
Where in Iowa are you looking?
Browse communities by city.
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% | A | 13 | 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% | A | 7 | 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these independent living communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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
Nearby Cities
Who we are
Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way
We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.
Contact us Today
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.



















