for residents and promotes their family's wellbeing. The facility is licensed to care for up to 46 residents, offering services 24/7.
Overview of Belle Plaine Specialty Care
Belle Plaine Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community located in Belle Plaine, IA. It provides compassionate, individualized care for residents and promotes their family's wellbeing. The facility is licensed to care for up to 46 residents, offering services 24/7.
Contact Belle Plaine Specialty Care
Centerville Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community located in Centerville, Iowa. It provides compassionate, individualized care for residents and promotes their well-being through various programs and activities. The facility is licensed to care for up to 46 residents, offering services 24/7.
Overview of Centerville Specialty Care
Centerville Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community located in Centerville, Iowa. It provides compassionate, individualized care for residents and promotes their well-being through various programs and activities. The facility is licensed to care for up to 46 residents, offering services 24/7.
Contact Centerville Specialty Care
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center is a senior living community located in Johnston, Iowa. It offers a variety of residential options including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. The center is dedicated to providing high-quality care with a Christian approach, ensuring residents can age in place with the support they need.
Overview of Bishop Drumm Retirement Center
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center is a senior living community located in Johnston, Iowa. It offers a variety of residential options including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. The center is dedicated to providing high-quality care with a Christian approach, ensuring residents can age in place with the support they need.
Contact Bishop Drumm Retirement Center
Bethany Life offers a variety of care options for older adults including assisted living, independent living, and long-term care. Located in Story City, Iowa, Bethany Life has been a part of the community since 1914. The facility provides a continuum of care serving Story, Hamilton, Hardin, Boone, and Marshall Counties.
Overview of Bethany Life
Bethany Life offers a variety of care options for older adults including assisted living, independent living, and long-term care. Located in Story City, Iowa, Bethany Life has been a part of the community since 1914. The facility provides a continuum of care serving Story, Hamilton, Hardin, Boone, and Marshall Counties.
Contact Bethany Life
Azria Health Longview provides excellence at every level, delivering exceptional service to each individual. The facility offers a range of services including post-acute rehabilitation, long-term care, independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The team is dedicated to ensuring a high level of personal attention and fostering health and well-being.
Overview of Azria Health Longview
Azria Health Longview provides excellence at every level, delivering exceptional service to each individual. The facility offers a range of services including post-acute rehabilitation, long-term care, independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The team is dedicated to ensuring a high level of personal attention and fostering health and well-being.
Contact Azria Health Longview
Arbor Court is a senior living community located in Mt Pleasant, IA. It offers various services and amenities to support the needs of its residents. For more information, visit their website.
Overview of Arbor Court
Arbor Court is a senior living community located in Mt Pleasant, IA. It offers various services and amenities to support the needs of its residents. For more information, visit their website.
Contact Arbor Court
Ams Memorial-greene is a senior living and rehabilitation center in Greene, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, and outpatient therapy services. The facility is dedicated to providing compassionate care and a supportive environment for residents.
Overview of Ams Memorial-greene
Ams Memorial-greene is a senior living and rehabilitation center in Greene, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, and outpatient therapy services. The facility is dedicated to providing compassionate care and a supportive environment for residents.
Contact AMS Memorial-Greene
Anamosa Care Center provides a full range of services for older adults in a quiet, residential setting in Anamosa, Iowa. The center offers skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, outpatient therapy, and hospice services. It also provides independent and assisted living lifestyle options and apartment homes in adjacent Woodland Park.
Overview of Anamosa Care Center
Anamosa Care Center provides a full range of services for older adults in a quiet, residential setting in Anamosa, Iowa. The center offers skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, outpatient therapy, and hospice services. It also provides independent and assisted living lifestyle options and apartment homes in adjacent Woodland Park.
Contact Anamosa Care 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