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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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.




















