Page 9 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. 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.
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.
Park Vista Retirement Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Camanche
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 76
Rank #45 / 165
Yes
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 43
Rank #141 / 222
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 15
Rank #75 / 131
34.1%
Facility 34.1%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #140 / 154
-2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Mayflower Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Grinnell
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 76
Rank #127 / 165
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 43
Rank #14 / 222
--
77.5%
Facility 77.5%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #58 / 154
?15
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 6
Rank #57 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Marian Home
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Fort Dodge
90
Facility 90
IA AVG 76
Rank #41 / 165
No
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 43
Rank #52 / 222
--
80.0%
Facility 80.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #56 / 154
?18
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6
Rank #104 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Cottage Grove Place – Connections
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Cedar Rapids
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 76
Rank #147 / 165
Yes
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 43
Rank #71 / 222
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 15
Rank #89 / 131
38.9%
Facility 38.9%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #132 / 154
-5
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6
Rank #57 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Prairie Creek Assisted Living
IL
AL
RC
West Bend
32
Facility 32
IA AVG 76
Rank #154 / 165
No
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 43
Rank #111 / 222
-
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 15
Rank #31 / 131
46.9%
Facility 46.9%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #109 / 154
-2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Stonebridge Suites of Milford
IL
AL
MC
Milford
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 76
Rank #123 / 165
No
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 43
Rank #52 / 222
-
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 15
Rank #55 / 131
56.8%
Facility 56.8%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #81 / 154
-3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #57 / 155
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 155
Independence Village of Pella
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
Pella
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 76
Rank #164 / 165
Yes
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 43
Rank #174 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 15
Rank #31 / 131
35.7%
Facility 35.7%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #137 / 154
C5
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6
Rank #111 / 155
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 1
Rank #153 / 155
Edencrest at Riverwoods
IL
AL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Woodside Park)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 76
Rank #48 / 165
Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 43
Rank #137 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 15
Rank #65 / 131
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #126 / 154
A9
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 6
Rank #124 / 155
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 1
Rank #143 / 155
Independence Village of Waukee
IL
AL
MC
Waukee
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 76
Rank #153 / 165
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 43
Rank #124 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 15
Rank #58 / 131
41.2%
Facility 41.2%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #121 / 154
D-5
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #38 / 155
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 1
Rank #130 / 155
Tower Living Center
IL
AL
Garnavillo
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 76
Rank #165 / 165
No
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 43
Rank #150 / 222
-
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 15
Rank #48 / 131
42.9%
Facility 42.9%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #114 / 154
A+2
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #38 / 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 Cottage Grove Place – Connections

Cottage Grove Place, Connections offers nursing home care, skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Cedar Rapids, IA. Nursing home care and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment.

Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision. The range of care levels can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to a different community. The community has 36 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other.

Chef prepared meals are provided, giving residents prepared dining within the community. Short term rehabilitation offers a temporary stay focused on recovery, and respite care provides a short term option when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. A Walk Score of 56 / 100 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, so some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete certain nearby errands independently. Pets are allowed, so a resident may keep a pet with them. Melissa Holyoake serves as the administrator.

Contact Cottage Grove Place – Connections

Overview of Stonebridge Suites of Milford

Stonebridge Suites of Milford offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Milford, IA. Assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private 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.

All three care levels are available here. As a resident’s needs grow, they may move to a different level without leaving the community or starting over socially. Stonebridge Suites of Milford has 44 beds, placing it among smaller communities where staff and residents can get to know each other. A Walk Score of 62 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, giving a resident who no longer drives some independent access outside the community. Daren Butcher serves as the administrator.

Contact Stonebridge Suites of Milford

Overview of Prairie Creek Assisted Living

Prairie Creek Assisted Living offers assisted living, independent living, and respite care in West Bend, IA. Assisted living helps with daily tasks while residents maintain their own apartments, while independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care. Respite care provides a short-term stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, and the range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs could change over time without requiring a move to another community.

The 32-bed community is smaller in scale. Residents and staff may find it easier to know one another in that setting. Home-style meals are prepared according to resident preferences, including comfort food and local favorites, so residents can request meals that suit their tastes, while a beauty and barber salon provides on-site personal care. Landscaped grounds include a rose garden and picnic areas for outdoor time, and luxury transportation services provide arranged travel.

Monthly activities include bingo, wine and cheese tastings, religious services, and movie nights, giving residents scheduled choices for recreation and worship. Rehabilitation services are available on site, so residents can receive therapy without arranging transportation elsewhere. The area has a Walk Score of 41 and is classified as car-dependent, meaning most errands require a car or a ride; Jessica List serves as the administrator.

