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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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.


















