Page 3 of Best Independent Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 226 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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We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Iowa.
226 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:

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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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our 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. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
Crown Pointe Estates AL Memory Care
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Sioux Center
32
Facility 32
IA AVG 76
Rank #154 / 165
?No
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 43
Rank #32 / 222
-
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 15
Rank #108 / 131
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #1 / 154
1
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #38 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Cedar Ridge Village
IL
AL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 76
Rank #127 / 165
?Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 43
Rank #210 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 15
Rank #94 / 131
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #9 / 154
16
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6
Rank #57 / 155
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #104 / 155
The Summit at Bettendorf
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Bettendorf
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 76
Rank #127 / 165
?Yes
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 43
Rank #197 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 15
Rank #94 / 131
87.5%
Facility 87.5%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #33 / 154
12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #38 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Suites of Ankeny
IL
AL
CCRC
Ankeny
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 76
Rank #76 / 165
B-Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 43
Rank #84 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 15
Rank #68 / 131
48.5%
Facility 48.5%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #107 / 154
5
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #21 / 155
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #104 / 155
Kennybrook Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Grimes (Governors District)
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 76
Rank #76 / 165
-Yes
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 43
Rank #36 / 222
-
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 15
Rank #62 / 131
47.1%
Facility 47.1%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #107 / 154
4
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #38 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Rock Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Ankeny
170
Facility 170
IA AVG 76
Rank #5 / 165
-Yes
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 43
Rank #132 / 222
-
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 15
Rank #72 / 131
44.1% 7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Pennsylvania Place
IL
AL
MC
Ottumwa
102
Facility 102
IA AVG 76
Rank #35 / 165
-No
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 43
Rank #21 / 222
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 15
Rank #89 / 131
32.4%
Facility 32.4%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #141 / 154
5
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #38 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Calvin Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 76
Rank #100 / 165
?No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 43
Rank #57 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 15
Rank #121 / 131
93.2%
Facility 93.2%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #17 / 154
17
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #38 / 155
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 1
Rank #130 / 155
Edencrest at The Legacy
IL
AL
MC
RC
Norwalk
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 76
Rank #48 / 165
A+Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 43
Rank #152 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 15
Rank #75 / 131
33.8%
Facility 33.8%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #138 / 154
7
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6
Rank #89 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Grand Living At Tower Place
IL
AL
MC
West Des Moines
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 76
Rank #58 / 165
A-Yes
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 43
Rank #49 / 222
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 15
Rank #94 / 131
47.4%
Facility 47.4%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #104 / 154
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6
Rank #57 / 155
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #104 / 155

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other IA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 226 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Crown Pointe Estates Al Memory Care

Crown Pointe Estates Al Memory Care in Sioux Center, IA offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home and skilled nursing care. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Having several care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving to a different level of care may not require leaving the community. The community has 32 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Crown Pointe Estates Al Memory Care may be a good fit for someone who prefers a smaller community with multiple care levels.

Total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 51 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time assigned to each resident. Private pay is accepted, so families use their own funds to pay for care. A Walk Score of 72 out of 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, allowing a resident who no longer drives to get out independently. Karen Bentsen serves as the administrator.

Contact Crown Pointe Estates AL Memory Care

Cedar Ridge Village

8950 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village, situated in the delightful West Des Moines, Iowa, provides a diverse range of senior living options, including independent living and assisted living including care for disabled adults. This community effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, with inviting spaces, high ceilings, and carefully chosen furnishings, ensuring an exceptional living experience for residents.

Residents here can engage in a variety of activities, from card games and book clubs to arts and crafts and movie nights. The community also organizes off site excursions, such as concerts, theater outings, museum visits, and more, enriching the lives of its residents. Their spacious apartments are thoughtfully designed to accommodate different care needs, offering tailored, top-tier services in a meticulously maintained environment. Count on Cedar Ridge Village for superior senior living options, whether you’re seeking assisted or independent living near you.

Starting Price $3,280/Month

Contact Cedar Ridge Village

Overview of The Summit at Bettendorf

The Summit at Bettendorf offers nursing home and skilled nursing care, assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Bettendorf, IA. Nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Because the community offers multiple care levels, it may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to another community. With 40 beds, The Summit at Bettendorf is a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Housing includes studios, one bedroom apartments, and two bedroom apartments; a studio provides a single private space, while a two bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicare applies to short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence, while Medicaid can help when savings may not cover a long stay. Total nurse staffing is 4h 38m per resident/day, representing the daily hands on nurse time allocated per resident; pets are allowed, and Chelsey Killean serves as the administrator.

Contact The Summit at Bettendorf

Overview of Suites of Ankeny

Suites of Ankeny offers assisted living, and independent living in Ankeny, IA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Independent living is designed for private living with community services and no daily care.

Because several care levels are available, a resident whose needs change may be able to move to a different level of care without leaving the community. The community has 68 beds, with one bedroom and two bedroom housing. A two bedroom residence can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion, while a one bedroom residence provides a single living space.

Suites of Ankeny may be a good fit for someone who wants independent living or assisted living with the possibility of changing care levels in the same community. A Walk Score of 52 places the area in the somewhat walkable range, so some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may still be able to make some independent outings. Pets are allowed, and Vanessa Young serves as the administrator.

