Page 5 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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
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.
Willow Dale Wellness Village
IL
AL
HOS
NH
SNF
Battle Creek
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 403
No
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 47
Rank #498 / 504
-- 74.3% ----
Legacy Senior Living
IL
AL
Iowa City (Lucas)
136
Facility 136
IA AVG 72
Rank #26 / 403
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 47
Rank #404 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #86 / 285
52.2% A+17
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #146 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Edencrest at Beaverdale
IL
AL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 72
Rank #16 / 403
Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 47
Rank #70 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #200 / 285
39.4% A+17
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 7
Rank #233 / 295
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #201 / 295
Cedar Ridge Village
IL
AL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 403
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 47
Rank #486 / 504
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 285
95.0% A+15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 295
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #201 / 295
Kennybrook Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Grimes
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 403
Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 47
Rank #371 / 504
-
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 19
Rank #162 / 285
87.5% -12
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 295
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #201 / 295
Valley View Village
IL
AL
HOS
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 72
Rank #117 / 403
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 47
Rank #304 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 19
Rank #3 / 285
100.0% -24
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #187 / 295
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #232 / 295
The Summit at Bettendorf
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Bettendorf
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 403
Yes
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 47
Rank #461 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 285
87.5% -12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
IL
AL
Iowa City (Weber)
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 72
Rank #250 / 403
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 47
Rank #404 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #106 / 285
57.7% A+14
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #187 / 295
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #201 / 295
Good Samaritan Society – Davenport
IL
NH
RC
Davenport
119
Facility 119
IA AVG 72
Rank #43 / 403
Yes
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 47
Rank #439 / 504
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms- 72.3% -30
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 7
Rank #245 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Elm Crest Senior Living Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Harlan
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 72
Rank #256 / 403
No
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 47
Rank #225 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed- 94.0% -14
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #32 / 295
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #270 / 295

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 Willow Dale Wellness Village

Willow Dale Wellness Village is a 50-bed rural facility that splits its operations between short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, yielding a mixed-case 125-day average length of stay. The client pipeline draws from private-pay individuals (48%), Medicare admissions (40%), and Medicaid recipients (13%). Financial records show significant operational strain, with the property logging a 2023 business loss of $211.3 thousand and a negative 5.7% profit margin, following a drop in occupancy down to 56%. Despite these tightening revenues, the facility channels a high 64.8% of its funds directly into employee payroll to sustain daily operations.

State health databases show robust total nursing and physical therapy hours alongside mixed clinical outcomes and zero historical fines. Direct care lines provide an average of 4 hours and 31 minutes per resident daily, with certified nursing assistant hours beating the Iowa baseline by 14% and daily physical therapy tracking at double the state norm.

The facility carries a clean three-year record regarding federal financial penalties, and while recent standard inspection reports remain on file from 2023 through late 2025, no severe enforcement actions are noted. Long-stay clinical charts show strong safety trends for permanent resident falls, but the records note higher-than-average numbers for long-stay hospitalizations and antipsychotic prescriptions. Short-term rehabilitation files similarly reveal a clinical risk, with post-acute major injury falls tracking at 2.9% compared to the 0.8% state average.

Representatives looking into rural nursing placements or post-acute physical therapy can check these state health monitoring logs to evaluate the home’s daily operations. The public records detail a quiet, low-occupancy facility that maintains deep daytime caregiving hours and an unpunished regulatory track record, balanced against notable short-stay fall risks and evident business losses.

Contact Willow Dale Wellness Village

Overview of Legacy Senior Living

Ensconced within the charming ambiance of Iowa City, Legacy Senior Living stands as a pinnacle of retirement living on the east side. This vibrant community offers a harmonious blend of residential assisted living with memory care options, ensuring a holistic and dignified lifestyle for its residents. What sets Legacy Pointe apart is its dedication to continuous learning, exemplified by its specialized memory care training, empowering staff to provide compassionate and professional care to seniors.

The community’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its welcoming of respite stays and its efforts to cater to various dietary needs. The scenic campus boasts a pet-friendly environment, accompanied by splendid common areas, a beauty salon, a cutting-edge computer and media center, and a dynamic fitness hub. Engaging activities in the game room further enhance the sense of camaraderie and fulfillment.

Contact Legacy Senior Living

Edencrest at Beaverdale

3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Overview of Edencrest at Beaverdale

Lead a meaningful life with the idyllic senior living community of Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA, providing assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs are well-cared for through different levels of care provided to meet their unique needs. With its commitment to understanding residents, the community crafts personalized care plans for their comfort.

Residents receive the utmost care and support with a care team attending to them 24/7, ensuring they enjoy every moment of their best years. With fun recreation and wellness programs, residents experience fun-filled days. The community promotes a pet-friendly and welcoming environment, making it ideal for those aiming to optimize their independence.

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

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.

Contact Cedar Ridge Village

Overview of Kennybrook Village

Kennybrook Village is a senior living campus at 200 SW Brookside Drive in Grimes, Iowa. Managed by Jayce Wilson and operated by Scenic Development LLC, the facility serves Polk County with 40 skilled nursing beds alongside independent and assisted living options. Current reports show 35 occupants in the nursing wing, while the assisted living program reports 32 residents. The facility operates under license 770858, which remains active through January 2026.

