Page 17 of Best Independent Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 228 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.
228 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Walk Score: 47/ 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: 72The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

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 to lowest based on our ranking 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.
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.
Holiday Illahee Hills
IL
Urbandale
-Yes
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 47
Rank #145 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Cottage----
Aura Independent Living
IL
Cedar Rapids (Noelridge Park)
-Yes
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 47
Rank #145 / 504
1 Bed----
Village Cooperative of Crow Creek
IL
Davenport (Village Cooperative)
-No
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 47
Rank #177 / 504
1 Bed / 2 Bed----
Slate at Grays Landing
IL
Des Moines
-Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 47
Rank #213 / 504
1 Bed / 2 Bed----
Attivo Trail – Ankeny
IL
Ankeny (Prairie Trail)
-Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 47
Rank #331 / 504
1 Bed / 2 Bed----
Marycrest Senior Apartments
IL
Davenport
-Yes
71
Facility 71
IA AVG 47
Rank #94 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed----
Applewood IV Senior Apartments
IL
Dubuque
-No
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 47
Rank #140 / 504
1 Bed / 2 Bed----
Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (ALP)
IL
AL
MC
NH
Council Bluffs (Kane Township)
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 72
Rank #359 / 403
No--
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 19
Rank #253 / 285
38.9% 3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #32 / 295
Brookside I
IL
Davenport
-Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 47
Rank #371 / 504
1 Bed / 2 Bed----
Ridgecrest Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Davenport
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 72
Rank #100 / 403
Yes
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 47
Rank #286 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #267 / 285
67.1% 20
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #171 / 295

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 228 on this page.

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Overview of Holiday Illahee Hills

Holiday on Illahee Hills is an exceptional senior living community settling in Colby Parkway, Urbandale, IA, that offers independent living. Featuring a wide range of floor plans including studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom apartments, the community provides warm and cozy residences. Holiday Illahee Hills ensures a comfortable and safe residence with its round-the-clock care and assistance from a well-trained and dedicated team.

Moreover, the community provides safety rails and wheelchair-accessible spaces for the seniors’ safety within the grounds. The community promotes a warm and friendly environment, conducting activities that encourage seniors to engage and interact. Moreover, Holiday Illahee Hills provides healthy and delicious meals three times daily that can be enjoyed with wonderful conversations at their patio dining. The community is equipped with a gym, a beauty salon, a library, a lounge area, a community center, an activity room, a game room, a scenic patio, a beautiful garden, and serene walking paths for its residents’ entertainment and wellness.

Contact Holiday Illahee Hills

Aura Independent Living

4110 Center Point Rd Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Overview of Aura Independent Living

Live your best years at Aura Independent Living, a blissful retreat in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also enjoy a maintenance-free living with dedicated services that aim to help with their chores.

Encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections, a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs are conducted. Here, residents enjoy delicious and healthy dining options with a restaurant available from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. daily. The community is ideal for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its wide range of amenities and a welcoming environment.

Contact Aura Independent Living

Overview of Village Cooperative of Crow Creek

Spend a blissful retirement at Village Cooperative of Crow Creek, an outstanding community in Davenport, IA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to the comfort of those 62+. Residents also enjoy easy access to their necessities with thriving shops nearby.

With a variety of inviting communal spaces and recreational opportunities, residents can spend their days as they please. Restaurants in the area also provide residents with a variety of dining options to satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. The community is equipped with a club room, a community room, a fitness center, a woodworking shop, and raised garden beds, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in their golden years.

Contact Village Cooperative of Crow Creek

Overview of Slate at Grays Landing

Live a vibrant lifestyle at Slate at Grays Landing, a welcoming 55+ community in Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community has cozy and well-thought-out one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features and maintenance services.

Promoting social interactions, cozy communal spaces, and wellness opportunities are available to keep residents active and well-engaged. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services help residents downsize in retirement without hassles.

