Page 16 of Best Independent Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 226 independent living communities in 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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We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Iowa.
226 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:

Compare Independent Living 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.
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.
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.
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.
Meth Wick Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Cedar Rapids
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 76
Rank #74 / 165
No
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 43
Rank #170 / 222
--
83.0%
Facility 83.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #42 / 154
-?--
Spurgeon Manor
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Dallas Center
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 76
Rank #108 / 165
No
47
Facility 47
IA AVG 43
Rank #96 / 222
--
90.9%
Facility 90.9%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #27 / 154
-?23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6
Rank #111 / 155
Rehabilitation Center of Belmond
IL
AL
HOS
NH
SNF
Ne Belmond
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 76
Rank #112 / 165
No
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 43
Rank #61 / 222
--
88.3%
Facility 88.3%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #31 / 154
-?--
Azria Health Winterset
IL
NH
SNF
Summit Winterset
65
Facility 65
IA AVG 76
Rank #85 / 165
Yes
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 43
Rank #32 / 222
--
81.5%
Facility 81.5%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #45 / 154
-B---
Madrid Home for the Aging
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Madrid
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 76
Rank #86 / 165
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 43
Rank #84 / 222
--
84.4%
Facility 84.4%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #48 / 154
-?19
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6
Rank #111 / 155
Azria Health Longview
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Missouri Valley
100
Facility 100
IA AVG 76
Rank #37 / 165
Yes
53
Facility 53
IA AVG 43
Rank #81 / 222
--
81.4%
Facility 81.4%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #46 / 154
-C+--
Woodland Terrace
IL
AL
MC
Nw Waverly
100
Facility 100
IA AVG 76
Rank #37 / 165
No
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 43
Rank #168 / 222
--
81.0%
Facility 81.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #36 / 154
--28
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6
Rank #128 / 155
Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates)
IL
AL
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
-Yes
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 43
Rank #52 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 15
Rank #115 / 131
-A---
Woodlands Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Clive
-Yes
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 43
Rank #180 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 15
Rank #31 / 131
-A+---
Amera Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Sioux City
170
Facility 170
IA AVG 76
Rank #5 / 165
Yes
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 43
Rank #1 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 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 226 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Azria Health Longview

1010 Longview Road, Missouri Valley, IA 51555-1227
Overview of Azria Health Longview

Located in Missouri Valley, IA, Azria Health Longview provides nursing home, skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community’s multiple levels of care can accommodate older adults’ needs, including those seeking support for daily tasks and older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. With a doctor on-site and 24-hour staffing, residents receive care around the clock.

Moreover, postacute rehabilitation and specialized care programs support residents who need recovery support after a medical stay. Respite care also provides a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs time to travel or recover.

Of 100 beds, 81.4% are currently occupied. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 13 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. Payment options also include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several listed ways to cover care depending on the resident’s circumstances.

Residents can use the beauty salon and spa services on-site. Dining includes home cooked meals served on a schedule that works for the resident. This pet-friendly community also provides housekeeping and laundry services to help with household chores.

A Walk Score of 53 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, meaning some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to manage some outings independently.

Contact Azria Health Longview

Overview of Azria Health Winterset

Azria Health Winterset offers nursing home, independent living, and skilled nursing care in Winterset, IA. Nursing home and skilled nursing care include licensed nursing on site around the clock, while independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care. Having several care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs grow over time.

Respite care and short term rehabilitation support temporary stays. Respite can give a family caregiver time away, while rehabilitation can support a resident recovering after acute medical care. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy address movement, daily tasks, and communication during rehabilitation. Specialized care programs are also available.

Azria Health Winterset has 65 beds, placing it in a middle range without indicating what the community experience will be like. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 15 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families three payment methods to consider.

Pets are allowed. A resident may keep a pet while living in the community, and the on site beauty shop and salon or spa provide personal grooming without requiring a separate salon visit. The area has a Walk Score of 72, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still get out independently.

Contact Azria Health Winterset

Spurgeon Manor

1204 Linden Street, Dallas Center, IA 50063-1052
Overview of Spurgeon Manor

Spurgeon Manor offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing in Dallas Center, Iowa. Independent living provides a private home with community services and no daily care, while assisted living offers help with bathing, dressing, medication, and other daily tasks while the resident keeps an apartment. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Several care levels are available in one community. Spurgeon Manor may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time and who may want to remain in one community. The community opened in 1971 and has 55 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know one another. Crystal Scroggin serves as the administrator.

