Page 6 of Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 526 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every senior community provider in Iowa.
526 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Walk Score: 46/ 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: 71The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

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. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. 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.
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.
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
SC
AL
IL
Iowa City (Weber)
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 71
Rank #209 / 334
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 46
Rank #343 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #87 / 258
57.7%
Facility 57.7%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #160 / 295
A+13
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #191 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Vintage Hills of Indianola
SC
AL
MC
RC
Indianola
90
Facility 90
IA AVG 71
Rank #72 / 334
Yes
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 46
Rank #368 / 424
-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #189 / 258
45.6%
Facility 45.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #226 / 295
A+7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Apple Valley Place
SC
AL
MC
RC
Osage
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 71
Rank #99 / 334
Yes
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 46
Rank #102 / 424
-
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 18
Rank #131 / 258
65.4%
Facility 65.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #145 / 295
-4
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Pennsylvania Place
SC
AL
IL
MC
Ottumwa
102
Facility 102
IA AVG 71
Rank #57 / 334
No
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 46
Rank #49 / 424
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 18
Rank #201 / 258
32.4%
Facility 32.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #278 / 295
-5
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation
SC
HOS
MC
NH
PC
RC
SNF
Marion
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
No
89
Facility 89
IA AVG 46
Rank #13 / 424
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 18
Rank #201 / 258
90.0%
Facility 90.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #34 / 295
-21
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
The Kensington in Fort Madison
SC
AL
MC
RC
Fort Madison
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 71
Rank #71 / 334
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 46
Rank #120 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #177 / 258
44.0%
Facility 44.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #231 / 295
-6
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Edencrest at The Tuscany
SC
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 46
Rank #371 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #24 / 295
-7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
The Summit of Coralville
SC
AL
IL
MC
RC
Coralville
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #158 / 334
Yes
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 46
Rank #355 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #177 / 258
53.1%
Facility 53.1%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #172 / 295
-6
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Elkader Care Center
SC
AL
NH
SNF
Sw Elkader
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
No
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 46
Rank #131 / 424
-
39
Facility 39
IA AVG 18
Rank #17 / 258
70.0%
Facility 70.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #133 / 295
-14
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Maple Manor Village
SC
AL
HOS
NH
RC
SNF
Parriott Aplington
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 71
Rank #293 / 334
No
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 46
Rank #337 / 424
-
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 18
Rank #46 / 258
94.4%
Facility 94.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #15 / 295
-15
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 526 on this page. See how we rank facilities

Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
1...567...53
Overview of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Located in the heart of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community stands as a welcoming haven for seniors seeking assisted living. Offering a range of private senior apartments, this community provides a sanctuary where residents are free from the burdens of upkeep and monotony. With a reputation that shines brightly over the years, Melrose Meadows prides itself on transparency in its fee structure and offers a blend of independent and assisted living facilities.

Its strategic proximity to the University of Iowa hospitals and clinics ensures seamless access to world-class healthcare, supported by a dedicated on-site staff available around the clock. Amidst the vibrant energy of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community thrives as a place where seniors experience a fulfilling and supportive environment. Thoughtfully designed spaces create a sense of warmth and comfort, encouraging residents to embrace life to the fullest.

Contact Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Overview of Vintage Hills of Indianola

Administered by Jeremy Prior, Vintage Hills of Indianola is an assisted living community in Indianola, Iowa. The home about 1.6 miles from the city center serves residents seeking assisted living, memory care, or respite care. Operating for 16 years, the mid-sized, 90-bed community currently has a 46 percent occupancy rate.

The neighborhood surrounding Vintage Hills is car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 15, so a car is required for most errands. This setting fits occupants and families who prefer a more tranquil and residential part of town instead of a walkable urban area. Pets are welcome here, which can be a crucial consideration for residents wanting to bring their companions with them.

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing’s state inspections have documented isolated concerns involving staff documentation and medication administration practices over the facility’s operating history. The latest inspection found no regulatory insufficiencies, reflecting the home’s compliance with state safety standards.

Contact Vintage Hills of Indianola

Overview of Apple Valley Place

Apple Valley Place is an assisted living, memory care, and respite care community in Osage, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks while a resident keeps their own apartment, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Respite care offers a short stay for a resident whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, making Apple Valley Place potentially suitable for families whose care needs may change over time.

Apple Valley Place has 78 beds. A Walk Score of 64 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach select nearby destinations independently. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to bring a pet when moving in. Sharina Winter serves as the administrator.

Contact Apple Valley Place

Overview of Pennsylvania Place

Pennsylvania Place offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Ottumwa, IA. Assisted living supports residents with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while they retain their own apartment, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Because Pennsylvania Place offers multiple care levels, it can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to another community. Housing includes Patio Homes, independent living apartments, assisted living apartments, and specialized Memory Support, and Pennsylvania Place has 102 beds.

A Walk Score of 77 / 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Transportation is available, giving residents an option for trips without arranging every ride themselves. Brenda Hostetler serves as administrator.

Contact Pennsylvania Place

Overview of Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation

Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation provides nursing home, skilled nursing, memory care, hospice care, palliative care, and respite care in Marion, IA. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Hospice and palliative care center on comfort and symptom management. Respite care offers a short stay when a family caregiver needs time away.