Contact Slate at Grays Landing

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 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 Applewood IV Senior Apartments

Make the most of your best years at Applewood IV Senior Apartments, a distinct community in Dubuque, IA, offering independent living. Residents can ease their worries with beautifully furnished and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, designed for their comfort. The community also helps with maintenance and provides laundry spaces, so residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live an active and vibrant lifestyle. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. Public transportation is also available nearby, providing residents with convenient travel access. Residents can keep their peace of mind amidst the community’s warm and inviting environment.

Contact Applewood IV Senior Apartments

Overview of Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (alp)

Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (ALP) is a 36-bed assisted living program at 3000 Risen Son Boulevard in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, administered by Dave Creal. Operating since 2024, the facility provides a blend of independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care under an active Iowa license through September 2027. The community operates with 24-hour staffing and accepts both Medicare and Medicaid residents.

The facility’s regulatory record since December 2023 shows three deficiencies across two inspections, placing it 66% below the state average for deficiency findings. Issues addressed involved medication aide training documentation and initial tenant evaluation completion. No fines, enforcement actions, or substantiated complaints appear in the available reports, suggesting a facility with minimal regulatory friction during its early development.

Among short-stay rehabilitation residents, the program recorded zero major injuries from falls; 100% better than the state benchmark. Discharge preparation reflects similarly strong outcomes: 82.9% of residents achieved expected self-care ability when leaving (54% above state average), and 62.9% successfully returned home or to the community (24% above state performance). Rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge, however, runs at 34.7%; significantly above the state average of 21.3%.

Current occupancy of 39% trails the state average by 36 percentage points, reflecting the facility’s status as a newer entrant to the market.

The physical environment balances accessibility with comfort: spacious common areas featuring fireplaces, a library, covered patio, elegant dining room, chef-prepared meals, beauty salon and barber shop, and wheelchair-accessible showers throughout. Therapy services from physical, and occupational, to speech therapy, support residents working toward recovery during short-stay rehabilitation admissions.

The facility fits post-acute rehabilitation residents, particularly those seeking intensive therapy support in a newly constructed, fully accessible residential setting during short-term stays.

Contact Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (ALP)

Brookside I

3575 N Marquette St, Davenport, IA 52806
Overview of Brookside I

Make the most of your best years at Brookside I, an exceptional community in Davenport, IA, offering independent living. Featuring beautifully designed and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also have a worry-free lifestyle with round-the-clock maintenance and professional management.

Unique local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with various options for leisure and wellness. With plenty of kitchen features, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s vibrant and welcoming environment makes it a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement.

Contact Brookside I

Overview of Ridgecrest Village

Ridgecrest Village opened recently in a three-story building on Northwest Boulevard in Davenport, Iowa, and is still filling out its 82-bed capacity. At 67% occupancy, with 55 of 82 beds filled, it is in the early stages of establishing its census. The average resident stay is 174 days, which puts it squarely in the territory of both post-acute rehab and longer-term skilled nursing.

Total nursing care runs close to four hours per resident per day, with registered nurses contributing 59 minutes of that directly. Nurse aides account for another 2 hours and 26 minutes. For families evaluating nursing coverage as a primary criterion, that’s a concrete number to work with.

The care model centers on rehabilitation and skilled nursing: short-term rehab, respite care, and 24-hour staffing are all confirmed services. Chef-prepared meals are served daily, and the activity calendar addresses varying resident interests. A spa, cafe, and garden round out the on-site amenities. The neighborhood is only somewhat walkable (Walk Score 41), so most outside trips will require transportation.

State inspections have focused primarily on medication management, infection control, dietary practices, and resident rights. The payment picture is straightforward: Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted.

For a facility still building its census, Ridgecrest Village offers a credible staffing foundation and a flexible payment base. It is most directly suited to residents seeking short-term post-acute rehabilitation or structured skilled nursing care in a newer building with a modest amenity set.

Contact Ridgecrest Village

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 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 228 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.