Best Independent Living in Ankeny, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 9 independent living communities in Ankeny, IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in IA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Ankeny, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Ankeny, IA.
9 homes
Other senior care options in Ankeny:

Compare Independent Living around Ankeny

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. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mill Pond
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 76
Rank #93 / 163
?Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 44
Rank #186 / 220
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 15
Rank #32 / 130
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 63.1%
Rank #6 / 153
18
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 5
Rank #99 / 153
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #102 / 153
Suites of Ankeny
IL
AL
CCRC
Ankeny
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 76
Rank #76 / 163
BYes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 44
Rank #84 / 220
1 Bed / 2 Bed
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 15
Rank #69 / 130
48.5%
Facility 48.5%
IA AVG 63.1%
Rank #100 / 153
5
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 5
Rank #23 / 153
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #102 / 153
Edencrest at Kettlestone
IL
AL
MC
Waukee (Boone Township)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 76
Rank #125 / 163
A+Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 44
Rank #209 / 220
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 15
Rank #113 / 130
25.0%
Facility 25.0%
IA AVG 63.1%
Rank #147 / 153
4
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 5
Rank #23 / 153
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 153
Villas at Meadow Springs
IL
Ankeny
--Yes
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 44
Rank #71 / 220
1 Bed / 2 Bed-----
Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail
IL
Ankeny (Prairie Trail)
--Yes
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 44
Rank #116 / 220
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed-----
Connect55+ Ankeny
IL
Ankeny
--Yes
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 44
Rank #116 / 220
1 Bed / 2 Bed-----
Attivo Trail – Ankeny
IL
Ankeny (Prairie Trail)
--Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 44
Rank #136 / 220
1 Bed / 2 Bed-----
Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny
IL
Ankeny (Prairie Trail)
--No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 44
Rank #131 / 220
2 Bed-----
Rock Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
Ankeny
--Yes
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 44
Rank #192 / 220
------

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other IA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 9 analyzed for Ankeny. See how we rank facilities

Mill Pond

1201 Se Mill Pond Ct, Ankeny, IA 50021
Overview of Mill Pond

Mill Pond offers nursing home, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Ankeny, IA. Nursing home and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while residents maintain 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 at risk of wandering.

Several care levels share one community here. That can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, because a move to a different level of care can happen without leaving Mill Pond. The community has 60 beds and 98% occupancy, meaning nearly all beds were filled at the time represented by that figure. Housing includes studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom layouts. A studio provides one private space, while a two bedroom can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment routes for eligible care and services. Total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 3 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated per resident. Pets are allowed, giving a resident the option to bring a pet when moving in. Jesica Culp serves as the administrator.

Contact Mill Pond

Overview of Suites of Ankeny

Suites of Ankeny offers assisted living, and independent living in Ankeny, IA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Independent living is designed for private living with community services and no daily care.

Because several care levels are available, a resident whose needs change may be able to move to a different level of care without leaving the community. The community has 68 beds, with one bedroom and two bedroom housing. A two bedroom residence can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion, while a one bedroom residence provides a single living space.

Suites of Ankeny may be a good fit for someone who wants independent living or assisted living with the possibility of changing care levels in the same community. A Walk Score of 52 places the area in the somewhat walkable range, so some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may still be able to make some independent outings. Pets are allowed, and Vanessa Young serves as the administrator.

Contact Suites of Ankeny

Edencrest at Kettlestone

805 Se Tallgrass Ln, Waukee, IA 50263
Overview of Edencrest at Kettlestone

Enjoy care and support like no other with the distinguished senior living community of Edencrest at Kettlestone in Waukee, Iowa, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Residents can rest assured of living their lives to the fullest with a care team caring for their needs and aspirations 24/7. Housekeeping and laundry are also handled by the community to provide residents more time to do the things they love.

A meticulously curated calendar of events and programs is orchestrated to encourage residents to live an active and well-connected lifestyle. Here, residents have delightful dining experiences with healthy and delicious meals catering to their dietary needs and tastes. Surrounded by scenic trails and a quiet neighborhood, the community creates an ideal setting for a wondrous retirement.

$4,700/Month Info Pricing updated on March 6th, 2026

Contact Edencrest at Kettlestone

Overview of Villas at Meadow Springs

Enjoy a blissful retirement at Villas at Meadow Springs, a distinguished 55+ community in Ankeny, IA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully distinguished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Residents can keep their peace of mind with round-the-clock emergency maintenance and an on-site team that helps with chores.

Thriving local amenities and recreational spaces are easily accessible, ensuring residents can spend their days as they please. A picnic and barbecue area is also available, promoting social interactions over delightful meals. The community is equipped with a library, a clubhouse, a game room, a patio, a fitness center, and parking, ensuring residents make the most of their best years.