With 40 beds, Oakview is a smaller community where residents and staff have the opportunity to know one another. Short term rehabilitation supports recovery after an illness, injury, or procedure, with joint replacement therapy, respiratory and tracheostomy care, advanced wound care, IV therapy, and specialized dementia care among the available programs. The range of care may suit someone whose needs change from rehabilitation or respite to longer term skilled, memory, hospice, or palliative care.

Transportation is available for physician appointments and outpatient therapy, so residents can reach those services without arranging separate rides. An on site salon supports routine hair and grooming appointments, while religious services are held within the community. Pets are allowed, enabling a resident to keep a pet with them under the community’s policy.

The area has a Walk Score of 89, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be done on foot. A resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted payment sources, and Dallas Urbain serves as the administrator.

Contact Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation

Overview of The Kensington in Fort Madison

Nestled in the vibrant community of Fort Madison, IA, The Kensington in Fort Madison is an esteemed senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. A wide array of spacious and cozy accommodations ranging from studio to deluxe studio, one-bedroom, large one-bedroom, deluxe suite, and deluxe one-bedroom are available for its residents. The community is committed to providing a warm an supportive atmosphere for its residents to live a more fulfilling life. In terms of memory care, the community thoughtfully created a memory care neighborhood called Primrose Path catering to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Known for its top-notch amenities and services, residents can enjoy 3 delectable and healthy home-cooked meals, housekeeping and laundry services, and complimentary health care services. Meet new companions in recreational trips and scenic tours with transportation provided. Further self-care efforts by going to an on-site salon. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors are guaranteed a wonderful retirement with The Kensington in Fort Madison.

Contact The Kensington in Fort Madison

Edencrest at The Tuscany

1600 8Th St Se, Altoona, IA 50009
Overview of Edencrest at the Tuscany

Have a peaceful retirement with Edencrest at the Tuscany, an outstanding senior living community in Altoona, IA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With its commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life, a reliable and highly skilled team cares for their personal needs and other responsibilities 24/7. A resident-centered approach is also utilized for residents to live their lives to the fullest.

Fostering a nurturing and inviting environment, enriching social programs, and fun activities are orchestrated for residents’ happiness and wellness. Here, delectable and nutritious meals are served to meet dietary needs and tastes. Filled with beautiful scenery and tranquil walking trails, residents live a serene lifestyle while receiving the utmost care they deserve.

Contact Edencrest at The Tuscany

The Summit of Coralville

3 Russell Slade Blvd, Coralville, IA 52241
Overview of The Summit of Coralville

Age without worries at The Summit of Coralville, a blissful retreat in Coralville, IA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Committed to improving residents’ living experiences, a compassionate and highly skilled team provides top-notch care tailored to their needs 24/7. Purposely built and spacious studio to two-bedroom floor plans are available in a nurturing and pet-friendly environment, ensuring residents feel a sense of belonging during their stay.

Here, residents will not run out of things to do with a thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and stimulating programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Delectable and healthy meals are also served in an all-inclusive, restaurant-style dining, catering to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a library, a fitness center, a pool, a theater, and a spacious courtyard, creating the ideal setting for older adults to thrive in retirement.

Contact The Summit of Coralville

Elkader Care Center

116 Reimer Street Sw, Elkader, IA 52043-9558
Overview of Elkader Care Center

Serving the community for many years, Elkader Care Center is a 40-bed nursing home in Iowa owned by Kristin Dunlap. Residents stay an average of 429 days, including those admitted for post-acute rehabilitation and receiving longer-term care.

The home has 70% occupancy and provides rehabilitation services alongside skilled nursing care. Daily nursing support averages 3 hours and 20 minutes per resident. Registered nurses and nurse aides are part of that. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted, so families have different options when arranging coverage.

Elkader Care Center is in a moderately walkable area with a Walk Score of 59. Some errands and nearby services are within walking distance, but most trips require driving. It’s a quieter small-town setting.

Inspection records from the past six years show periods of compliance challenges and at the same time, improvement. Training protocols and timely care delivery have been recurring areas noted during inspections, but the facility has worked to address those findings. Recent inspection data shows movement toward substantial compliance with all surveyed regulatory standards. That’s part of the facility’s ongoing effort to strengthen operations.

Families considering Elkader Care Center should keep that history in mind when evaluating the home. Taking a tour can provide a better understanding of current operations and the facility’s approach to care.

Contact Elkader Care Center

Overview of Maple Manor Village

Maple Manor Village offers independent living, assisted living, nursing home care, hospice care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Aplington, Iowa. Independent living provides a private residence with community services and no daily care, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Nursing home and skilled nursing care include licensed nursing support on site, hospice care supports residents receiving end of life care, and respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time away.

The range of care may suit a resident whose needs change over time without requiring a move to a different community. Maple Manor Village has 36 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents get to know each other. Private and semi private rooms offer a choice between an individual room and a shared room.

An on site beauty salon supports personal grooming, outdoor walking paths give residents a place to walk outside, and the fireside lounge offers an indoor common area for sitting and visiting. The Rehab to Home program and short term rehabilitation services support a temporary stay focused on recovery and returning home. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 31 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time assigned to each resident. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover care, and Jordan Kampman serves as the administrator.

Contact Maple Manor Village

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
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Submit a correction
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

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 526 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.