Page 17 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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Last updated
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:

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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. 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.
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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Willow Dale Wellness Village
IL
AL
HOS
NH
SNF
Battle Creek
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 76
Rank #127 / 165
No
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 43
Rank #218 / 222
--A--
Life Center
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Waveland Park)
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 76
Rank #64 / 165
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 43
Rank #88 / 222
----
Plymouth Place
IL
Des Moines (North Of Grand)
-No
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 43
Rank #41 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed---
Riverside Manor
IL
Ames
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 76
Rank #100 / 165
No
45
Facility 45
IA AVG 43
Rank #99 / 222
----
Immanuel: Graceview Courtyard
IL
Council Bluffs
-Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 43
Rank #210 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 15
Rank #89 / 131
-A+
Woodlands Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Clive
-Yes
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 43
Rank #174 / 222
-
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 15
Rank #31 / 131
-A+
Fairmeadows Village
IL
West Des Moines
-Yes
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 43
Rank #162 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed
32
Facility 32
IA AVG 15
Rank #9 / 131
--
Holiday Palmer Hills
IL
Bettendorf (Greenbrier)
-Yes
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 43
Rank #52 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed---
Marycrest Senior Apartments
IL
Davenport
-Yes
71
Facility 71
IA AVG 43
Rank #35 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed---
Prime Square Apartments
IL
Council Bluffs
-Yes
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 43
Rank #21 / 222
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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Overview of Immanuel: Graceview Courtyard

Make the most of your best years at Immanuel: Graceview Courtyard, an exceptional 55+ community in Council Bluffs, IA, offering independent living. The community features affordable and specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Annual income requirements are needed, ensuring those with low income can downsize without hassles.

Residents have easy access to their necessities and leisure opportunities with plenty of recreation sites and thriving local shops nearby. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. On-site maintenance is also provided for residents’ convenience. The community is ideal for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Immanuel: Graceview Courtyard

Overview of Fairmeadows Village

Fairmeadows Village is an active 55+ retirement home that heeds a home-like atmosphere. Its management encourages residents to live vibrantly by socializing and making meaningful memories with people their age. Families of residents can trust that Fairmeadows is committed to maintaining loving and dignified care and supervision for their loved ones.

Community services and amenities center on residents’ comfort and stability– restaurant-style dining with private dining options, engaging events and entertainment, enriching programs, transportation, arts and crafts, library, and wellness centers.

Contact Fairmeadows Village

Overview of Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Considerably one of the trusted senior living communities in the city, Woodlands Creek offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care lifestyle in a warm and welcoming environment for the residents– making them feel right at home. The retirement home strives in promoting an engaging social life for the seniors to create endless possibilities for them as well as develop meaningful relationships that blossom into wonderful memories. Woodlands is the home where people and interests are mattered and cared for.

The resident lifestyle of independent living seniors is focused on maintaing an active lifestyle by offering them a range of scheduled activities. Assisted living levels of care offer a range of services focused on the individualized and personal care needs of its residents: transportation, a geriatric physician, and a 24/7 nursing staff– the same goes for the memory care unit.

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Overview of Willow Dale Wellness Village

Willow Dale Wellness Village provides nursing home and skilled nursing care, assisted living, hospice care, and independent living in Battle Creek, IA. Skilled nursing and nursing home care provide licensed nursing support on site around the clock, while assisted living helps residents with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication management while they keep their own apartment.

Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Hospice care supports residents receiving end-of-life care. Because multiple care levels are available in one community, Willow Dale Wellness Village may suit a resident whose needs may grow over time.

The community has 40 beds, representing a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours 22 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nurse staffing time assigned across residents.

Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicare can cover short-term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long-term residence, Medicaid may help when savings do not cover a long stay, and private pay means the family pays directly. Rehabilitation services support residents who need rehabilitation, while beauty and barber services allow residents to handle grooming at the community.

Contact Willow Dale Wellness Village

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 Riverside Manor

Located in Ames, IA, Riverside Manor is a nursing home that provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, and extended care programs. The community also provides convenient access to local healthcare resources, particularly Mary Greeley Medical Center.

Core services include rehabilitation and home care support, allowing the community to accommodate older adults’ different needs. To support residents’ recovery and overall health, a wellness program is provided.

Moreover, emergency response systems are installed in every resident room and bathroom to ensure safety.
Housekeeping and linen services are provided, along with home-style meals that are prepared with fresh ingredients. Family and friends are also encouraged to visit, as flexible visiting hours are provided.

Its surrounding area is slightly walkable, as reflected by its Walk Score of 45. This suggests that only a few services are available within walking distance, and transportation is required for most errands. Riverside Manor may appeal to families seeking nursing care in a residential setting with rehabilitation services, wellness support, and proximity to medical care.

Contact Riverside Manor

Overview of Plymouth Place

Ideally situated in the thriving neighborhood of Des Moines, IA, Plymouth Place is a distinguished community that offers independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and cozy studio and one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to the comfort of those 62+. With easy access to nearby local amenities, residents can keep their peace of mind.

Residents are also encouraged to interact with their surroundings, especially with various wellness opportunities and inviting gathering spaces. Delightful restaurants and shops also surround the area, providing residents with dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to spend their golden years without hassles.

Contact Plymouth Place

Overview of Prime Square Apartments

Surrounded by delightful local amenities in Council Bluffs, IA, Prime Square Apartments is a purposely built 55+ community that offers independent living. Cozy and specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans are provided in a warm and friendly environment, ensuring residents can feel at ease during their stay. On-site maintenance and shared laundry spaces are also available for residents’ convenience.

Residents will not run out of things to do with a thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. A fully equipped kitchen is provided in each unit, allowing residents to prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s wide range of amenities and top-notch services create the ideal setting for a blissful retirement.

Contact Prime Square Apartments

Overview of Marycrest Senior Apartments

Peacefully nestled in the quiet setting of Davenport, IA, Marycrest Senior Apartments is a distinct 55+ community that offers independent living. The community has beautifully designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. With convenient apartment features, residents enjoy a convenient lifestyle.

Thriving local shops and leisure sites are easily accessible, providing residents with various options to spend their days. Residents can prepare meals on their terms with a fully equipped kitchen in each unit. With a warm and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed to enjoy the best of their golden years without hassles.

Contact Marycrest Senior Apartments

Overview of Holiday Palmer Hills

Nestled in the charming city of Bettendorf, Iowa, Holiday Palmer Hills is a vibrant and active independent senior living community. With a focus on creating a welcoming environment, residents at Holiday Palmer Hills have the opportunity to forge new friendships, pursue their interests, and rediscover themselves during their retirement years.

This community offers a range of senior living amenities that are designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents. From comfortable and inviting spaces to beautifully landscaped grounds, residents can immerse themselves in a serene and enjoyable environment. Planned events and activities cater to various interests, ensuring that there is always something exciting to engage in. Additionally, residents can indulge in delicious dining options and benefit from supportive senior living services that prioritize their well-being and comfort. At Holiday Palmer Hills, retirement becomes a pleasurable and fulfilling experience.

Contact Holiday Palmer Hills

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.