Page 22 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

Compare Independent Living around Iowa

Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Meadowview of Davenport
IL
AL
MC
Davenport
156
Facility 156
IA AVG 72
Rank #18 / 403
Yes--
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 19
Rank #253 / 285
-2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 295
Woodlands Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Clive
-Yes
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 47
Rank #426 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #106 / 285
---
Trinity Center at Luther Park
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
120
Facility 120
IA AVG 72
Rank #37 / 403
Yes
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 47
Rank #2 / 504
-- 90.8% 24
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 7
Rank #257 / 295
Perry Lutheran Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Perry
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 72
Rank #156 / 403
No
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 47
Rank #82 / 504
-
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 19
Rank #75 / 285
80.0% 28
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 7
Rank #257 / 295
Regency Assisted Living
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Norwalk
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 72
Rank #213 / 403
No
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 47
Rank #98 / 504
-
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 19
Rank #136 / 285
41.7% 5
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #171 / 295
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Johnston
150
Facility 150
IA AVG 72
Rank #21 / 403
No
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 47
Rank #125 / 504
-- 76.0% 38
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 7
Rank #292 / 295
Lutheran Living Senior Campus
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Muscatine
155
Facility 155
IA AVG 72
Rank #19 / 403
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 47
Rank #39 / 504
-- 80.0% 28
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 7
Rank #279 / 295
Good Samaritan Society – Indianola
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Jefferson Indianola
105
Facility 105
IA AVG 72
Rank #63 / 403
Yes
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 47
Rank #74 / 504
-- 78.1% 29
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 7
Rank #276 / 295
Azria Health Longview
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Missouri Valley
100
Facility 100
IA AVG 72
Rank #68 / 403
Yes
53
Facility 53
IA AVG 47
Rank #195 / 504
-- 81.4% --
Hotel President Senior Apartments
IL
Waterloo
-Yes
73
Facility 73
IA AVG 47
Rank #86 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed----

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 228 on this page.

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Overview of Meadowview of Davenport

Meadowview of Davenport is a 106-unit continuing care retirement community at 5330 Belle Avenue in Davenport, Iowa. Managed by Cassia and led by Executive Director Sarah Coy, the facility serves the Quad Cities region across a seven-acre campus. The property offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Its integrated design allows residents to transition between these care levels without the need for relocation.

A January 2024 inspection identified deficiencies concerning delayed functional and cognitive assessments for new tenants. Although the facility is a newer addition to the local market, these initial findings yielded a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for more serious categories, such as physical abuse or environmental safety.

Clinical care at this campus follows an aging-in-place philosophy, providing personalized support and health-related services within one- and two-bedroom apartments. Professional services include medication management and assistance with activities of daily living, supported by Cassia’s faith-based nonprofit mission. The community also provides a fitness center and art studio to support resident wellness and cognitive stimulation.

The residential environment features spacious floor plans, maintenance services, and healthy dining options tailored to resident dietary preferences. Shared social amenities include recreational programming and community events designed to promote engagement across all levels of the campus. While the community is pet-friendly and serves a broad regional area, the limited public inspection history makes it difficult to assess multi-year compliance trends.

This environment suits older adults seeking a modern continuum of care with the stability of a nonprofit, faith-based mission. Families evaluating Meadowview of Davenport should ask directly about the corrective actions taken following the January 2024 care planning deficiencies, specifically regarding the timeliness of health assessments and service plan updates, before making a placement decision.

Contact Meadowview of Davenport

Overview of Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Woodlands Creek’s vision is to create a warm and welcoming independent living environment where seniors feel at home, fostering meaningful relationships and endless possibilities. Their mission revolves around promoting engaging social interactions and providing personalized care to nurture a sense of belonging. Woodlands prioritizes residents’ well-being, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and respect.

Residents at Woodlands Creek enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a range of scheduled activities for independent living seniors. The community also offers comprehensive services for assisted living and memory care residents, including transportation, access to senior physicians, and round-the-clock nursing staff, ensuring comfort and security for all residents.

 

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Overview of Trinity Center at Luther Park

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.

Contact Trinity Center at Luther Park

Overview of Perry Lutheran Home

The Perry Lutheran Home operates a 26-year-old continuing care retirement campus on Willis Avenue in Perry, Iowa, under the management of administrator Melissa Gannon. The building houses 70 residents, runs at about 80 percent occupancy, and handles accounts through private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. Lengths of stay average 315 days, indicating that the daily routine integrates short-term therapy patients into an established, long-term residential community.

