Other senior care options in Iowa:

Best Independent Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 221 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
Jun 2026
We analyzed
221 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

Grand Living At Tower Place
IL
AL
MC
West Des Moines (South 51St Street)
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 71
Rank #125 / 407
Yes
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
47.4%
Facility 47.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #292 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Valley View Village
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
RC
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 71
Rank #117 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 19
Rank #2 / 282
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #1 / 379
24
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Ramsey Village Continuing Care
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
Des Moines (Drake)
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 71
Rank #119 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
1 bed / 2 bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
85.8%
Facility 85.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #91 / 379
23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #224 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Holland Farms
IL
AL
MC
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 71
Rank #45 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
38.8%
Facility 38.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #346 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Ridgecrest Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
Davenport (Northwest Boulevard)
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 71
Rank #100 / 407
Yes
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 45
Rank #287 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
67.1%
Facility 67.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #196 / 379
20
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #187 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
The Summit of Coralville
IL
AL
MC
RC
Coralville
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #191 / 407
Yes
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 45
Rank #421 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
53.1%
Facility 53.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #247 / 379
8
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Northcrest Community
IL
AL
MC
NC
NH
Ames
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #191 / 407
No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 45
Rank #324 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #263 / 379
2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #1 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Suites of Ankeny
IL
AL
Ankeny (Northwest Ash Drive)
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #171 / 407
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 45
Rank #202 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 19
Rank #193 / 282
47.1%
Facility 47.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #295 / 379
6
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #31 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Edencrest at Siena Hills
IL
AL
MC
RC
Ankeny
132
Facility 132
IA AVG 71
Rank #28 / 407
Yes
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 45
Rank #255 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
42.4%
Facility 42.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #325 / 379
13
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Mill Pond
IL
AL
MC
NH
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #439 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #14 / 379
16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
The Heritage at Fox Run
IL
AL
HC
MC
Council Bluffs
132
Facility 132
IA AVG 71
Rank #28 / 407
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #87 / 282
50.8%
Facility 50.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #260 / 379
15
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Green Hills Retirement Community
IL
AL
MC
NC
NH
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #234 / 407
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #430 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 19
Rank #24 / 282
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #130 / 379
11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Meadowview of Davenport
IL
AL
MC
Davenport
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #234 / 407
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 45
Rank #145 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 19
Rank #250 / 282
-1
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #1 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill
IL
AL
MC
Pleasant Hill
140
Facility 140
IA AVG 71
Rank #23 / 407
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 19
Rank #257 / 282
21.4%
Facility 21.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #377 / 379
2
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Legacy Senior Living
IL
AL
Iowa City (Lucas)
136
Facility 136
IA AVG 71
Rank #26 / 407
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 45
Rank #405 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #87 / 282
52.2%
Facility 52.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #253 / 379
17
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
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Overview of Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Birkwood Village of Fort Madison offers a continuous care setup covering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing at 1701 41st Street in Fort Madison, Iowa. Mark Holtkamp privately owns the 42-bed campus, which operates under the direction of administrator Brenda Graham. The facility currently sits at a 69 percent occupancy rate and accepts payment via private accounts, Medicare, and state Medicaid. Stays here average about 179 days, which splits the daily routine between short-term physical therapy and permanent clinical housing.

Residents receive a daily average of 4 hours and 14 minutes of direct nursing attention, including 33 minutes from registered nurses. A full-time recreation director designs activities, and the kitchen provides made-to-order menus for all three meals. The building features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, alongside dedicated memory care spaces for people with cognitive decline. The rural neighborhood has a walk score of 29, meaning you will need a car for most errands and family visits.

State inspections over the two years since opening have highlighted a few areas for improvement, specifically noting procedural issues with care plans, staffing levels, infection control, and medication management. The facility’s management reviews these reports to retrain employees and update floor practices.

Interested individuals can call the main office to find out about room openings, ask about the made-to-order dining options, or set up a time to see the apartments. The front desk can also cross-reference insurance details to outline how public programs or personal funding cover the monthly rates.

Contact Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Overview of Valley West Apartments

Ideally situated in the thriving neighborhood in West Des Moines, IA, Valley West Apartments is a specially designed 62+ community that offers independent living. Beautifully furnished and spacious one-bedroom floor plans are provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, ensuring residents feel at ease during their stay. The community provides income-based rents, alongside paid utilities, to ease financial burdens.

