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Other Senior care options in Ames:

Best Independent Living in Ames, IA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Apr 2026

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

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Video Tour: Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Ames, Iowa.

Watch this Video to see Ames's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg. Monthly cost: $1,879
National average: $5,600
Monthly cost range: $511 - $4,741
National average: $3,400 – $8,200
Avg. Staff-to-Resident ratio: Unknown
National average: 1:6

Compare Independent Living around Ames (Metro Area)

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Windsor Manor Nevada
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.

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.

Ames
70No 26 -14 38.6% 1764
The Rose of Ames
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.

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.

Ames
112Yes 51 1 Bed / 2 Bed21 36.6% 26143
Vintage Cooperative of Ames
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.

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.

Ames
-Yes 0 1 Bed / 2 Bed-----
Windsor Oaks
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.

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.

Ames
-No 42 1 Bed / 2 Bed-----
Calhoun House
RC
Ames
8
Duluth House
RC
Ames
8
Maggie's Place at Northridge Village
MC
AL
Ames
166
Overview of Windsor Manor Nevada

Located in the heart of Nevada, Iowa, Windsor Manor is a charming senior community offering an array of living options. With 30 thoughtfully designed assisted-living apartments, ranging from one to two bedrooms, residents find comfort in their private spaces equipped with convenient kitchenettes. The community takes pride in its exceptional housekeeping and personal laundry services, ensuring residents can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle. They go the extra mile by providing personalized emergency wireless pendants and round-the-clock assistance, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents.

In addition to its comprehensive services, Windsor Manor boasts a secure memory care area comprising 10 studio apartments, specially designed for individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Families appreciate the peace of mind offered by this secure environment. With scheduled transportation and easy access to highways, the community ensures convenient visits for families. What truly sets Windsor Manor apart is its commitment to offering reasonable assisted living costs, making it an affordable choice for seniors to embrace life to the fullest.

Contact Windsor Manor Nevada

Overview of The Rose of Ames

The Rose of Ames stands out as an exceptionally affordable assisted living community, providing seniors with spacious and comfortable apartments. One of their key features is the round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring residents’ safety and peace of mind. In addition to private apartments, the community offers inviting common areas where seniors can socialize, relax, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Ames, Iowa. These spaces include a front porch with outdoor seating, a back patio with raised garden beds, and a walkway surrounding the building, creating an expansive and open environment that fosters a sense of freedom for seniors.

They go beyond the basics, offering amenities such as a whirlpool bath, a theater, and a chapel with internet connectivity. Their units range from one to two-bedroom apartments, each equipped with a fully functional kitchen, air conditioning, and ample in-unit storage. Not only do they prioritize comfort and convenience, but they also provide a guest suite and easy access to public transportation, enhancing the overall living experience for seniors seeking assisted living facilities.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-storey

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact The Rose of Ames

Overview of Vintage Cooperative of Ames

Vintage Cooperative of Ames is a 55+ independent living community in Ames, IA, that features thoughtfully furnished apartments. Promoting a lively and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can find a home away from home. Recreational programs, maintenance services, and convenient amenities are also available, so residents have a hassle-free living. With its carefully curated amenities, the community ensures residents can maintain their independence.

Educational programs, social events, and hobby groups provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and have fun. Residents can also relax and maintain holistic wellness, as a fitness center, a cafe, and a library are available. With its ideal setting in the quiet residential area of Ames, residents have a stress-free retirement. This independent living community has top-notch amenities, making it a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Vintage Cooperative of Ames

Overview of Windsor Oaks

Windsor Oaks independent living community offers an inviting atmosphere so that residents can be comfortable and feel a sense of belonging in their new home. Life in the retirement home means a life of convenience and flexibility because management ensures that everyone is treated with respect and compassion. Windsor Oaks is an excellent community that has proven to be an exemplary resident-centered community where seniors can thrive while living a lovely life.

The tight-knit community excels at cultivating individual-focused senior living that fosters growth and independence in a nurturing environment. Residents can immerse themselves in amenities such as home-cooked meals, recreational activities, enriching programs, and ADLs.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 800 - 1500 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Windsor Oaks

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these independent living communities

Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.

Public data 6 weighted categories Updated quarterly
Full methodology

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 Independent Living in Ames, IA

What is the average cost of independent living in Ames, IA?

The average monthly cost of independent living in Ames, IA is approximately $1,879. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for independent living in Ames, IA?

Independent living in Ames, IA typically ranges from $511 - $4,741 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

How many licensed independent living communities are there in Ames, IA?

According to state licensing records, there are approximately 15 licensed independent living communities in Ames, IA.

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 4 independent living communities in Ames, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Ames, IA?

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 Ames, IA, 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 independent living communities in Ames, IA?

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.