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Compare Independent Living around West Des Moines (Metro Area)
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| Calvin Community |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Des Moines (Beaverdale) | 59 | No | 61 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - | 93.2% | - | 17 | 2 | 3 |
| Heritage Court Assisted Living |
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. | West Des Moines (Office Park Road) | 56 | No | 31 | - | 26 | 35.7% | - | 18 | 7 | 1 |
| Glen Meadows Retirement Community |
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. | West Des Moines | - | Yes | 26 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Elite Lodge of Ashworth |
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. | West Des Moines (The Lodge Of Ashworth) | - | Yes | 41 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Fairmeadows Village |
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. | West Des Moines (Vine Street) | - | Yes | 27 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 31 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Woodlands Creek Senior Living |
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Clive (Woodlands Parkway) | - | Yes | 19 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 23 | - | A+ | - | - | - |
With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Calvin Community has been a beacon of exceptional senior living since its establishment in 1965. Tucked in the vibrant city of Des Moines, Iowa, this community radiates a unique charm that captivates both residents and staff. Guided by Christian values, the home offers a wide range of services, including assisted living memory care and skilled care, and cost could be paid through a one-time buy-in fee or monthly fees.
At Calvin Community, the living spaces are meticulously designed to harmonize comfort and style. The choice of one or two-bedroom apartments and private entry townhomes provides residents with a sense of freedom and independence. These thoughtfully crafted floor plans offer spaciousness and serenity, serving as a canvas for residents to create their haven. With an emphasis on promoting an active lifestyle, they encourage residents to engage in meaningful activities that inspire joy and fulfillment. For those who wish to retain their vehicles, the availability of garages adds an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, convenient transportation services are provided, facilitating easy access to nearby destinations and appointments.
What does this home offer?
Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
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!
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 566 / 650 / 694 / 706 / 759-1206 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Dining Services
Beauty Services
Parking Available
Exercise Programs/Fitness Center
Transportation Services
Housekeeping Services
Safety Systems
Recreational Activities
Health Programs
Security Systems
Pet-Friendly
Wi-Fi Access
Theater Room
Computer Room
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.
What does this home offer?
Building Type: Single-story
Fitness and Recreation
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.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: Single-story
Fitness and Recreation
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.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: Single-story
Fitness and Recreation
Woodlands Creek’s vision is to create a warm and welcoming independent living environment where seniors feel at home, fostering meaningful relationships and endless possibilities. Their mission revolves around promoting engaging social interactions and providing personalized care to nurture a sense of belonging. Woodlands prioritizes residents’ well-being, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and respect.
Residents at Woodlands Creek enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a range of scheduled activities for independent living seniors. The community also offers comprehensive services for assisted living and memory care residents, including transportation, access to senior physicians, and round-the-clock nursing staff, ensuring comfort and security for all residents.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these independent living communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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
Who we are
Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way
We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.
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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 6 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.
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