Page 19 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
Reviewed by
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
Overview of Windsor Oaks

Windsor Oaks independent living community offers an inviting atmosphere so that residents can be comfortable and feel a sense of belonging in their new home. Life in the retirement home means a life of convenience and flexibility because management ensures that everyone is treated with respect and compassion. Windsor Oaks is an excellent community that has proven to be an exemplary resident-centered community where seniors can thrive while living a lovely life.

The tight-knit community excels at cultivating individual-focused senior living that fosters growth and independence in a nurturing environment. Residents can immerse themselves in amenities such as home-cooked meals, recreational activities, enriching programs, and ADLs.

Contact Windsor Oaks

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 TimberCrest at Glen Oaks

Live the retirement of your dreams with TimberCrest at Glen Oaks, a specially designed senior living community in Clear Lake, IA, providing independent living. Adults aged 55 and older can find the accommodation that best fits their needs and preferences with its array of cozy and elegant floor plans. Moreover, seniors enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with a responsive and highly skilled team keeping their surroundings clean.

With its warm and welcoming environment, residents are encouraged to meet various people and gain meaningful experiences. Exciting events and fun programs are also conducted to foster a sense of belonging and friendships. TimberCrest at Glen Oaks is great for relaxation with its serene campus surrounded by scenic views and convenient local amenities.

Contact TimberCrest at Glen Oaks

Overview of Luther Park Apartments

Luther Park Apartments is a blissful retreat in Des Moines, IN, offering independent living. Those 62+ can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences, with specially designed and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The community also helps with chores and maintenance, ensuring residents enjoy a hassle-free living.

Here, residents can spend their days as they please, as cozy communal spaces and leisure activities are available for their recreation and wellness. Lunch services are also provided, so residents have a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. With its extensive amenities and exceptional services, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Contact Luther Park Apartments

Overview of Keystone of Ames

Keystone of Ames is a distinct community in Ames, IA, offering independent living. The community has cozy and specially designed one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Laundry spaces and utilities are taken care of, easing residents’ worries and financial burdens.

With a variety of engaging activities and fun programs, residents can spend their days as they please. Delightful restaurants and shops also surround the area, providing residents with plenty of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Residents can also bring their pets to accompany them and prevent loneliness. The community is a great option for those seeking independence in retirement, accompanied by its state-of-the-art amenities and friendly setting.

Contact Keystone of Ames

Overview of Brookdale Sioux City

Thirty-two years in, Charter Senior Living of Northpark Place is still doing what it was built for: housing 60 residents across assisted living, independent living, and residential care in Sioux City, Iowa. Jean Stevens runs the place. The neighborhood is walkable enough that residents and visitors can knock out an errand or two on foot (Walk Score 59), though it’s not the kind of area where you’d ditch a car altogether.

Rehabilitation services, nursing services, and 24-hour staffing cover the medical side, and a dedicated Short-Term Stays program exists for people who need a bridge, not a permanent move. Life outside the care schedule looks like happy hours, walking clubs, and group outings, plus a fitness center, an arts and crafts studio, a chapel, and concierge help when residents need it. Pharmacy support and free transportation mean fewer outside errands fall on family members. Pets are allowed, which matters more than people expect when someone’s leaving a house they’ve lived in for decades.

Money-wise: studios start at $3,295 a month, and a larger unit type runs $4,595. State inspectors in Iowa have tended to zero in on medication management and how well the community documents its care planning.

Put it together and Charter Senior Living of Northpark Place reads like a community built for two overlapping groups: people settling in for ongoing assisted living support, and people using the Short-Term Stays track to recover from something and then move on. The mix of nursing coverage, round-the-clock staffing, and a defined short-term option is what makes that dual purpose work.

Contact Brookdale Sioux City

Overview of Regency Heights Senior Apartments

Nestled just a short distance from downtown, Regency Heights Senior Apartments offers a stunning and serene living environment tailored for adults aged 55 and above. The community is ideally situated with easy access to local conveniences and is surrounded by a plethora of recreational attractions, including museums, cinemas, parks, and sports centers. Residents can choose from thoughtfully designed one or two-bedroom apartments, each boasting a variety of floor plans to cater to different lifestyles and preferences.

