Page 4 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:

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-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.
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.
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.
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.
Terrace Glen Village
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Marion (Flynn)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 76
Rank #127 / 165
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 43
Rank #189 / 222
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 15
Rank #75 / 131
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #9 / 154
?13
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 155
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 1
Rank #130 / 155
Perry Lutheran Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Perry
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 76
Rank #69 / 165
No
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 43
Rank #27 / 222
-
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 15
Rank #22 / 131
71.4%
Facility 71.4%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #50 / 154
?28
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 6
Rank #140 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
The Meadows
IL
AL
MC
Manchester
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 76
Rank #61 / 165
No
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 43
Rank #152 / 222
-
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 15
Rank #22 / 131
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #93 / 154
A+3
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 6
Rank #77 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
The Heritage at Fox Run
IL
AL
MC
RC
Council Bluffs
132
Facility 132
IA AVG 76
Rank #18 / 165
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 43
Rank #189 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 15
Rank #39 / 131
50.8%
Facility 50.8%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #94 / 154
A6
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6
Rank #89 / 155
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 1
Rank #119 / 155
Edencrest at The Legacy
IL
AL
MC
RC
Norwalk
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 76
Rank #48 / 165
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
A+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
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
A-7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6
Rank #57 / 155
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #104 / 155
Grand Living at Indian Creek
IL
AL
MC
Cedar Rapids
264
Facility 264
IA AVG 76
Rank #1 / 165
Yes
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 43
Rank #201 / 222
-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 15
Rank #81 / 131
51.1%
Facility 51.1%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #95 / 154
-5
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #21 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Camelot Village
IL
Council Bluffs
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 76
Rank #126 / 165
Yes
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 43
Rank #44 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed-
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #1 / 154
B+25
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #38 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Oaknoll Assisted Living
IL
AL
NH
Iowa City (Longfellow)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 76
Rank #48 / 165
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 43
Rank #1 / 222
-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 15
Rank #41 / 131
41.3%
Facility 41.3%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #120 / 154
-2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
3801 Grand
IL
AL
MC
Des Moines (East Village)
106
Facility 106
IA AVG 76
Rank #33 / 165
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 43
Rank #1 / 222
-
28
Facility 28
IA AVG 15
Rank #15 / 131
40.6%
Facility 40.6%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #124 / 154
-6
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6
Rank #124 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 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 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.

Contact Grand Living At Tower Place

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 The Heritage at Fox Run

Placing a premium on understanding the unique needs, personalities of each resident is a key aspect of The Heritage at Fox Run’s senior care community in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Elderly individuals looking to settle into their golden years without the hassle of daily chores, or those in need of a helping hand with everyday activities, tackling the challenges of memory care conditions, or looking for a serene environment to live out their lives, can find exactly what they want and more from the full spectrum of services available at The Heritage.

Independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite care, on care home health and hospice; The Heritage’s brand of exceptional senior living has got you or your loved one covered on all bases. Warm and welcoming staff are dedicated to supporting residents to lead the best lives possible, while enjoying comforts such as cozy living arrangements, high-class dining options, socialization opportunities, and events, amenities geared towards pursuing passions and stimulating engagement.

Contact The Heritage at Fox Run

Overview of Camelot Village

Peacefully nestled near Fairmont Park in Council Bluffs, IA, Camelot Village is a blissful community that offers independent living. The community features cozy and thoughtfully designed studio and one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort. On-site maintenance and management, alongside a variety of safety features like safety rails, are available, so residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle.

Unique local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, ensuring residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. With a full kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are also allowed, as long as they meet community policy. The community is a great option for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its dedicated services and state-of-the-art amenities.

Contact Camelot Village

Overview of Grand Living at Indian Creek

Grand Living at Indian Creek offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Cedar Rapids, IA. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, so the range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time without leaving the community.