Regulatory records show a high overall CMS rating but identify recent challenges in dietary services. A January 2025 inspection resulted in four deficiencies, primarily involving failures to maintain safe food temperatures and follow prescribed menus. Despite these citations, the facility maintains a strong long-term record, with the assisted living component achieving a citations-per-inspection rate of zero during its most recent July 2025 review.

Clinical services are supported by staffing levels that exceed state averages, providing 5 hours and 11 minutes of nursing care per resident daily. Data highlights a significant focus on rehabilitation, with physical therapist staffing 50% higher than the Iowa average. Professional care includes speech language pathology, occupational therapy, and specialized memory care at “Maggie’s Place”. CMS quality measures for long-stay residents are 44.5% better than state benchmarks, reflecting high clinical outcomes in high-risk categories.

The residential environment includes social outings, museum visits, and fitness programming designed for varying activity levels. Shared amenities feature pet-friendly suites, housekeeping, and private dining options. Monthly costs range from $2,950 for independent living to $7,650 for memory care. The community primarily serves private-pay residents but accepts Medicare and Medicaid for those requiring short-term medical rehabilitation.

This campus fits seniors seeking high nurse-to-resident ratios and intensive physical therapy. Families evaluating Kennybrook Village should ask directly about the corrective actions taken regarding the 2025 food service citations and request a recent temperature log for meal services before making a placement decision.

Contact Kennybrook Village

Overview of Valley View Village

Valley View Village 2571 is a high-standard nursing home in Des Moines, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, from independent living to rehabilitation. Promoting a welcoming environment, the community strives to maintain connections for older adults’ happiness and wellness. Delicious dining, recreational activities, and pet-friendly spaces are among the community’s unique features that make it an ideal retirement destination. With its dedication to residents’ welfare, personalized care plans are crafted to meet their healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences.

Hobby groups, fun excursions, and spiritual activities are just some of the activities that residents can join for leisure and wellness. The community also features a variety of amenities, including a library, well-maintained gardens, and walking paths, dedicated to enriching residents’ living experiences. As a community of its own, Valley View Village has all the local amenities needed for residents’ needs and leisure. This retirement community is one of Iowa’s finest choices for senior living, especially for its wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

Contact Valley View Village

Overview of The Summit at Bettendorf

The Summit at Bettendorf is a well-regarded retirement community in Bettendorf, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. The community also features a variety of thoughtfully furnished floor plans in a nurturing and home-like environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. With chef-prepared meals, 24-hour care, and wellness programs, residents can maintain their independence with ease. Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, the community provides exceptional care tailored to their needs and preferences.

Lectures, light physical activities, and resident clubs help residents have fun and continue learning. Residents can also interact with friends and lounge, as state-of-the-art amenities, like the rooftop bar, salon, and walking paths, are available. Set in the quiet neighborhood of Bettendorf, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With its exceptional quality of care, this retirement community is a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Contact The Summit at Bettendorf

Overview of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Located in the heart of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community stands as a welcoming haven for seniors seeking assisted living. Offering a range of private senior apartments, this community provides a sanctuary where residents are free from the burdens of upkeep and monotony. With a reputation that shines brightly over the years, Melrose Meadows prides itself on transparency in its fee structure and offers a blend of independent and assisted living facilities.

Its strategic proximity to the University of Iowa hospitals and clinics ensures seamless access to world-class healthcare, supported by a dedicated on-site staff available around the clock. Amidst the vibrant energy of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community thrives as a place where seniors experience a fulfilling and supportive environment. Thoughtfully designed spaces create a sense of warmth and comfort, encouraging residents to embrace life to the fullest.

Contact Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Davenport

Committed to providing compassionate in-home care for senior residents of Davenport, Iowa, Good Samaritan Society Home Health Care empowers individuals to live fulfilling lives within the comfort of their own homes. Serving Scott, Muscatine, Cedar, and Clinton Counties, their reach extends to a broad range of communities.

Good Samaritan offers a helping hand to those in need of additional support with daily living, medical management, recovering from surgery, illness, accidents, or falls. Their duly licensed team provides a variety of services to meet individual needs, including post-surgical rehabilitation, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, medication management, disease management, wound care, and even telehealth consultations. Integrating clinical expertise with compassionate care, Good Samaritan helps clients regain strength, maintain independence, and age gracefully in their preferred environment.

Contact Good Samaritan Society – Davenport

Overview of Elm Crest Senior Living Community

Committed to enhancing seniors’ quality of life, Elm Crest Senior Living Community is a distinct senior living community set in the harmonious city of Harlan, IA, providing a wide array of living options such as assisted living, independent living, memory care, health center, and rehabilitation therapy services. The community doubles its efforts to foster a warm and welcoming environment for seniors to make the most out of their days in beautifully designed and cozy one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Receive top-notch care and support from a reliable and highly qualified team and live a glorious retirement without worries with Elm Crest.

With over 65 years of experience in helping seniors, Elm Crest continuously provides the finest experience to create wonderful moments. Moreover, the community meticulously crafts care plans that best fit residents’ unique needs and preferences to ensure they are well-cared for. Surrounded by refreshing spaces and placed near hospitals, Elm Crest provides easy access to medical needs and the utmost comfort that seniors deserve.

Contact Elm Crest Senior Living Community

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.