Inside these elegant apartments, residents will find modern kitchens equipped with energy-efficient appliances and dishwashers, making everyday living a breeze. This pet-friendly community not only provides luxurious living spaces but also offers a safe and supportive environment that fosters a sense of well-being. With Regency Heights Senior Apartments, embracing a fulfilling and comfortable senior living experience is within reach.

Contact Regency Heights Senior Apartments

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 Elite Lodge of Ashworth

Elite Lodge of Ashworth offers a comfortable home-like setting for round-the-clock support and assistance for senior independent living. As Iowa’s premier retirement home, expect to be treated with kindness and an immense amount of patience for a more personal touch approach to resort-style living. Elit Lodge ensures a serene atmosphere and an efficient service that puts its residents at the top of their priority.

As its name suggests, an elite-level of care and superior service is provided. The home has a registered nurse available 24/7, maintenance-free services, housekeeping, and laundry weekly, an emergency call system, a dining room, a resident parking, spacious independent living apartments, a full-service salon, social activities, and stimulating programs available.

Contact Elite Lodge of Ashworth

Glen Meadows Retirement Community

850 S 60Th St Building 1000, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Glen Meadows Retirement Community

Glen Meadows
West Des Moines’ Independent Retirement Community

Welcome to Worry-Free Senior Living in West Des Moines!
Glen Meadows is ideally located near West Des Moines’ highlights, allowing residents to enjoy scenic spots like
Raccoon River Park, along with shopping and dining at Valley West Mall and local restaurants. The vibrant arts
scene features galleries and theaters hosting cultural events year-round, providing easy access to nature and
exceptional amenities.

Schedule a tour and join us for lunch to see why Glen Meadows is ideal for seniors living in West Des Moines.

850 S 60th St. Bldg. 1000
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Glen Meadows Retirement Community

Discover the joy and ease of all-inclusive retirement living. Picture yourself in a luxurious, safe, and
vibrant community with a fantastic location for fun local outings. With three chef-prepared meals
offered daily, and weekly housekeeping and maintenance included, you’ll have more time for family,
friends, and the other important things in life. This vision comes to life at Glen Meadows Retirement Community

Designed for comfort, our apartment homes come in a variety of floor plans. Each living space features
window coverings, a climate-controlled thermostat, and ample closet space. The apartment kitchens are
also equipped with full-sized appliances. You are free to decorate your unit around your unique tastes.
Pets are also warmly welcome for no additional fee.

Our Signature Freedom Dining program is the focal point of the resort lifestyle and often the most
praised feature of our community. Our executive chef prepares three quality meals daily with an
evolving menu, fresh ingredients, and diet-conscious recipes. Can’t make it to dinner? No worries. With
our meal delivery service, we’ll prepare you a plate and bring it to your door. You can also visit the
“chef’s pantry” for snacks any time – day or night.

The most important part of our community is the shared spaces that allow you to meet other residents,
celebrate fun and memorable moments, and relax. Our common areas include a 150-seat theater,
library, billiards room, arcade, conversation areas, a lounge with bar, superb fitness and exercise room,
spa area, and business center. Our Lifestyle Director plans monthly community events around these
spaces, allowing you to practice new skills, see new things, meet new people, and much more.

While our community focuses on making your retirement fun and fulfilling, our greatest priority is your
safety. Our managers are your neighbors and live on-site to ensure you are happily enjoying your best
retirement life. With our 24/7 Emergency Alert System, round-the clock concierge, and live-in managers
there’s never a moment when you are unable to reach somebody for help!

Our gorgeous community is full of amenities and services, allowing you to enjoy all the conveniences of
all-inclusive living without the hassle of upkeep. Our ample list of amenities and robust social calendar
offers you choice and flexibility in how you choose to spend your time.

Additionally, if you’re ever craving a change of scenery and don’t want to leave behind the comforts we
offer, no worries! With our travel program, you can explore the country while staying at any of our other
Resort Lifestyle Communities locations for no additional cost.

Relax in the theater while watching a movie or get active in a group fitness class; spend teatime with the
gals or watch a game with the guys; cuddle up with a good book or go join a happy hour for fun times
with the neighbors! However you wish to spend your time, we are here to support the retirement of
your dreams.

Retire well. Retire here. Call today to schedule a private tour!

Contact Glen Meadows Retirement Community

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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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.