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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 |
Elevate living experience with Walden Place Senior Living located in Iowa City, IA, offering independent living services. Spacious and cozy accommodations are available for its residents based on their needs. The community is dedicated to promoting a people-focused lifestyle wherein freedom and convenience are always the top priority for its residents to freely choose any care and services they need throughout their stay.
Committed to providing higher quality service and unparalleled care, residents can enjoy the following amenities and services: daily events and entertainment, housekeeping, maintenance, restaurant dining, transportation, and many more. Meet new companions by visiting its beautifully created shared spaces such as the bistro, lounge, and game room. With Walden Place Senior Living, seniors can truly acquire a glorious retirement.
Rock Creek Senior Living is a 170-unit multi-tier community at 3602 NW 5th Street in Ankeny, Iowa. Owned by Arrow Senior Living, the campus offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care, with starting rates for assisted living near $3,465 per month. The facility is approximately 2.6 miles from central Ankeny and focuses on an active residential lifestyle.
The community holds an active state license and is certified as an Assisted Living Program for People with Dementia. State oversight for 2026 indicates the facility maintains its standing with zero active health citations for infection control during the most recent monitoring cycle. While the campus is not Medicare or Medicaid certified for skilled nursing, it carries a 2026 “Best Assisted Living” designation from U.S. News & World Report based on resident and family satisfaction surveys.
The 24-hour staffing model supports multiple tiers of care, allowing residents to transition between levels as medical needs change. Specific services for memory care include sensory-based programs and specialized support for both mild and advanced cognitive impairment. While the facility provides transportation, the immediate surroundings are primarily car-dependent with a Walk Score of 13. Professional nursing oversight is available for personal care, though the model emphasizes social engagement and safety over intensive clinical intervention.
The campus environment provides various shared social spaces, including a wellness center, a movie theater, and a dining room serving international cuisine. Residents have access to weekly housekeeping and personal laundry services alongside dedicated concierge assistance and scheduled event programming. Outdoor walking trails and pet-friendly living options are available, with nutritional management providing specialized low-sodium and pureed meal options.
Families and prospective residents should evaluate the current activity calendars and emergency response protocols during a facility tour.
An Atria senior living community, Holiday Beaverdale Estates has built one of the finest senior living communities in Des Moines– prioritizing its inclusive amenities for the welfare of its residents. Their commitment to making sure that an individual can feel independent while being engaged is one of their utmost priority for a balanced lifestyle; they ensure that their residents are healthy and active. Holiday Beaverdale Estates has ensured a diverse and inclusive environment offering a strong sense of family.
The premier community has boasted an elevated lifestyle through the elevated service that they have provided for residential independent living seniors. Their all-inclusive amenities include daily delicious and nutritious meals by a chef; weekly housekeeping and laundry, and daily fitness activities with their finest gym equipment– among others. They also provide every private apartment with an emergency call system.
Vintage Cooperative of Ames is a 55+ independent living community in Ames, IA, that features thoughtfully furnished apartments. Promoting a lively and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can find a home away from home. Recreational programs, maintenance services, and convenient amenities are also available, so residents have a hassle-free living. With its carefully curated amenities, the community ensures residents can maintain their independence.
Educational programs, social events, and hobby groups provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and have fun. Residents can also relax and maintain holistic wellness, as a fitness center, a cafe, and a library are available. With its ideal setting in the quiet residential area of Ames, residents have a stress-free retirement. This independent living community has top-notch amenities, making it a great choice for senior living in Iowa.
Overlooking the serene neighborhood of Clinton, IA, Regency Retirement Residence of Clinton is an idyllic senior living community that provides an ideal environment for independent living. Catering to active and dynamic residents who wish to maintain their independence for as long as possible, the community offers an array of conveniences, such as housekeeping services to free them from the common hassles of living. Featuring an array of beautifully designed accommodations, the community ensures residents are given a relaxing environment for resting or enjoying the things they love.
Various activities are conducted year round to give residents an abundance of opportunities to interact with fellow residents, make new experiences, and learn new things. Residents also relish delicious meals that are served in a cozy dining room, which also serves as a social hub for exchanging meaningful conversations. At Regency Retirement Residence of Clinton, residents are guaranteed to enjoy the lifestyle they want in the comfort of a nurturing and welcoming environment.