The community has 264 beds, bringing together more residents, staff, and usually more programming than a smaller community. Respite care offers a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. Pets are allowed, so a resident can bring a pet when moving in.

Multiple restaurant-style dining venues serve chef-prepared meals, giving residents more than one on-site setting for meals. A pool and wellness center provide places for exercise, while salon services support personal care and outdoor recreation areas offer space for outdoor activity. Chauffeured transportation is available for scheduled travel, and LUMINATIONS® memory care and FACETS® Events and Activities are among the community’s named programs.

Dara Fishnick serves as the administrator.

Contact Grand Living at Indian Creek

Overview of Oaknoll Assisted Living

Oaknoll Assisted Living offers assisted living, independent living, and nursing care in Iowa City, Iowa. Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Independent living supports private living with community services and no daily care, while nursing care provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Having these care levels together may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time. Care can change within the same community rather than requiring a move elsewhere. The community is in the Longfellow neighborhood and has 80 beds, with Taylor Wheeler serving as administrator.

Respite care provides a short stay when a family caregiver needs to travel or recover. Dining includes varied food venues and choices, so residents have more than one setting or option for meals. The Fitness Center offers a place to exercise within the community, and rehabilitation services are available for residents who need therapy; Dementia Live® is one of the named programs.

A Walk Score of 91 out of 100 places the area in the walker’s paradise band. Daily errands do not require a car, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently for those errands. The range of care may be a good fit for someone who wants private living now but may need daily help or nursing care later.

Contact Oaknoll Assisted Living

3801 Grand

3801 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312-2800
Overview of 3801 Grand

3801 Grand offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Des Moines, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident maintains their own apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone who may be at risk of wandering.

Having all three care types in one community may make 3801 Grand a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time, because a move to another care level may not require leaving the community. The community has 106 beds, and Angie Wadle serves as administrator.

A Walk Score of 91 out of 100 makes the area a walker’s paradise, meaning daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Social, dining, and wellness programming gives residents organized activities connected to those parts of daily life.

Contact 3801 Grand

Overview of Terrace Glen Village

Terrace Glen Village is an exquisite senior living community in Marion, Iowa, that is good at making a difference in nursing homes and assisted living communities. It offers a range of services, including independent living, assisted living, and short-term care options, with a focus on providing exceptional nursing home care. Their team is well-equipped to handle complex medical needs, providing personalized care plans and specialized services that cater to individual requirements. From medication management to specialized therapies, residents can rest assured that their well-being is in capable hands.

From the beautifully designed living spaces to the delicious dining experiences, Terrace Glen Village is dedicated to creating an environment that goes beyond the ordinary. The dedicated team of professionals is well-versed in providing the highest level of care and support, ensuring that residents’ physical and emotional well-being is prioritized every step of the way.

Contact Terrace Glen Village

Overview of Perry Lutheran Home

Perry Lutheran Home provides nursing home, assisted living, independent living, memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Perry, IA. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication. Memory care is a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Respite care offers a short stay when a family’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. As a continuing care retirement community, Perry Lutheran Home brings these care levels together, which may suit a resident whose needs grow over time because changing care can happen without leaving the community. The home has 70 beds.

Rehabilitative therapy can support a resident working to regain function. The Meals on Wheels program provides meal delivery through that service. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment routes for care costs.

Total nurse staffing is 4h 40m per resident/day, representing the daily hands-on nurse staffing time per resident. A Walk Score of 74 places the area in the very walkable band, so most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Melissa Gannon serves as the administrator.

Contact Perry Lutheran Home

Overview of The Meadows

Make the most of your best years at The Meadows, a welcoming retreat in Manchester, IA, offering assisted living. Featuring specially designed and secure accommodations, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team helping with their daily living activities around the clock.

A thoughtfully planned calendar of engaging activities and fun recreational programs is conducted, encouraging residents to interact with their surroundings and live actively. Residents have a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its exceptional care and well-maintained amenities.

Contact The Meadows

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.