The hands-on clinical team delivers an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes of direct care to each resident every day. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides balance this 24-hour schedule to coordinate standard therapies, respite care, and independent home health services. The church-affiliated nonprofit property sits in a neighborhood that scores a 74 out of 100 for walkability, allowing visiting families to manage a variety of local trips on foot.

Interested individuals can get in touch with the main desk to ask about the independent or assisted living availability, request details on the home care services, or schedule an afternoon to see the campus. The front office can also explain the admission paperwork and clarify how different insurance options apply to the monthly fees.

Contact Perry Lutheran Home

Overview of Regency Assisted Living

Regency Assisted Living operates a 60-bed skilled nursing property at 815 High Road in Norwalk, Iowa. Owned by Carla Hall and managed under administrator Victoria Lehman, the facility maintains a quiet baseline census, currently holding an occupancy rate around 42 percent with roughly 25 residents. Financial coordinators process transactions through individual out-of-pocket billing channels alongside state Medicaid options and standard federal Medicare programs. Stays here average about 151 days, which reflects an everyday operational design that merges brief physical therapy rehabilitation cases with extended clinical nursing placements.

State safety logs map out historical compliance patterns over the facility’s 20-year operating history. Regular public health evaluations handled by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlighted several repeat administrative themes, pointing out explicit procedural gaps in medication management practices, general resident supervision, and health record documentation. Local supervisors use these periodic regulatory summaries to shape employee skill training modules and adjust daily clinical workflows across the floor shifts to meet public healthcare codes.

For local transit, the surrounding town layout records a walkability score of 70 out of 100, showing a highly accessible neighborhood environment where visiting family members can complete routine errands on foot. On-site shift routines support this setting by providing a daily average of 3 hours and 10 minutes of direct, hands-on care to each individual. Certified nurse aides cover the largest block of this bedside timeline at 2 hours and 17 minutes, working alongside licensed practical nurses who provide 1 hour and registered nurses who add 21 minutes of clinical tracking, respite support, and continuous treatment monitoring.

Prospective residents can call the main office desk to check on current bed layouts, ask about the details of the short-term rehabilitation therapies, or schedule a day to see the grounds.

Contact Regency Assisted Living

Overview of Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center coordinates continuous senior services within a 150-bed campus at 5837 Winwood Drive in Johnston, Iowa. Operated by Sylvania Franciscan Health under administrator Adam Braden, the community maintains an average occupancy level near 76 percent, meaning openings are typically available for new intake. The business office accepts private funding streams, Medicare credits for brief rehabilitation, and standard state Medicaid options. Individual resident stays average of roughly 172 days, establishing a local population structure that balances transitional post-hospital physical therapy with permanent clinical residential housing.

On-site health routines ensure that each individual receives an average of 3 hours and 58 minutes of direct care from the nursing team daily. Certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses split these floor hours to provide speech-language pathology and physical therapy alongside routine treatment protocols. These practitioners work within a wider aging-in-place campus that features independent and assisted living settings alongside adult day programs, while the surrounding town neighborhood records a walkability score of 64 out of 100, letting visitors complete a few basic tasks nearby without relying solely on a car.

Earlier evaluations by state inspectors noted procedural gaps regarding staffing distribution, pressure ulcer prevention tracking, and standard infection control lines. The administrative team updated floor patterns and corrected these points, leading to a late 2025 re-inspection to certify that the entire building had returned to substantial compliance with baseline public healthcare guidelines.

Prospective representatives can contact the main registration desk to confirm immediate room availability, ask about the details of the adult day schedule, or plan a morning to see the therapy common rooms. The intake office can also assist with medical coverage, cross-referencing to outline how personal funds or public assistance networks apply to standard monthly billing statements.

Contact Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

Overview of Lutheran Living Senior Campus

Founded in 1895, Lutheran Living Senior Campus runs a 155-bed continuing care retirement community on Lutheran Drive in Muscatine, Iowa. This nonprofit facility is managed by executive director Andrew Harris and operates under a church affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Standard billing balances private payment options with Medicare coverage networks, and the overall property runs near an 80 percent occupancy rate. Typical stays average about 166 days, indicating an environment that coordinates transitional physical rehabilitation alongside permanent residential placements.

