Other senior care options in West Des Moines:

Best Independent Living in West Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 14 independent living communities in West Des Moines, IA 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
May 2026
We analyzed
14 homes
Other senior care options in West Des Moines:
Avg Walk Score: 34/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in West Des Moines, IA. 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: 53The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in West Des Moines, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around West Des Moines (Metro Area)

Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living
IL
ADC
AL
MC
NH
West Des Moines
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 45
Rank #482 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed-
97.5%
Facility 97.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #16 / 379
-20
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #328 / 348
Cedar Ridge Village
IL
AL
NH
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 45
Rank #488 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #24 / 379
A+15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Calvin Community
IL
NH
AL
MC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 71
Rank #226 / 407
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 45
Rank #145 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
93.2%
Facility 93.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #42 / 379
-17
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Woodlands Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Clive
-No
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 45
Rank #415 / 528
-
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
-A+---
Heritage Court Assisted Living
IL
NH
AL
West Des Moines (Office Park Road)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #234 / 407
No
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 45
Rank #362 / 528
-
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 19
Rank #74 / 282
35.7%
Facility 35.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #354 / 379
-18
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Glen Meadows Retirement Community
IL
West Des Moines
-Yes
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 45
Rank #391 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed------
Luther Park Community
IL
AL
MC
NC
NH
Des Moines (Union Park)
-Yes
45
Facility 45
IA AVG 45
Rank #262 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed------
Fairmeadows Village
IL
West Des Moines (Vine Street)
-Yes
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 45
Rank #387 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 19
Rank #42 / 282
-----
Elite Lodge of Ashworth
IL
West Des Moines (The Lodge Of Ashworth)
-Yes
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 45
Rank #287 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed------
Crestview Terrace Apartments
IL
West Des Moines (Ashworth Road)
-Yes
53
Facility 53
IA AVG 45
Rank #195 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed------
Care Initiatives
IL
AL
HC
NH
West Des Moines (West Lakes Parkway)
-No
28
Facility 28
IA AVG 45
Rank #382 / 528
-------
Cedar Ridge Village
IL
AL
NH
West Des Moines
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #171 / 407
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #213 / 528
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
51.5%
Facility 51.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #256 / 379
A+2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #1 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Woodlands Creek Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Clive (Woodlands Parkway)
-Yes
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 45
Rank #427 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
-A+---
Valley West Apartments
IL
West Des Moines (36Th Street)
-Yes
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 45
Rank #160 / 528
1 Bed------
Overview of Edgewater, a Wesleylife Community for Healthy Living

Edgewater, a Wesleylife Community for Healthy Living, graces a 50-acre campus nestled amidst natural beauty, boasting serene water features and picturesque ponds. Within this splendid setting, they offer a spectrum of senior living options, including independent senior living, memory care living, assisted living, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation. mainly, Edgewater prioritizes the overall wellness of their residents, providing not only five-star dining but also a wealth of amenities to enhance their daily lives.

Residents at Edgewater enjoy concierge services, an art studio, and a newly constructed event center. The community further offers indoor heated saltwater pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, salon and spa services, and much more. With spacious areas for various activities, including independent living apartments, a skilled culinary team, and chefs dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences, Edgewater stands as a vibrant, pristine, and ideal place to call home.

Contact Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living

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 Calvin Community

Calvin Community is a 59-bed healthcare campus located at 4210 Hickman Road in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. Operated as a faith-based voluntary nonprofit, the facility provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. The community currently maintains a high occupancy rate of 93% with 55 residents, exceeding the Iowa state average of 75.4%. With a Walk Score of 61, the location is ranked among the more accessible facilities in the state, situated approximately 0.3 miles from the nearest hospital.

State and federal monitoring data show the facility holds a 5-star overall CMS rating, performing 53.8% above the Iowa average. A January 2026 recertification survey for the assisted living program resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. While the broader campus has recorded 24 deficiencies since 2020—primarily involving care planning and food safety—it maintains an annual deficiency average 11% below the state benchmark and has no “immediate jeopardy” citations on record. Two historical fines totaling $26,000 were documented, which is 45% lower than the state average for total penalties.

