Page 8 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
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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. ADC (Adult Day Care): Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home. 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.
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill
SC
AL
IL
MC
Pleasant Hill
140
Facility 140
IA AVG 71
Rank #21 / 334
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 46
Rank #418 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 18
Rank #247 / 258
21.4%
Facility 21.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #294 / 295
-2
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Edencrest at The Legacy
SC
AL
IL
MC
RC
Norwalk
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #87 / 334
Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 46
Rank #314 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #177 / 258
35.0%
Facility 35.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #274 / 295
-7
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
3801 Grand
SC
AL
IL
MC
Des Moines (East Village)
106
Facility 106
IA AVG 71
Rank #54 / 334
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 46
Rank #2 / 424
-
28
Facility 28
IA AVG 18
Rank #38 / 258
40.6%
Facility 40.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #253 / 295
-6
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 7
Rank #225 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Timberland Village
SC
AL
IL
Story City
48
Facility 48
IA AVG 71
Rank #224 / 334
No
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 46
Rank #144 / 424
-
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #87 / 258
43.8%
Facility 43.8%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #232 / 295
-10
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
FeatherStone at Hickory Hill
SC
AL
MC
Iowa City (Hoover)
170
Facility 170
IA AVG 71
Rank #9 / 334
Yes
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 46
Rank #377 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 18
Rank #236 / 258
29.4%
Facility 29.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #284 / 295
-2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Mount Carmel Bluffs
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Dubuque (South Switch Junction)
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #177 / 334
No
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 46
Rank #418 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #210 / 258
93.3%
Facility 93.3%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #21 / 295
-14
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #236 / 299
Terrace Glen Village
SC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Marion (Flynn)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 46
Rank #371 / 424
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 18
Rank #177 / 258
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #9 / 295
A13
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Midlands Living Center LLC
SC
HOS
NH
RC
SNF
Council Bluffs
94
Facility 94
IA AVG 71
Rank #30 / 241
No
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 46
Rank #37 / 260
-
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #63 / 119
72.3%
Facility 72.3%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #166 / 229
A+2611-
Holy Spirit Retirement Home
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Sioux City
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 71
Rank #209 / 334
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 46
Rank #2 / 424
-
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 18
Rank #46 / 258
25.0%
Facility 25.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #289 / 295
-7
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 7
Rank #249 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Glen Haven Village
SC
ADC
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Glenwood
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 71
Rank #138 / 334
No
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 46
Rank #59 / 424
-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 18
Rank #103 / 258
89.9%
Facility 89.9%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #36 / 295
-28
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 7
Rank #290 / 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

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Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

6151 Martha L. Miller Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Overview of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

Take in the beauty of Pleasant Hill, IA, with the astounding senior living community of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill, which provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Here, residents are well-cared for, with a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs and aspirations 24/7. Promoting a bright and friendly environment, the community strives to provide a haven where residents are comfortable and well-cared for.

Alongside cozy amenities and pet-friendly spaces, a robust calendar of events and activities is also conducted for residents to make the most out of their days. Delight with delectable and healthy meals for the finest dining experience. Residents create unforgettable moments with the community’s warmth and dedication.

Contact Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

Edencrest at The Legacy

2901 Cedar St, Norwalk, IA 50211
Overview of Edencrest at the Legacy

Edencrest at the Legacy sits in Norwalk, Iowa, offering a full care continuum under one roof. It provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care, giving families flexibility if a loved one’s needs shift over time. Administrator Anna Austin leads the operation, which opened in 2018. The two-story building holds 80 beds with housing in studio, one-, and two-bedroom layouts. With 28 beds occupied, current occupancy is at 35 percent.

While the neighborhood isn’t especially walkable, with a Walk Score of 29, the home operates an on-site transportation service so occupants don’t need to rely on family or personal vehicles for appointments and outings. Fitness and recreation are offered in-house, and the facility welcomes pets, so residents can bring along a beloved dog or cat. That matters more than it might seem if a pet is part of someone’s daily life and comfort. Built for continuity is Edencrest at the Legacy. An occupant can move in needing minimal support for daily activities and stay through a transition to memory care without changing addresses. Between on-site transportation and organized recreation, the community fills gaps that a car-dependent neighborhood would otherwise create.

The breadth of care levels in one location simplifies future planning, noteworthy for families exploring choices in central Iowa.

Contact Edencrest at The Legacy

3801 Grand

3801 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312-2800
Overview of 3801 Grand

3801 Grand offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Des Moines, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident maintains their own apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone who may be at risk of wandering.

Having all three care types in one community may make 3801 Grand a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time, because a move to another care level may not require leaving the community. The community has 106 beds, and Angie Wadle serves as administrator.

A Walk Score of 91 out of 100 makes the area a walker’s paradise, meaning daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Social, dining, and wellness programming gives residents organized activities connected to those parts of daily life.

Contact 3801 Grand

Timberland Village

725 Timberland Drive, Story City, IA 50248-8772
Overview of Timberland Village

Timberland Village offers assisted living and independent living in Story City, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Having both care levels on one campus can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, and the 48-bed size may suit someone who prefers a smaller community.

A Walk Score of 56 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, giving a resident who no longer drives an option for handling select nearby errands independently. Cindi Martin serves as the administrator.

Restaurant-style dining gives residents meals in a restaurant-style setting, while a barber shop and beauty salon provide grooming services on site. Transportation, chaplain services, Twin Homes Retirement Living, and Catered Living are also available, giving residents access to scheduled rides, spiritual support, and the community’s named living programs.

