Best Independent Living in Ankeny, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 10 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.
10 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.
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 #95 / 165
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 43
Rank #187 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 15
Rank #31 / 131
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #7 / 154
18
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 155
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #104 / 155
Suites of Ankeny
IL
AL
CCRC
Ankeny
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 76
Rank #76 / 165
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 43
Rank #84 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 15
Rank #68 / 131
48.5%
Facility 48.5%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #107 / 154
5
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #21 / 155
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #104 / 155
Edencrest at Kettlestone
IL
AL
MC
Waukee (Boone Township)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 76
Rank #127 / 165
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 43
Rank #210 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 15
Rank #115 / 131
25.0% 4
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #21 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Rock Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Ankeny
170
Facility 170
IA AVG 76
Rank #5 / 165
Yes
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 43
Rank #132 / 222
-
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 15
Rank #72 / 131
44.1% 7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Attivo Trail – Ankeny
IL
Ankeny (Prairie Trail)
-Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 43
Rank #137 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed-----
Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail
IL
Ankeny (Prairie Trail)
-Yes
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 43
Rank #117 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed-----
Connect55+ Ankeny
IL
Ankeny
-Yes
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 43
Rank #117 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed-----
Villas at Meadow Springs
IL
Ankeny
-Yes
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 43
Rank #71 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed-----
Rock Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
Ankeny
-Yes
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 43
Rank #193 / 222
------
Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny
IL
Ankeny (Prairie Trail)
-No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 43
Rank #132 / 222
2 Bed-----

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 10 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 13 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

Overview of Rock Creek Senior Living
Rock Creek Senior Living is a senior living community located in Ankeny, Iowa. It offers a range of services including assisted living and memory care, with a focus on quality service and a vibrant social environment. Residents can enjoy amenities such as a restaurant, fitness center, and various daily events.

Contact Rock Creek Senior Living

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.

Contact Edencrest at Kettlestone

Overview of Attivo Trail – Ankeny

Cherish every moment of your golden years at Attivo Trail – Ankeny, an esteemed community in Ankeny, IA, offering independent living. The community has thoughtfully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring that those 55+ can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. With on-site management and plenty of apartment features, residents can ease their worries during their stay.

Residents have easy access to plenty of recreational opportunities and necessities, with unique shops and leisure spaces. A BBQ station, alongside kitchen features, allows residents to enjoy mealtimes with friends. The community is equipped with a fitness center, a lounge, a bocce ball court, a fire pit, a library, and serene walking trails, creating the ideal setting for a blissful retirement.

Contact Attivo Trail – Ankeny

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

Live the retirement of your dreams at Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail, an astounding community in Ankeny, IA, offering independent living. Purposely built and sophisticated accommodations are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring residents feel at ease during their stay. Maintenance services are also taken care of, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delightful restaurants and shops are also available nearby, providing residents with a variety of dining options to meet their dietary needs and preferences. The community is great for those looking to downsize in their golden years, especially with state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional services.

Contact Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail

Overview of Connect55+ Ankeny

Live a blissful retirement at Connect55+ Ankeny, an outstanding community in Ankeny, IA, offering independent living. Dedicated to the comfort of those 55+, the community provides purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Here, residents enjoy a convenient lifestyle with on-site maintenance, laundry spaces, and plenty of convenient apartment features.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. With delightful restaurants and shops nearby, residents enjoy a variety of dining options to satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities also include a fitness center, a clubhouse, a multi-use room, a movie theater, and a spacious courtyard, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in their golden years.

Contact Connect55+ Ankeny

Overview of Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny

Spend your golden years at Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny, a welcoming 55+ community in Ankeny, IA, offering cooperative living. With 10 specially designed and spacious floor plans, residents can keep their peace of mind. The community also promotes a vibrant and friendly environment, ensuring residents feel a sense of belonging during their stay.

Unique shops and recreational spaces are also available nearby, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents also enjoy delectable and healthy meals with a variety of restaurants in the area. With its state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional services, the community ensures residents have the finest retirement experience.

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.

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 10 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: 85The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Ankeny, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90