Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 7 of Best Independent Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 225 independent living communities in Iowa using Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
225 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Walk Score: 45/ 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: 71The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

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% A13
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% A7
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
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Overview of Tower Living Center

Experience a worry-free retirement at Tower Living Center, an idyllic retreat in Garnavillo, IA, offering assisted living. Residents do not have to worry about their daily living activities and personal needs with a kind and highly trained team available 24/7. With its nurturing and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety.

Residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness with a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs. Mealtimes are also something to look forward to, 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 their golden years, especially with its dedicated services and well-maintained amenities.

Contact Tower Living Center

Overview of Prairie Wind Independent Living at Western Home Communities

Situated in tranquil neighborhood of Cedar Falls, IA, Prairie Wind Independent Living at Western Home Communities is an esteemed senior living community that provides a comprehensive range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing care, and skilled care. The community features spacious and convenient accommodations with two-floor plan options that cater to its residents’ preferences. In terms of memory care, a well-trained and compassionate team offers the utmost care and support needed by those with cognitive conditions.

Offering top-tier amenities and services, residents can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that satisfy cravings and provide dietary needs. A lively calendar of social activities and life enrichment programs is also available carefully crafted and coordinated by a professional team. Here, life is celebrated in comfort and joy, making it a perfect place for seniors seeking an active lifestyle.

Contact Prairie Wind Independent Living at Western Home Communities

Overview of Gardens of Cedar Rapids
The Gardens of Cedar Rapids is a senior living community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It offers Independent and Assisted Living options, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Memory Care services. The community promotes social interaction and a sense of belonging among its residents.

Contact Gardens of Cedar Rapids

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 Rose Haven Nursing Home

Rose Haven Nursing Home is a 58-bed facility in Marengo, Iowa, run by administrator Tereni Kepler. The building operates at roughly 78 percent occupancy and handles billing through private pay alongside Medicare and Medicaid. Lengths of stay average around 93 days, which means the daily routine balances short-term, post-hospital recovery therapies with traditional extended nursing placements.

The on-floor nursing team provides an average of 3 hours and 34 minutes of direct daily care to each resident. Registered nurses account for 32 minutes of this daily care, working alongside nurse aides to manage physical, occupational, and speech therapy routines. The facility coordinates music sessions, group games, and dietary consultations for tailored meals to support daily life. The town setting has a walkability score of 47 out of 100, indicating that while you can handle a few minor errands on foot, a short drive is required for most trips.

Families can reach out to the admissions office to check on current room openings, look over the seasonal events calendar, or plan a walkthrough of the therapy rooms. The business desk can also help verify your financial eligibility and clarify how Medicare or state aid programs handle short-term recovery costs.

Contact Rose Haven Nursing Home

Cottage Grove Place

2115 1St Ave Se, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Overview of Cottage Grove Place

At Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, residents can expect a top-tier level of care within their reach. The spacious rooms are designed to be bright and open, creating an atmosphere that’s both inviting and comfortable. The community is conveniently located near a variety of amenities, including physicians, hospitals, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re in need of assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or rehabilitation services, Cottage Grove Place has you covered. 

Their executive chef and culinary team prepare exquisite and healthy meals to satisfy your palette, utilizing a holistic approach to wellness. In addition to great dining, there are also beautiful outdoor spaces available for residents to bask in the sun or enjoy the fresh air. The onsite salon and spa, fitness center, libraries, activity room, card solarium, and billiards room provide endless opportunities for fun and conversation with fellow residents. And, for those who love their furry companions, Cottage Grove Place also welcomes them with open arms.

Contact Cottage Grove Place

Overview of Life Center

Offering excellent memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, The Life Center is a dependable senior living community in Des Moines, IA that helps residents maintain a sense of individuality and freedom while receiving additional support. The community features a reliable nursing team available 24-hours a day and an extensive rehabilitative program, featuring physical, speech, and occupational therapies that help residents maintain their highest level of functionality.

Residents also delight in an array of convenient services that help them live a maintenance-free lifestyle such as housekeeping, laundry, package delivery services, and more. A registered dietician carefully reviews the residents’ therapeutic diets to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and nourishment. With Life Center, residents are guaranteed to lead the lifestyle they deserve surrounded by compassionate support and care.

Contact Life Center

Overview of Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Considerably one of the trusted senior living communities in the city, Woodlands Creek offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care lifestyle in a warm and welcoming environment for the residents– making them feel right at home. The retirement home strives in promoting an engaging social life for the seniors to create endless possibilities for them as well as develop meaningful relationships that blossom into wonderful memories. Woodlands is the home where people and interests are mattered and cared for.

The resident lifestyle of independent living seniors is focused on maintaing an active lifestyle by offering them a range of scheduled activities. Assisted living levels of care offer a range of services focused on the individualized and personal care needs of its residents: transportation, a geriatric physician, and a 24/7 nursing staff– the same goes for the memory care unit.

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

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

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

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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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.