Located in the tranquil community of Cedar Falls, IA, the Mallard Point Senior Living is a dedicated community that offers independent living services. Here, residents can choose from spacious, cozy, and pet-friendly accommodations with varying floor plans. Having a trained and compassionate team, the community ensures personalized care and holistic wellness services for its residents.
Driven to provide a people-focused lifestyle, the community offers top-notch amenities and services for its residents to attain a remarkable independent living experience. Indulge in delightful and healthy meals with restaurant-style dining. Have fun and relax in its 24-hour bistro, lounge, and game room. Enhance physical endurance by taking wellness programs in the fitness center. Join in jampacked social activities and community events to meet new friends. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors can enjoy a living experience worth remembering.
Care Initiatives, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a care facility offering a spectrum of services that offer skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve is evident in their approach. Every interaction with residents is valued, and they prioritize personal growth for each individual. Care Initiatives boasts a team of dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, who provide various services, spanning dietary support, social services, and engaging activities.
In terms of skilled nursing services, Care Initiatives excels in providing specialized care such as tube feedings, wound care management, and access to beauty and barbershop services. They also offer bariatric accommodations and cater to the unique needs of veterans. Additionally, their rehabilitation services are top-notch, featuring accelerated care, state-of-the-art therapy equipment, and expert care in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Care Initiatives is renowned for its expertise, making it a trusted community where seniors can be assured of safe and high-quality care.
Introducing Touchstone Living Center, a prominent senior living provider located in Sioux City, Iowa. They offer an array of nursing home services for their valued residents.
Discover a compassionate and supportive community where seniors can thrive and receive the care they deserve.
Bethany Life operates a nonprofit continuum of senior care from its 126-bed medical community at 212 Lafayette Avenue in Story City, Iowa. Established over half a century ago, the campus manages resident entry through a unique membership model combining an initial entry fee with a predictable monthly rate to secure lifetime care tiers. Business staff process billing through multiple coverage lines, including traditional out-of-pocket funds, standard federal Medicare, and state Medicaid paths. The property runs with a regular occupancy baseline of roughly 89 percent, supporting individual stays that average 229 days.
On-site health teams coordinate an average of 4 hours of daily hands-on care per resident. Certified nursing assistants distribute the largest portion of these floor hours at 2 hours and 42 minutes, while registered nurses contribute 45 minutes, and licensed practical nurses provide 23 minutes of clinical tracking. This staff handles routine treatments, medication management, and dietitian support within dedicated transitional wings, including the LifeBridge Transitional Care track, Cedar Place, and Timberland Village. For local travel, the surrounding downtown area logs a walkability score of 82 out of 100, which allows visitors and residents to complete daily errands entirely on foot.
Daily lifestyle configurations are built around a central hub featuring dining at Tom & Stevie’s Bistro alongside massage therapy, chaplain services, and organized wellness education. To prevent unnecessary travel, the campus integrates personal emergency response systems and home health aides to assist individuals who reside in the adjacent Twin Homes independent living options. These internal systems are structured to help stabilize physical recovery following major surgeries or complex hospital stays while preserving as much personal independence as possible.
Older adults exploring active neighborhood placement details can call the front reception area to confirm room availability, ask about the lifetime membership tiers, or coordinate a time to see the shared dining spaces.
Operating under the Gardens at Luther Park organization, Trinity Center at Luther Park is a 120-bed nursing home that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled care for residents aged 55 and older. The building maintains a high local volume with a 91% occupancy rate and manages an extended 239-day average length of stay. Financial coverage handles a standard mix of Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay sources. The campus is built in an exceptionally walkable downtown neighborhood, making local errands and shops easily accessible on foot.
Daily care lines supply an average of 4 hours and 34 minutes of direct nursing time per resident each day, with a combination of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides covering the floor alongside on-site physical therapists. On the compliance side, public monitoring files from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate that state inspectors have noted recurring administrative issues centered on care documentation, food handling protocols, and basic infection control.
Beyond the medical operations, daily life on the campus is organized around faith-based Christian values, spiritual support programs, regular activities, and local volunteer networks.
Prospective representatives researching faith-based senior care options or multi-level nursing setups can review these state health filings to assess the property’s operational history. The public records outline a busy, highly occupied facility backed by solid daily direct care hours and a walkable location, balanced against some recurring regulatory points regarding kitchen and documentation maintenance.
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
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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.



















