Other senior care options in Des Moines:

Best Independent Living in Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 21 independent living communities in Des Moines, IA using Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
21 homes
Other senior care options in Des Moines:
Avg Walk Score: 52/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Des Moines, 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: 87The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Des Moines, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Des Moines (Metro Area)

Grand Living At Tower Place
IL
AL
MC
West Des Moines (South 51St Street)
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 71
Rank #125 / 407
Yes
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
47.4%
Facility 47.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #292 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Wesley Acres
IL
ADC
AL
MC
NH
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 407
No
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 45
Rank #89 / 528
--
91.3%
Facility 91.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #53 / 379
21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #224 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Valley View Village
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
RC
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 71
Rank #117 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 19
Rank #2 / 282
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #1 / 379
24
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Holland Farms
IL
AL
MC
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 71
Rank #45 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
38.8%
Facility 38.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #346 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill
IL
AL
MC
Pleasant Hill
140
Facility 140
IA AVG 71
Rank #23 / 407
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 19
Rank #257 / 282
21.4%
Facility 21.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #377 / 379
2
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at The Legacy
IL
AL
MC
RC
Norwalk
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 407
Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 45
Rank #372 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
35.0%
Facility 35.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #357 / 379
8
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at Beaverdale
IL
AL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 71
Rank #16 / 407
Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 45
Rank #70 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
39.4%
Facility 39.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #342 / 379
17
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #264 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Edencrest at The Tuscany
IL
AL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #44 / 379
7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #131 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Life Center
IL
AL
MC
NH
Des Moines (Waveland Park)
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #143 / 407
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #213 / 528
--
70.5%
Facility 70.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #177 / 379
---
Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates)
IL
AL
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
-Yes
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 45
Rank #140 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 19
Rank #257 / 282
----
Fort Des Moines Senior Housing
IL
Des Moines (Fort Des Moines)
-No
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 45
Rank #152 / 528
1 Bed-----
Edencrest at Riverwoods
IL
AL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Woodside Park)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 407
Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 45
Rank #332 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 19
Rank #179 / 282
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #337 / 379
19
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #247 / 348
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #320 / 348
Independence Village of Pella
IL
AL
MC
Pella
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 71
Rank #405 / 407
Yes
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 45
Rank #415 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
35.7%
Facility 35.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #354 / 379
23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #224 / 348
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #343 / 348
3801 Grand
IL
AL
MC
Des Moines (East Village)
106
Facility 106
IA AVG 71
Rank #60 / 407
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
-
28
Facility 28
IA AVG 19
Rank #55 / 282
40.6%
Facility 40.6%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #335 / 379
18
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #247 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center
IL
AL
HC
MC
RC
NH
Des Moines (East Village)
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 71
Rank #256 / 407
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
--
60.8%
Facility 60.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #220 / 379
17
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #187 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
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Overview of Grand Living at Tower Place

Enjoy an ultimately worry-free lifestyle with the esteemed senior living community of Grand Living at West Des Moines that provides independent, assisted living, and memory care services. Committed to improving seniors’ quality of life, the community boasts its wide array of services and amenities. The community is fashioned with formal and casual dining options with chef-prepared meals daily. With its dedicated and friendly team, residents can receive the utmost care and support they deserve.

Enjoy a 200-seat theater showcasing an array of entertainment options and events including music. Spend quality time with friends within its several community spaces including a grand library, lounge, and an activities room. Relax and meditate in several of its outdoor recreation areas. In Grand Living, every day is made more filled with purpose through utmost care and commitment.

Contact Grand Living At Tower Place

Overview of Wesley Acres

A community that strives in exceedingly making its residents comfortable, the Wesley Acres offers the best balance of urban living and assistance with everyday living.  A proud member of the Wesley Senior Living Group, Acres places integrity at the heart of its mission; ensuring that residents can feel inspired in creating a better life with the continuum of care being provided. Wesley Acres is an elegant senior living home that aims to enhance and enrich the lives of its residents. 

Wesley offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. Their engaging activities and programs to name a few are the recreational activities, fitness activities, and entertainment programs available for residents to take part in at the library, media room, or outdoor social areas.

Contact Wesley Acres

Overview of Valley View Village

Valley View Village 2571 is a high-standard nursing home in Des Moines, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, from independent living to rehabilitation. Promoting a welcoming environment, the community strives to maintain connections for older adults’ happiness and wellness. Delicious dining, recreational activities, and pet-friendly spaces are among the community’s unique features that make it an ideal retirement destination. With its dedication to residents’ welfare, personalized care plans are crafted to meet their healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences.