Contact Timberland Village

Overview of FeatherStone at Hickory Hill

FeatherStone at Hickory Hill offers assisted living and memory care in Iowa City, IA, within the Hoover neighborhood. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a personal living space. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and having both care levels can support a resident whose needs grow over time.

With 170 beds, FeatherStone is a larger community, with more residents, staff, and programming. Housing includes studios, one bedroom apartments, and two bedroom apartments. A studio offers one private space, while a two bedroom can work for a couple moving together or for someone who wants a companion. Pets are allowed, so residents may bring a pet with them.

Tracy Sherzer serves as the administrator. Dining includes a restaurant style dining room and an on site bistro, giving residents places to eat within the community. Rehabilitation services and short term rehabilitation are available for someone who needs temporary care while receiving rehabilitation support. Respite care provides a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs time to travel or recover.

Contact FeatherStone at Hickory Hill

Overview of Mount Carmel Bluffs

Enjoy the best of your golden years at Mount Carmel Bluffs, an outstanding community in Dubuque, IA, offering independent living. The community also offers enriched living, memory care, and long-term care to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with housekeeping and other maintenance services.

Plenty of local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents can also prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences with a fully furnished kitchen in each unit. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services create the ideal setting for the finest retirement experience.

Contact Mount Carmel Bluffs

Overview of Terrace Glen Village

Terrace Glen Village is an exquisite senior living community in Marion, Iowa, that is good at making a difference in nursing homes and assisted living communities. It offers a range of services, including independent living, assisted living, and short-term care options, with a focus on providing exceptional nursing home care. Their team is well-equipped to handle complex medical needs, providing personalized care plans and specialized services that cater to individual requirements. From medication management to specialized therapies, residents can rest assured that their well-being is in capable hands.

From the beautifully designed living spaces to the delicious dining experiences, Terrace Glen Village is dedicated to creating an environment that goes beyond the ordinary. The dedicated team of professionals is well-versed in providing the highest level of care and support, ensuring that residents’ physical and emotional well-being is prioritized every step of the way.

Contact Terrace Glen Village

Midlands Living Center LLC

2452 North Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0434
Overview of Midlands Living Center

Midlands Living Center is a nursing home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, offering skilled nursing, hospice care, and respite care. Short and long term care support residents who need either a temporary stay or ongoing nursing support, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Hospice care focuses on comfort for someone nearing the end of life, and respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The community has 94 beds and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicare can cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, rather than a long term residence, while Medicaid may help families whose savings do not cover an extended stay. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 18 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nurse time available for resident care.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available for residents working on rehabilitation. Medical appointment transportation helps residents travel to those appointments. A salon and spa provide grooming services within the community, while recreational, spiritual, and restorative exercise programs offer structured activities. Jordan Tjaden serves as the administrator. Midlands Living Center may be a good fit for someone who needs short term rehabilitation, ongoing nursing care, or respite while a primary caregiver travels or recovers.

Contact Midlands Living Center LLC

Overview of Holy Spirit Retirement Home

Serving the Sioux City community for nearly three decades, Holy Spirit Retirement Home is a small nursing home owned and operated by The Diocese of Sioux City. The home provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation support. Pastoral attention to spiritual needs is also available. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, so families have different ways to arrange care coverage.

Residents receive an average of 3 hours and 57 minutes of total nursing support each day. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses are all part of the care team. Daily hands-on support is a central part of the nursing model, and residents have access to consistent clinical care throughout their stay.

The facility has 52 beds, which maintains a smaller, residential feel while supporting a dedicated rehabilitation program. Residents stay an average of 190 days, including those recovering through post-acute rehabilitation and receiving longer-term care. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 91. Many nearby services and destinations are within walking distance, which can make visits easier for family members.

Spiritual care is part of daily life through the home’s Spiritual Life program. The program exists because of the facility’s religious identity and the values associated with Diocese ownership. The community also offers independent apartment-style housing, so residents have an option as their care needs change over time.

State inspections focused on documentation practices, staff training in areas such as dementia care, and the completeness of resident agreements and care plans. The facility continues to address and monitor these areas as part of its daily operations. Families touring the home may want to ask how these matters are monitored daily.

Contact Holy Spirit Retirement Home

Glen Haven Village

133 Indian Hills Drive, Glenwood, IA 51534-1129
Overview of Glen Haven Village

Glen Haven Village organizes its clinical senior services within a 69-bed, cottage-style campus setup on Indian Hills Drive. Managed by Glen Haven Home Inc under administrator Julianne Marriott, the community routinely functions near a 90 percent occupancy level. Account processing integrates private funding streams alongside standard Medicare and state Medicaid cards, supporting a fluid residential census where individuals stay an average of 164 days.

The building’s floor structure stands out for providing an average of 5 hours and 36 minutes of direct nursing attention per resident each day. Certified nurse aides deliver the largest portion of this time at 3 hours and 29 minutes, with registered nurses contributing 38 minutes and licensed practical nurses adding 47 minutes to handle routine treatment logs. This nursing team operates across specialized long-term care, memory support, adult day programs, and short-term rehabilitation cottages, while the surrounding neighborhood features an exceptionally walkable layout that lets visiting family members reach standard retail points easily on foot.

Past complaint evaluations by state regulators identified specific procedural gaps concerning equipment maintenance records and care protocol compliance, which the administrative team corrected to return the building to substantial compliance. Floor supervisors utilize these recurring state audit reviews to manage continuing training sessions and ensure stable operational practices across all nursing shifts.

Prospective residents can connect with the admissions department to check on active cottage openings, ask about the schedule of adult day programs, or plan an morning to view the therapy layout.

Contact Glen Haven 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
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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 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.