Professional care is supported by 5 hours and 44 minutes of nursing time per resident daily, a level that is 30% higher than the Iowa average. Clinical staffing is particularly strong in rehabilitation, with physical therapy hours 200% above state benchmarks. Quality measures show high performance in safety, with major injury falls 83% better and antipsychotic medication use 58% better than state averages. However, long-stay data indicate a trend where residents’ need for assistance with daily activities and mobility has increased at a higher rate than state peers.

Residential options include one- and two-bedroom apartments and private townhomes featuring garages. The facility offers three nutritionally balanced meals daily and provides scheduled transportation for medical appointments and community outings. Shared amenities include an active resident council, diverse social programming, and communal spaces for card games and Bible studies. The payer mix is diverse, with 50% of residents using private pay, alongside Medicare and Medicaid participants.

Older adults seeking a nonprofit, faith-based environment with high staffing ratios and a strong local reputation may find this community appropriate. Prospective representatives should evaluate the facility’s success in fall prevention while discussing specific plans to support residents experiencing declines in physical mobility before making a final decision.

Contact Calvin Community

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

Glen Meadows Retirement Community

850 S 60Th St Building 1000, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Glen Meadows Retirement Community

Glen Meadows
West Des Moines’ Independent Retirement Community

Welcome to Worry-Free Senior Living in West Des Moines!
Glen Meadows is ideally located near West Des Moines’ highlights, allowing residents to enjoy scenic spots like
Raccoon River Park, along with shopping and dining at Valley West Mall and local restaurants. The vibrant arts
scene features galleries and theaters hosting cultural events year-round, providing easy access to nature and
exceptional amenities.

Schedule a tour and join us for lunch to see why Glen Meadows is ideal for seniors living in West Des Moines.

850 S 60th St. Bldg. 1000
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Glen Meadows Retirement Community

Discover the joy and ease of all-inclusive retirement living. Picture yourself in a luxurious, safe, and
vibrant community with a fantastic location for fun local outings. With three chef-prepared meals
offered daily, and weekly housekeeping and maintenance included, you’ll have more time for family,
friends, and the other important things in life. This vision comes to life at Glen Meadows Retirement Community

Designed for comfort, our apartment homes come in a variety of floor plans. Each living space features
window coverings, a climate-controlled thermostat, and ample closet space. The apartment kitchens are
also equipped with full-sized appliances. You are free to decorate your unit around your unique tastes.
Pets are also warmly welcome for no additional fee.

Our Signature Freedom Dining program is the focal point of the resort lifestyle and often the most
praised feature of our community. Our executive chef prepares three quality meals daily with an
evolving menu, fresh ingredients, and diet-conscious recipes. Can’t make it to dinner? No worries. With
our meal delivery service, we’ll prepare you a plate and bring it to your door. You can also visit the
“chef’s pantry” for snacks any time – day or night.

The most important part of our community is the shared spaces that allow you to meet other residents,
celebrate fun and memorable moments, and relax. Our common areas include a 150-seat theater,
library, billiards room, arcade, conversation areas, a lounge with bar, superb fitness and exercise room,
spa area, and business center. Our Lifestyle Director plans monthly community events around these
spaces, allowing you to practice new skills, see new things, meet new people, and much more.

While our community focuses on making your retirement fun and fulfilling, our greatest priority is your
safety. Our managers are your neighbors and live on-site to ensure you are happily enjoying your best
retirement life. With our 24/7 Emergency Alert System, round-the clock concierge, and live-in managers
there’s never a moment when you are unable to reach somebody for help!

Our gorgeous community is full of amenities and services, allowing you to enjoy all the conveniences of
all-inclusive living without the hassle of upkeep. Our ample list of amenities and robust social calendar
offers you choice and flexibility in how you choose to spend your time.

Additionally, if you’re ever craving a change of scenery and don’t want to leave behind the comforts we
offer, no worries! With our travel program, you can explore the country while staying at any of our other
Resort Lifestyle Communities locations for no additional cost.