Hobby groups, fun excursions, and spiritual activities are just some of the activities that residents can join for leisure and wellness. The community also features a variety of amenities, including a library, well-maintained gardens, and walking paths, dedicated to enriching residents’ living experiences. As a community of its own, Valley View Village has all the local amenities needed for residents’ needs and leisure. This retirement community is one of Iowa’s finest choices for senior living, especially for its wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

Contact Valley View Village

Overview of Holland Farms

Backed by more than three decades of gold-standard service, Holland Farms Senior Living is one of Agemark Senior Living’s heralded communities, located in Norwalk, Iowa. Surrounded by beautiful views of the Echo Valley Country Club and Des Moines skyline, Holland Farms provides a peaceful and scenic environment for memory care, independent and assisted senior living.

Featuring an impressive range of top-class amenities, spend your golden years in the comfort of cozy, fully-equipped living quarters, savor a delectable meal at elegantly designed dining rooms or take a relaxing stroll along the lush walking trails. Immerse yourself in the library, mingle with the community in dedicated areas for special events, movie screenings, and classes, or pamper yourself with an in-house salon for hair care, manicures, and pedicures. Enjoy all these and more, without worrying about daily activities or medical assistance thanks to an expert staff that’s always there to lend a warm, helping hand. Live life to the fullest, safest, and in the utmost comfort, at Holland Farms.

Contact Holland Farms

Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

6151 Martha L. Miller Dr, Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327, Usa
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, Usa
Overview of Edencrest at the Legacy

Welcoming residents and guests in its scenic facade, Edencrest at the Legacy is a distinct senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care. A care team consisting of kind and well-trained professionals readily helps residents with their daily living activities and personal needs to ensure their comfort. Residents flourish and enjoy a fun-filled life with accessible amenities and compassionate care all around.

Mingle with friends and gain meaningful experiences with a full slate of exciting events and wellness programs, focusing on residents’ aspirations and strengths. Meals are important to keep residents healthy, hence, delicious home-cooked meals are served to foster familiarity and meet dietary needs. The community strives to create a haven for residents to make every moment of their best years memorable.

Contact Edencrest at The Legacy

Edencrest at The Tuscany

1600 8Th St Se, Altoona, Ia 50009, Usa
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

Edencrest at Beaverdale

3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Overview of Edencrest at Beaverdale

Lead a meaningful life with the idyllic senior living community of Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA, providing assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs are well-cared for through different levels of care provided to meet their unique needs. With its commitment to understanding residents, the community crafts personalized care plans for their comfort.

Residents receive the utmost care and support with a care team attending to them 24/7, ensuring they enjoy every moment of their best years. With fun recreation and wellness programs, residents experience fun-filled days. The community promotes a pet-friendly and welcoming environment, making it ideal for those aiming to optimize their independence.

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

Overview of Life Center

Offering excellent memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, The Life Center is a dependable senior living community in Des Moines, IA that helps residents maintain a sense of individuality and freedom while receiving additional support. The community features a reliable nursing team available 24-hours a day and an extensive rehabilitative program, featuring physical, speech, and occupational therapies that help residents maintain their highest level of functionality.

Residents also delight in an array of convenient services that help them live a maintenance-free lifestyle such as housekeeping, laundry, package delivery services, and more. A registered dietician carefully reviews the residents’ therapeutic diets to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and nourishment. With Life Center, residents are guaranteed to lead the lifestyle they deserve surrounded by compassionate support and care.

Contact Life Center

Overview of Independence Village of Des Moines (beaverdale Estates)

Make the most of your retirement years at the vibrant senior living community of Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates) in Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community features pet-friendly apartments featuring large windows with plenty of natural light, along with convenient access to housekeeping for a maintenance-free living. The community is conveniently located near numerous parks, recreational facilities and walking trails, as well as excellent health care facilities, including the MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.

The community fosters a vibrant living experience and social connection through their diverse array of social, cultural and recreational activities, as well as exercise, fitness and wellness programs. A talented culinary team carefully prepares diverse menu options catered to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a business center and library, beauty salon and barbershop, and community activity room, including a game room and lounge, for relaxing gathering spaces.

Contact Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates)

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 Des Moines, IA

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

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

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

Independent living in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA?

According to state licensing records, there are approximately 63 licensed independent living communities in Des Moines, 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 21 independent living communities in Des Moines, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

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