An average of 4 hours and 21 minutes of hands-on attention is provided to each resident daily by the on-floor medical team. Certified nursing aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses maintain this 24-hour setup to supervise standard physical therapies alongside secure memory care programs. For daily amenities, residents have access to an internal salon, an outdoor courtyard, and spiritual care resources led by a full-time chaplain, while the surrounding town neighborhood provides a walkable layout for visitors running local errands.

Past inspection reports from state oversight departments noted some administrative and clinical areas for improvement, specifically highlighting corrections needed for care planning records, general resident supervision routines, and behavioral health support structures. The administrative leaders use these formal survey findings to modify ongoing training requirements for the floor staff and update internal safety guidelines.

Prospective residents can reach out to the marketing office to check on current apartment availability, verify specific memory care openings, or schedule a morning to tour the therapy spaces. The business desk can also assist with insurance verification and clarify how individual out-of-pocket costs or Medicare benefits align with monthly fees.

Contact Lutheran Living Senior Campus

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Indianola

Good Samaritan Society – Indianola is a 105-bed skilled nursing facility at 708 South Jefferson in Indianola, Iowa. Part of the Sanford Health network and administered by Zach Detweiler, this non-profit community provides a continuum of care including short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and respite services. The campus serves as a localized hub for Warren County residents and currently maintains an occupancy rate of approximately 84%.

Federal and state regulators currently assign the facility a 1-star overall rating, which reflects performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Regulatory data through early 2026 indicates a high frequency of citations, including an average of 8.8 deficiencies per year, double the state average. While a January 2026 complaint investigation resulted in two citations regarding nursing staff levels and administration, the facility has recorded zero citations for infection control across multiple recent surveys. To date, federal penalties totaling $20,316 have been issued for non-compliance with health standards. C

Nursing hours per resident day currently stand at 2 hours 55 minutes, which is approximately 23% below the Iowa state average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is reported at 29 minutes per day, and weekend RN coverage is 18 minutes—both falling below state means for similar facilities.

Despite these staffing gaps, the center coordinates specialized clinical programs including dialysis support, occupational therapy, and restorative nursing. Quality metrics show that 83.3% of short-stay residents successfully return to the community, performing in line with state benchmarks.

The campus environment provides a residential setting featuring a community room, library, and on-site salon. Shared services encompass 24-hour medical monitoring, housekeeping, and pet-friendly policies to support a home-like atmosphere. Nutritional support is provided through scheduled meal programs, and residents have access to a wellness center and an emergency call system in all living spaces. For socialization, the facility maintains a resident council and offers diverse recreational activities.

Prospective residents and their representatives should evaluate the current bedside care standards and call light response protocols during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken following the 2025 and 2026 staffing citations and to verify that the clinical coverage is sufficient to meet the individual’s recovery or long-term care goals.

Contact Good Samaritan Society – Indianola

Azria Health Longview

1010 Longview Road, Missouri Valley, IA 51555-1227
Overview of Azria Health Longview

Azria Health Longview runs a dual-care senior community providing skilled nursing and assisted living services at 1010 Longview Road in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The property, operated under owner Douglas Williams, is built to support a 100-bed capacity. Business operations process regular monthly accounts using traditional out-of-pocket payments, standard Medicare plans, and state Medicaid options. Stays average roughly 137 days per individual, pointing to an everyday routine that coordinates short-term therapy recovery with ongoing clinical nursing care.

Floor staff provide an average of 3 hours and 29 minutes of direct, hands-on attention to each resident daily. Certified nursing assistants handle the majority of this bedside timeline at 2 hours and 34 minutes, while licensed practical nurses offer 53 minutes, and registered nurses add 32 minutes of clinical tracking. These shift rotations cover 24-hour treatment monitoring, short-term rehabilitation, and specialized post-acute tracks alongside an on-site physician presence. For local transit, the surrounding neighborhood holds a walkability score of 53 out of 100, showing a moderately accessible layout where visitors can manage a few simple errands on foot.

Daily residential services focus on scheduled meals, complimentary Wi-Fi access, laundry assistance, and a beauty salon. The campus layout includes open space for pet visits and offers specialized respite care setups to ease short-term family transitions. These combined on-site programs are designed to cover basic healthcare demands and support physical rehabilitation plans without requiring frequent travel away from the facility.

Interested individuals can reach the main desk to check on current bed vacancies, ask about the assisted living apartments, or coordinate a time to look around the grounds. The intake staff can also help review health plan benefits to demonstrate how insurance networks or public aid options coordinate with standard monthly room invoices.

Contact Azria Health Longview

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

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.