Contact Prairie Creek Assisted Living

Overview of Independence Village of Pella

Situated in Pella, IA, Independence Village of Pella is a reliable senior living community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. The community features an array of beautifully designed accommodations, ranging from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, providing a comfortable living space to residents. Care needs are fully met with personalized care plans and professionally trained employees available 24/7 to provide care and assistance.

There’s no shortage of enriching things to do with a vibrant calendar of activities, events, and programs offered by the community. Dining experience is improved with chef-prepared meals that are carefully curated to satisfy unique dietary needs and food preferences. Residents never have to worry about chores with housekeeping, laundry services, and other supportive services provided by a dedicated team. Here, residents have what they need to live a carefree and fulfilling lifestyle.

Contact Independence Village of Pella

Overview of Independence Village of Waukee

Independence Village of Waukee offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Waukee, IA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks while the resident keeps a private living space; independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care; memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone who may be at risk of wandering. Having all three care types on one campus may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since they may be able to move between care levels without leaving the community.

The community has 34 beds. That creates a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other, with one bedroom and two bedroom housing for someone living alone or a couple moving together. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to bring a pet when moving in. A Walk Score of 38 places the area in a car dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride rather than a short walk; Austin Williams serves as the administrator.

Contact Independence Village of Waukee

Edencrest at Riverwoods

2210 E Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320
Overview of Edencrest at Riverwoods

Ideally set in the tranquil neighborhood of East Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA, is the reliable senior living community of Edencrest at Riverwoods that provides assisted living and memory care. Experience the highest quality of care and support with a compassionate and responsible team caring for residents’ needs and preferences around the clock. Featuring different levels of care for individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs, the community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment where residents thrive.

Elevate your retirement with fun recreation and wellness programs, highlighting your interests and strengths. Delightful and healthy meals are also provided to foster comfort and meet dietary needs. With beautiful courtyards and pet-friendly spaces, residents enjoy a peaceful and happy retirement.

Contact Edencrest at Riverwoods

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 Park Vista Retirement Living

Park Vista Retirement Living offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Camanche, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision, and respite care offers a short stay for someone whose usual caregiver needs temporary coverage.

The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving to another level can occur without leaving the community. Park Vista Retirement Living has 82 beds, and Susan Kincaid serves as the administrator.

Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to continue living with a pet. A salon and spa are available for grooming services within the community.

A Walk Score of 33 places the area in a car-dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride, including for residents who no longer drive.

Contact Park Vista Retirement Living

Marian Home

2400 Sixth Avenue North, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-3541
Overview of Marian Home

Marian Home provides independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing in Fort Dodge, IA. Independent living offers a private living arrangement without daily care, while assisted living provides help with everyday tasks. Skilled nursing provides ongoing nursing care for residents with clinical needs, and the combination of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time without requiring a move to another community.

Marian Home opened in 1960 and has 90 beds. Independent living, assisted living, and nursing care units are available, along with rehabilitation services and short term rehabilitation for residents focused on recovery. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 51 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated per resident.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Medicare can help cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid may assist when savings do not cover a long stay, and private pay means using personal funds. Tracy Trotter serves as the administrator.

Therapy services, a beauty shop, community living areas, social programs, group activities, transportation for residents, and daily church services are available. A Walk Score of 62 places the area in the somewhat walkable range, so some errands can be completed on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to handle certain nearby trips independently. These services and care options may suit someone who wants access to therapy, social activities, worship, and support with transportation while living in one community.

Contact Marian Home

Mayflower Home

616 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112-2298
Overview of Mayflower Home

Mayflower Home operates as a senior living community in Grinnell, Iowa, providing independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Independent living provides private residences alongside shared community services, whereas assisted living assists residents with personal care routines like dressing, bathing, and medication administration. Secured accommodations cater to individuals with memory loss who require steady supervision. Physical therapy and recovery support are handled through Rehab Care.

Kellie McGriff acts as administrator for the 40-bed facility, which maintains a total daily nurse staffing rate of 4 hours and 55 minutes per resident. Features include a mini gift shop and an active Residents Association that organizes local activities and resident participation. Nearby streets yield an 82 Walk Score, allowing residents to manage daily errands on foot. Financial arrangements accept Medicare, Medicaid, and direct private payment.

Families considering a campus that accommodates changing care requirements over time can contact Mayflower Home to check current availability, tour the grounds, or evaluate funding options.

Contact Mayflower Home

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.