Contact Suites of Ankeny

Overview of Kennybrook Village

Kennybrook Village offers nursing home and skilled nursing care, along with assisted living, independent living, and memory care, in Grimes, IA. Nursing home and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private apartment, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Respite care is also available for short stays, which can suit a family caregiver who needs time to travel or recover. With several care levels in one community, Kennybrook Village may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to another community. Kennybrook Village opened in 2011 and has 68 beds, and Spencer VanSickel serves as the administrator.

Starting monthly rates are $3,040 for independent living, $5,640 for assisted living, and $7,900 for memory care, allowing families to compare the starting cost tied to each setting. Medicare and private pay are accepted. Medicare can apply to eligible short term skilled care, while private pay means paying directly for care.

Scheduled transportation covers medical appointments and activity outings within a fifteen mile radius, and rehabilitation services support recovery without arranging transportation elsewhere. Pets are allowed, so residents may bring a pet when moving in. A Walk Score of 70 means most errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently.

Activities include card games, bingo, chair exercises, church services, movie nights, and off site outings, giving residents options for recreation, exercise, worship, and trips beyond the community.

Starting Price $3,040/Month

Contact Kennybrook Village

Overview of Rock Creek Senior Living

The license at Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny, IA, names memory care, assisted living, and independent living. The daily tasks are what assisted living helps with, and a resident’s apartment is still their own. Independent living brings the services and leaves the care out. Memory care adds a secured area and staff to supervise inside it.

A resident whose needs may deepen later has those levels already licensed here, across 170 beds. Starting prices run to $3,615 in independent living and $6,065 in memory care, the gap reflecting how much support each level carries. Thirty-six for Walk Score means car-dependent, so a ride does most errands.

Restaurant is one of the named programs, while dining, a bistro, a salon, a fitness center, and transportation are all on the amenity list. Pets are welcome as well, and Stacey Russell is the administrator.

$3,615/Month

Contact Rock Creek Senior Living

Overview of Pennsylvania Place

Pennsylvania Place offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Ottumwa, IA. Assisted living supports residents with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while they retain their own apartment, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Because Pennsylvania Place offers multiple care levels, it can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to another community. Housing includes Patio Homes, independent living apartments, assisted living apartments, and specialized Memory Support, and Pennsylvania Place has 102 beds.

A Walk Score of 77 / 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Transportation is available, giving residents an option for trips without arranging every ride themselves. Brenda Hostetler serves as administrator.

Contact Pennsylvania Place

Overview of Calvin Community

Located in Des Moines, IA, Calvin Community is a skilled nursing community that offers memory care, assisted living, skilled care, and rehabilitation services. Licensed nurses also support skilled nursing, with 24-hour staffing available. With a wide range of care options, the community can accommodate a resident’s evolving needs without the need to move.

With 59 beds, the community’s size can support staff and residents getting to know each other under the leadership of Billy Meyers. Additionally, housing includes one-bed and two-bed layouts. The two-bed option can also suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

Through 24-hour staffing, staff are available at any time. Rehabilitation services are also available. Moreover, activity calendars and community events provide scheduled activities.

The community has a Walk Score of 61, placing it in the somewhat walkable band where some errands can be completed on foot. For a resident who no longer drives, certain nearby errands may be possible without a car, while other trips may still require transportation. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 39 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nurse staffing time allocated per resident.

Contact Calvin Community

Edencrest at The Legacy

2901 Cedar St, Norwalk, IA 50211
Overview of Edencrest at the Legacy

Edencrest at the Legacy sits in Norwalk, Iowa, offering a full care continuum under one roof. It provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care, giving families flexibility if a loved one’s needs shift over time. Administrator Anna Austin leads the operation, which opened in 2018. The two-story building holds 80 beds with housing in studio, one-, and two-bedroom layouts. With 28 beds occupied, current occupancy is at 35 percent.

While the neighborhood isn’t especially walkable, with a Walk Score of 29, the home operates an on-site transportation service so occupants don’t need to rely on family or personal vehicles for appointments and outings. Fitness and recreation are offered in-house, and the facility welcomes pets, so residents can bring along a beloved dog or cat. That matters more than it might seem if a pet is part of someone’s daily life and comfort. Built for continuity is Edencrest at the Legacy. An occupant can move in needing minimal support for daily activities and stay through a transition to memory care without changing addresses. Between on-site transportation and organized recreation, the community fills gaps that a car-dependent neighborhood would otherwise create.

The breadth of care levels in one location simplifies future planning, noteworthy for families exploring choices in central Iowa.

Contact Edencrest at The Legacy

Overview of Grand Living at Tower Place

Grand Living at Tower Place is an assisted living community in West Des Moines, Iowa, in an average walkable neighborhood where some daily errands can be finished on foot. Operating for five years, it’s housed in a mid-rise building. It offers an array of housing configurations: studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units to cater to different preferences and care needs. The 76-bed facility currently maintains a 47 percent occupancy rate, with 36 residents in place. This lower occupancy may give new families a chance to tour the home and experience the setting with more availability and attention to queries.

The Iowa authorities’ regulatory inspections have identified areas for improvement across policies and procedures, including medication management, emergency response protocols, background verification processes, and activity programming. These are operational areas that families must discuss directly with management during a tour to know how it’s addressing and fortifying such practices.

An in-person visit by prospective residents and their families would be valuable to learn about the specific services, care offerings, amenities, dining, and daily activities offered at Grand Living at Tower Place, plus to better understand its approach to resident support and engagement.

Starting Price $4,545/Month

Contact Grand Living At Tower Place

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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Independent Living in Iowa at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 43/ 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: 76The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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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 226 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.