Total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 31 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nurse time assigned to each resident. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families multiple ways to cover care depending on eligibility and available resources.

Rehabilitation services support therapy within the care setting, while physician, podiatry, laboratory, optometry, and pharmacy services provide access to several health related services through the community. A beauty salon allows residents to arrange hair and grooming services on site. Daily activities include crafts, games, social activities, and spiritual gatherings, giving residents scheduled ways to spend time with others.

Transportation is available for residents. The Walk Score is 47 out of 100, placing the area in a setting where most errands require a car or a ride, so transportation can matter for trips beyond the community.

Contact Spurgeon Manor

Overview of Rehabilitation Center of Belmond

With a 52-bed capacity, Rehabilitation Center of Belmond offers nursing home, assisted living, hospice care, independent living, and skilled nursing in Belmond, Iowa. Residents have access to care with licensed nurses on-site, as well as 24-hour staffing. The community also provides comfort and symptom management for terminally ill residents.

Occupancy is at 88.3%, with an average length of stay of 130 days. Moreover, residents receive a total of 3 hours and 39 minutes of nursing care daily. Rehabilitation services also provide therapy on-site, so a resident can receive recovery support without arranging transportation elsewhere.

A private family gathering room gives residents and visitors a designated space for family time. The community also accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families those payment pathways for covered or privately funded care. Its Walk Score is 60 out of 100, meaning some errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to handle certain outings by themselves.

Contact Rehabilitation Center of Belmond

Overview of Madrid Home for the Aging

Madrid Home for the Aging offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care, including skilled nursing, in Madrid, IA. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living provides help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Skilled nursing brings licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Several care levels are available within the community. A resident whose needs grow over time may be able to remain here rather than move to a different community. The 64 bed home may also suit someone seeking a setting with multiple levels of support. Its Memory Support program is a specifically named service for residents receiving memory care, and rehabilitation services are available for residents who need recovery or functional support.

Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to bring a pet when moving in. The community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several listed ways to cover care. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 25 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated per resident. A Walk Score of 52 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, meaning some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete some outings independently. Rick Colby serves as the administrator.

Contact Madrid Home for the Aging

Overview of Meth Wick Community

Meth Wick Community is a place where life is brimming with vivid and authentic experiences. This not-for-profit community offers a range of senior living options including independent living, Independence Plus, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care. The 68-acre wooded campus has been providing care since 1961. This home also places an emphasis on wellness, offering classes to help residents maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health. 

They house bariatric specialty suits to provide additional support for those who need it. Transportation services make it easy to get around, and the 14,000 square foot social hub is the perfect place to gather with friends and neighbors. The social hub features a library, fitness room, doctor’s office, and more. Residents can even join book clubs and bus trips and stay connected with donors and the community’s needs through the Legacy newsletter. Moreover, the facility is equipped with a Wick Endowment Fund to assist residents who have exhausted their resources. They strongly prioritize security and comfort, providing both total independence and total care in one place.

Contact Meth Wick Community

Woodland Terrace

1922 Fifth Avenue Nw, Waverly, IA 50677-1903
Overview of Woodland Terrace

Woodland Terrace offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Waverly, IA. Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while the resident keeps a private 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.

All three care levels are on one campus. Woodland Terrace may be a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time without requiring a move to another community. The community opened in 1997 and has 100 beds, with Veronica Shea serving as administrator.

Contact Woodland Terrace

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)

Overview of Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Woodlands Creek’s vision is to create a warm and welcoming independent living environment where seniors feel at home, fostering meaningful relationships and endless possibilities. Their mission revolves around promoting engaging social interactions and providing personalized care to nurture a sense of belonging. Woodlands prioritizes residents’ well-being, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and respect.

Residents at Woodlands Creek enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a range of scheduled activities for independent living seniors. The community also offers comprehensive services for assisted living and memory care residents, including transportation, access to senior physicians, and round-the-clock nursing staff, ensuring comfort and security for all residents.

 

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Overview of Amera Senior Living

Beautifully set in the thriving neighborhood of Sioux City, IA, Amera Senior Living is an exceptional community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community has purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with maintenance services and plenty of convenient apartment features.

With a variety of exciting events and engaging programs, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Delightful and healthy meals are also available, striving to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and welcoming environment.

Contact Amera 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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Independent Living in Iowa at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 43/ 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: 76The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Iowa

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 226 independent living communities in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living 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 independent living 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.