Page 20 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
Overview of Landmark Commons

Experience the best of your golden years at Landmark Commons, a distinguished community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. The community’s thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, alongside housekeeping and maintenance, allow residents to feel at ease during their stay. Residents can also easily access their necessities with local amenities nearby.

A variety of wellness opportunities and leisure activities are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. With restaurant-style dining, residents enjoy a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. With its warm and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Contact Landmark Commons

Overview of Edencrest at Timberline

Edencrest at Timberline is a 120-bed senior living community at 14001 Douglas Parkway in Urbandale, Iowa. Managed by Geoff Counasse and part of the Highmark Senior Living portfolio, the facility serves Polk County under license S0471, valid through May 2027. Current occupancy stands at approximately 54% with 65 residents, a figure that reflects its status as a recently established campus building its census. The location is categorized as car-dependent with a Walk Score of zero, though the facility provides scheduled transportation for residents.

Since its licensing in 2023, the facility has undergone one recertification inspection in October 2025, which identified only a single deficiency, a rate 96% lower than the state average. This isolated finding involved staff management of a resident’s monitoring device, but the facility achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for all other evaluated categories. There are no documented fines or enforcement actions in the community’s history.

Clinical care is delivered by a 24/7 on-site team that includes a Director of Nursing and professional caregivers specialized in memory care. Services cover a full continuum, including independent living, assisted living, and high-acuity support for diabetes and incontinence. Memory care starts at approximately $5,600 monthly, while general assisted living begins at $4,400, covering personalized health plans and medication management.

The residential environment features modern apartments with move-in assistance and access to extensive shared amenities. Residents have access to a fitness center, walking trails, a library, and a full-service salon and spa. Social programming includes daily wellness classes, arts and crafts, and curated restaurant-style dining with specific dietary accommodations. The community is pet-friendly and provides private courtyards for outdoor recreation.

Families seeking a newer, high-amenity campus with a specialized memory care program may find this community appropriate. Families should ask directly about the current staff training protocols for resident monitoring and confirm the latest monthly rates for specific apartment floor plans before making a placement decision.

Contact Edencrest at Timberline

Overview of Asbury Senior Apartments

Experience the best of your golden years at Asbury Senior Apartments, a distinguished community in Dubuque, IA, offering independent living. With beautifully furnished and exceptional one- and two-bedroom floor plans, residents can rest assured of finding the accommodation that best matches their preferences. The Jule public transit system is also located nearby, allowing residents convenient access to their necessities.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with plenty of leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents can also prepare meals on their own terms with a fully furnished kitchen in each unit. The community is a great option for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its top-notch amenities and exceptional services.

Contact Asbury Senior Apartments

Overview of Atrium Village

Atrium Village is a haven of tranquility and exceptional senior care in Saint Hills, Iowa. This warm and inviting home offers a range of services, including nursing home care and independent living options. What sets Atrium Village apart is its intimate size, ensuring that residents receive the utmost attention and care they rightfully deserve. With a dedicated and friendly staff, as well as licensed nursing professionals, residents can rest assured that their well-being is in capable hands.

From convenient van services to specialized podiatry and pharmacy care, every aspect of comfort and health is meticulously considered. The community boasts a variety of amenities that contribute to residents’ well-rounded experience, including an exercise room for maintaining vitality, an on-site beautician and barber for personal grooming needs, and even a chapel for moments of reflection and spirituality. At Atrium Village, seniors can embrace their golden years in an environment that prioritizes their comfort, safety, and overall well-being.

Contact Atrium Village

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 Crestview Terrace Apartments

Experience the best of your golden years at Crestview Terrace Apartments, a dedicated 55+ community in West Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community features purposely designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with on-site maintenance and management.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of exciting events and engaging programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delightful restaurants and shops also provide residents with a variety of dining options to meet their dietary needs and preferences. The community is equipped with a library, a fitness center, lounge areas, a gazebo, and a beautifully maintained garden.

Contact Crestview Terrace Apartments

Overview of Windsor Park Retirement Apartments

Ideally set in the harmonious neighborhood of Dubuque, IA, Windsor Park Retirement Apartments is a distinct community that offers independent living. Those 55+ can rest assured of finding the accommodation based on their preferences with a variety of specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans. On-site maintenance and laundry spaces are also provided, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Residents can spend their days as they please with a carefully curated calendar of engaging activities and exciting events that highlight their interests and capabilities. With a fully furnished kitchen, residents can prepare meals according to their needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement.

Contact Windsor Park Retirement Apartments

Overview of Holiday Beaverdale Estates

A residential senior living community offering assisted living and independent living choices for older adults in Des Moines, Iowa, is Holiday Beaverdale Estates. Nestled in the Beaverdale neighborhood on Douglas Avenue, it provides a residential setting that captivates seniors seeking supportive care with varying independence levels.

Assisted living here supports occupants needing help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation, while encouraging as much independence as possible for each person. This type of care environment typically pairs personal assistance with a residential setting that many families find more serene and personal than larger facilities. For those wanting less support, the independent living option lets active seniors enjoy community amenities and social opportunities with minimal care assistance, so it fits those who cherish autonomy and an engaged lifestyle. The Beaverdale area where Holiday Beaverdale Estates sits scores 64 on the Walk Score, indicating moderate walkability. In turn, some errands can be done on foot, but a quick drive is required for most trips. The neighborhood offers a quieter, residential character that suits those prioritizing a neighborhood feel over a busier commercial setting. Nearby family members will perceive the area as relatively and easily navigable for regular visits.

Holiday Beaverdale Estates accepts assisted living and independent living occupants, making it a flexible choice for families with different care needs or for people with possibly changing needs. For those considering the home, an on-site tour is the best way to evaluate room options, see daily amenities and activities, and discuss specific care services and pricing directly with the team.

Contact Holiday Beaverdale Estates

Overview of Walden Place Senior Living

Led by Executive Director Ken Duff, Walden Place Senior Living is an independent living community in Iowa City, IA, that emphasizes resident choice and independence for older adults. Transportation services, restaurant-style dining, a 24-hour bistro, lounge, and game room are available, along with fitness and recreational programs, housekeeping, maintenance, concierge services, and regular social events. The community is also pet-friendly.

The two-story community offers a variety of floor plans, with monthly rates starting at $1,965 and additional options at $2,295 and $2,920. Its neighborhood has a Walk Score of 54, meaning some errands can be completed on foot, while transportation is helpful for longer trips.

The community also received several recognitions, including the Best of Senior Living 2023.

Contact Walden Place Senior Living

Overview of Evergreen Terrace Senior

Ideally situated in the harmonious neighborhood of Sioux City, IA, Evergreen Terrace Senior is a distinct community that offers independent living. With specially designed and spacious one-bedroom floor plans, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety. The community also utilizes income-based rents, so those 62+ can downsize without hassles.

Residents also have easy access to their necessities and leisure opportunities with thriving local shops and recreational spaces. With a fully furnished kitchen, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. Promoting a vibrant and welcoming environment, the community ensures residents have the finest retirement experience.

Contact Evergreen Terrace Senior

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.