Relax in the theater while watching a movie or get active in a group fitness class; spend teatime with the
gals or watch a game with the guys; cuddle up with a good book or go join a happy hour for fun times
with the neighbors! However you wish to spend your time, we are here to support the retirement of
your dreams.

Retire well. Retire here. Call today to schedule a private tour!

Contact Glen Meadows Retirement Community

Overview of Heritage Court Assisted Living

Heritage Court Assisted Living in West Des Moines offers a comfortable and safe environment. Residents are guaranteed to feel welcomed in a friendly atmosphere; once can experience graceful aging thanks to the commitment of the staff to do everything for them. The assisted living home also offers an independent living program and nursing care services.

The cozy home-like setting of Heritage Court offers a range of services focused on the holistic wellness of its residents– weekly excursions, recreational activities, specialized programs, meals served daily, housekeeping, and transportation services provided.

Contact Heritage Court Assisted Living

Overview of Luther Park Community

Located in a quiet residential area in Des Moines, IA, Luther Park Community is an excellent senior living community that offers a spectrum of care options, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and Alzheimer’s care. Luther Park Community aims to deliver its residents a service that will enhance their lifestyle while giving them the liberty to maintain a sense of individuality and freedom as they receive additional support. The community offers floor plans ranging from loft to two-bedroom apartments and quality health services, ensuring residents a better quality of life in a comfortable environment.

Luther Park Community believes every resident is entitled to feel safe and cared for while maintaining their independence for as long as possible. To achieve this, the community offers a full range of amenities and engaging recreational activities, including a hair salon, cozy outdoor living spaces, a library, an exercise room, nutritious meals, and transportation to outings. From the pleasant and welcoming environment to the compassionate interactions between residents and the community’s team, Luther Park Community provides seniors with a genuine feeling of community where they are prioritized and cared for.

Contact Luther Park Community

Overview of Fairmeadows Village

Fairmeadows Village is an active 55+ retirement home that heeds a home-like atmosphere. Its management encourages residents to live vibrantly by socializing and making meaningful memories with people their age. Families of residents can trust that Fairmeadows is committed to maintaining loving and dignified care and supervision for their loved ones.

Community services and amenities center on residents’ comfort and stability– restaurant-style dining with private dining options, engaging events and entertainment, enriching programs, transportation, arts and crafts, library, and wellness centers.

Contact Fairmeadows Village

Overview of Elite Lodge of Ashworth

Elite Lodge of Ashworth offers a comfortable home-like setting for round-the-clock support and assistance for senior independent living. As Iowa’s premier retirement home, expect to be treated with kindness and an immense amount of patience for a more personal touch approach to resort-style living. Elit Lodge ensures a serene atmosphere and an efficient service that puts its residents at the top of their priority.

As its name suggests, an elite-level of care and superior service is provided. The home has a registered nurse available 24/7, maintenance-free services, housekeeping, and laundry weekly, an emergency call system, a dining room, a resident parking, spacious independent living apartments, a full-service salon, social activities, and stimulating programs available.

Contact Elite Lodge of Ashworth

Overview of Crestview Terrace Apartments

Experience the best of your golden years at Crestview Terrace Apartments, a dedicated 55+ community in West Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community features purposely designed and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with on-site maintenance and management.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of exciting events and engaging programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delightful restaurants and shops also provide residents with a variety of dining options to meet their dietary needs and preferences. The community is equipped with a library, a fitness center, lounge areas, a gazebo, and a beautifully maintained garden.

Contact Crestview Terrace Apartments

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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in West Des Moines, IA

What is the average cost of independent living in West Des Moines, IA?

The average monthly cost of independent living in West Des Moines, IA is approximately $1,879. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for independent living in West Des Moines, IA?

Independent living in West Des Moines, IA typically ranges from $511 - $4,741 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

How many licensed independent living communities are there in West Des Moines, IA?

According to state licensing records, there are approximately 65 licensed independent living communities in West Des Moines, IA.

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 14 independent living communities in West Des Moines, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in West Des Moines, IA?

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 West Des Moines, IA, 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 West Des Moines, IA?

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.