Contact Villas at Meadow Springs

Overview of Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail

Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail offers independent living in Ankeny, IA. As 55+ senior housing, it serves older adults who live in private apartments and manage daily care independently. The community may suit an older adult seeking a private apartment in a cooperative setting without daily care.

Apartment layouts include one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom options, so residents can choose the amount of space that fits their household. Pets are allowed, which means residents can bring a pet when they move in.

A fitness center supports exercise on site. The workshop and raised garden plots give residents dedicated spaces for woodworking and gardening, while activities include hobbies and crafts, music, arts and library programs, exercise, and life enrichment programs.

A Walk Score of 40 places the area in a car dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. A guest suite provides lodging for visitors.

Contact Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail

Overview of Connect55+ Ankeny

Connect55+ Ankeny is an independent living community in Ankeny, IA, with private living and community services for residents who do not need daily care. One bedroom and two bedroom homes are available, including a two bedroom option for a couple or for someone who wants a companion. The shared spaces give residents places to spend time outside their homes. Connect55+ Ankeny may be a good fit for someone who can live independently and wants access to community spaces.

Independent living starts at $1,300 per month, giving families a baseline for monthly housing costs. Residents may keep pets. A salon, fitness center, courtyard, clubhouse, and movie theatre provide places for grooming, exercise, outdoor time, and indoor activities. The community has a car dependent Walk Score of 40, so most errands require a car or a ride; a resident who no longer drives would need transportation for routine outings.

Starting Price $1,300/Month Info Pricing updated on February 27th, 2026

Contact Connect55+ Ankeny

Overview of Attivo Trail – Ankeny

Attivo Trail, Ankeny is an independent living community in Ankeny, Iowa, located in the Prairie Trail neighborhood. Private one bedroom, two bedroom and two bedroom with den apartments are available for adults in a 55+ community, with no daily care described. The setting may be a good fit for an adult seeking independent living alongside organized fitness and social activities.

Monthly rates are listed at $1,599 and $1,895 for one bedroom apartments, $1,999, $2,155 and $2,545 for two bedroom apartments, and $2,425 and $2,470 for two bedroom apartments with a den. The different rates correspond to the available apartment options within those layouts. Pets are allowed, so residents can bring a pet with them.

Residents have several places to spend time beyond their apartment, including a pool, fitness center, outdoor walking trail, landscaped courtyard with a pond and fire pit, theatre room, large celebration room and Attivo room. Fitness classes, aqua classes, social events, weekly happy hours and the ACTIVE Program add scheduled choices for exercise, conversation and entertainment. With a Walk Score of 35, the area is car dependent, so most errands require a car or a ride.

$1,599/Month Info Pricing updated on October 7th, 2026

Contact Attivo Trail – Ankeny

Overview of Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny

Dedicated to adults 55+, Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny offers independent living in Ankeny, Iowa. The community supports private living, while providing access to maintenance services. A variety of two-bedroom homes is also available in a three-story setting.

Residents can use the fitness center, library, cafe, and workshop, with spaces for on-site exercise, reading, and refreshments. Moreover, the Units 4 Sale program lets prospective residents explore purchasing a home within the cooperative model.

Meanwhile, the area has a Walk Score of 36 out of 100 and is car-dependent. This also suggests that most errands require a car or a ride, so residents who no longer drive would need transportation for most errands.

Contact Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny

Overview of Rock Creek Senior Living

Rock Creek Senior Living offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Ankeny, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident maintains a private apartment. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Because the community offers several care levels, a resident whose needs grow may be able to move to a different level of care without leaving the community. Independent living has a starting price of $3,615, and memory care has a starting price of $6,065, allowing families to compare the cost of private living with a secured, supervised care setting. Rock Creek Senior Living may be a good fit for someone who wants the possibility of changing care levels over time while remaining in the same community.

Seven Houses Restaurant offers flexible dining hours, and the community also has a 24-hour bistro. Residents can use the pool, fitness center, walking trails, transportation services, Events & Entertainment programs, and Wellness programs for recreation, exercise, outdoor time, activities, and travel support. Pets are allowed, so a resident may bring a pet when moving in. Holly Perkins serves as the director.

Starting Price $3,930/Month Info Pricing updated on October 7th, 2026

Contact Rock Creek Senior Living

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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Ankeny, IA

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

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

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

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

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 9 independent living communities in Ankeny, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Ankeny, 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 Ankeny, 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 Ankeny, 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.

Independent Living in Ankeny at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 33/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Ankeny, IA. 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: 56The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Ankeny, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90