Residents have easy access to their necessities and leisure opportunities, with thriving local amenities and recreational opportunities. Kitchens are also available, allowing residents to prepare meals on their own terms. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With its state-of-the-art amenities and convenient location, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Contact Valley West Apartments

Harmony Court

173 Bennett Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Overview of Harmony Court

Experience the retirement of your dreams at Harmony Court, an exceptional community in Council Bluffs, IA, offering independent living. Residents have a variety of options with multiple one- and two-bedroom floor plans, designed for comfort and convenience. The community also helps with housekeeping and other chores, ensuring residents have more time to do the things they love.

Fun recreational activities and engaging programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Continental breakfast and lunch are also available, ensuring residents have a delightful dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. Here, utilities are also paid for to ease residents’ financial burdens. The community’s vibrant and welcoming environment makes it a great option for those looking to live independently in their golden years.

Contact Harmony Court

Overview of Hotel President Senior Apartments

Live the retirement of your dreams at Hotel President Senior Apartments, an esteemed 55+ community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. With cozy and specially designed studio and one-bedroom floor plans, residents can keep their peace of mind and find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Laundry spaces and on-site management are also provided for residents’ convenience.

Residents have easy access to leisure opportunities and necessities with convenient highways and thriving local amenities. The community also offers paid utilities to ease financial burdens. Pets are welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With its warm and welcoming environment, residents make the most of their golden years.

Contact Hotel President Senior Apartments

Overview of Meadowcrest Senior Apartments

Experience the best of your golden years at Meadowcrest Senior Apartments, an astounding community in Davenport, IA, offering independent living. Dedicated to the comfort of those 55+, the community has income-based rents to ease financial burdens. On-site maintenance and management are also provided, ensuring residents can keep their peace of mind during their stay.

The community is surrounded by thriving shops and recreational spaces, providing residents with plenty of leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents can also prepare meals according to their dietary needs with a fully equipped kitchen in each unit. With its beautifully furnished amenities and welcoming environment, residents can make the most of their retirement.

Contact Meadowcrest Senior Apartments

Overview of Riverside Gardens Senior Apartments

Create meaningful moments in retirement at Riverside Gardens Senior Apartments, a blissful community in Sioux City, IA, offering independent living. With income-based rents and paid utilities, the community strives to ease financial burdens. Residents experience a worry-free retirement with round-the-clock emergency maintenance and management.

Thriving local shops and recreational spaces are available nearby, ensuring residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. A congregate lunch is also provided from Monday to Friday, so residents enjoy a hassle-free dining that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its state-of-the-art amenities and a welcoming environment.

Contact Riverside Gardens Senior Apartments

Overview of Vive Senior Apartments

Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle at Viva Senior Apartments, a welcoming community in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering independent living. Those 55+ can rest assured of finding the right accommodation based on their preferences with cozy and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The community is also equipped with various safety features, like handrails, and helps with maintenance to ease residents’ worries.

Here, residents have easy access to their necessities and leisure opportunities with thriving shops and recreational spaces nearby. With a full kitchen, residents can prepare meals that satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. Promoting a warm and welcoming environment, the community makes an enticing option for those looking to live independently in retirement.

Contact Vive Senior Apartments

Overview of Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny

Spend your golden years at Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny, a welcoming 55+ community in Ankeny, IA, offering cooperative living. With 10 specially designed and spacious floor plans, residents can keep their peace of mind. The community also promotes a vibrant and friendly environment, ensuring residents feel a sense of belonging during their stay.

Unique shops and recreational spaces are also available nearby, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents also enjoy delectable and healthy meals with a variety of restaurants in the area. With its state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional services, the community ensures residents have the finest retirement experience.

Contact Vintage Cooperative of Ankeny

Overview of Villas at Meadow Springs

Enjoy a blissful retirement at Villas at Meadow Springs, a distinguished 55+ community in Ankeny, IA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully distinguished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Residents can keep their peace of mind with round-the-clock emergency maintenance and an on-site team that helps with chores.

Thriving local amenities and recreational spaces are easily accessible, ensuring residents can spend their days as they please. A picnic and barbecue area is also available, promoting social interactions over delightful meals. The community is equipped with a library, a clubhouse, a game room, a patio, a fitness center, and parking, ensuring residents make the most of their best years.

Contact Villas at Meadow Springs

Overview of Pheasant Acres Apartments

Make every moment of your best years at Pheasant Acres Apartments, an outstanding community in Sioux City, IA, offering independent living. With beautifully furnished and cozy one-bedroom floor plans, those 62+ can find the right accommodation based on their preferences. On-site maintenance and laundry spaces are also available, so residents have a worry-free lifestyle.

Residents gain easy access to their necessities and leisure with thriving local shops and recreational spaces nearby. A fully equipped kitchen is also available, allowing residents to prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are also allowed to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community is a great option for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting environment.

Contact Pheasant Acres Apartments

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 221 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.