Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 19 of Best Independent Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 225 independent living communities in Iowa 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
Jul 2026
We analyzed
225 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Walk Score: 45/ 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: 71The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Iowa

Bethany Home Retirement Center
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Dubuque (Eagle Point District)
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 71
Rank #181 / 406
No
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 45
Rank #103 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed---12
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #122 / 306
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #241 / 306
Oaknoll Retirement Residence
IL
AL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 406
No
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 45
Rank #344 / 528
Private Rooms
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 19
Rank #13 / 284
81.4% -12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 306
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #210 / 306
Sunrise Retirement Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Sioux City
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 71
Rank #136 / 406
Yes
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 45
Rank #411 / 528
Studio- 90.5% A+25
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 306
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #294 / 306
Green Hills Retirement Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #233 / 406
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #430 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 19
Rank #24 / 284
78.6% -11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
Meth Wick Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Cedar Rapids (The Meth-Wick Community)
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 71
Rank #167 / 406
No
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 45
Rank #405 / 528
-- 81.4% ----
Mill Pond
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #213 / 406
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #439 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #109 / 284
98.3% -16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #147 / 306
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #210 / 306
Deerfield Health Care Center
IL
NH
AL
RESC
Urbandale
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 71
Rank #389 / 406
No
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 45
Rank #488 / 528
-
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 19
Rank #42 / 284
73.3% A+19
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
Wesley Acres
IL
ADC
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 406
Yes
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 45
Rank #89 / 528
-- 91.3% -21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #204 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
Terrace Glen Village
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Marion (Flynn)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
No
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #203 / 284
95.0% A13
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
Simpson Memorial Home
IL
AL
NH
SNF
West Liberty (North Miller Street)
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 71
Rank #239 / 406
No
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 45
Rank #287 / 528
-- 58.2% -18
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 306
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #279 / 306
Friendship Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #143 / 406
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 45
Rank #202 / 528
2 Bed / 3 Bed
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 19
Rank #8 / 284
91.7% -17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
Prairie Vista Village
IL
AL
NH
SNF
South Altoona
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #170 / 406
No
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 45
Rank #372 / 528
-
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 19
Rank #180 / 284
50.0% A7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Mayflower Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Grinnell
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 45
Rank #39 / 528
-- 77.5% -11
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Mount Carmel Bluffs
IL
NH
MC
Dubuque (South Switch Junction)
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #213 / 406
No
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 284
93.3% -10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 306
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #241 / 306
Clarence Nursing Home
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Clarence
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 71
Rank #273 / 406
No
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 45
Rank #341 / 528
-- 91.3% A+18
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
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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 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 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 Trailside Gardens

Trailside Gardens, previously known as The Villages at Marion, is an affordable independent living community in Marion, IA, that features thoughtfully furnished accommodations. The community strives to provide older adults with a home away from home, especially with its cozy floor plans. Recreational activities, meal plans, and maintenance services are also provided, so residents can maintain their independence with ease. With its commitment to improving residents’ well-being, the community ensures affordability while maintaining high standards.

Board games, chair exercises, and holiday celebrations are just some of the activities prepared for residents’ leisure and wellness. A spacious dining room and lively gathering spaces also ensure residents can freely interact with their friends. With its beautiful setting near Thomas Park and easy access to public transportation, residents are guaranteed a convenient and laid-back retirement. This independent living community is a trusted choice for senior living in Iowa, as it has affordable living spaces and dedicated activities that aim to help older adults live comfortably in their later years.

Contact Trailside Gardens

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 Bridges Senior Living

Live the best of your retirement at Bridges Senior Living, an exceptional community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. Here, residents can ease their worries with a variety of thoughtfully furnished and sophisticated apartments. The community also ensures residents feel a sense of belonging during their stay in a warm and welcoming environment.

Residents can spend their days as they please with a carefully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and preferences. Through San Souci Restaurant, which serves delightful and healthy meals from 7 A.M. to 6:30 P.M., residents enjoy mealtimes on their terms. Amenities include a pub, a library, a fitness room, a salon, a pool, and a garden, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in their golden years.

Contact Bridges Senior Living

Overview of Fort Des Moines Senior Housing

Make the most of your best years at Fort Des Moines Senior Housing, a distinct community located in the quiet setting of Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. Featuring purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents’ comfort and safety. Maintenance services and plenty of convenient apartment features, residents enjoy a hassle-free living.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and engaging programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delightful restaurants and shops are also available nearby, providing residents with various dining options to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include an activities room, a beauty salon, a chapel, a fitness center, a theater room, a garden, and an outdoor gazebo, creating the ideal setting for a blissful retirement.

Contact Fort Des Moines Senior Housing

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

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

Overview of Brookdale Sioux City

Brookdale Sioux City is a premier assisted living community in Sioux City, Iowa. Residents at this community enjoy a range of exceptional services tailored to their individual needs, ensuring a personalized and comfortable living experience. As a pet-friendly community, Brookdale Sioux City fosters a warm and home-like atmosphere, providing a welcoming environment for cherished residents.

Benefiting from its strategic location, Brookdale Sioux City offers easy access to four hospitals within a 25-mile radius, with St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City being the closest. This proximity brings peace of mind to the community’s residents and their families, knowing that healthcare facilities are conveniently within reach. Brookdale Sioux City prides itself on providing a variety of key amenities, including inviting outdoor areas, ample parking, and a refreshing pool for relaxation. Engaging social outings are organized to foster a sense of connection and camaraderie among residents, creating a vibrant and thriving community. Additionally, each unit at Brookdale Sioux City is thoughtfully equipped with a washer and dryer, further enhancing the convenience and comfort of living in this exceptional community. 

Contact Brookdale Sioux City

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 225 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.