
Compare Independent Living around West Des Moines (Metro Area)
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.
| Cedar Ridge Village | IL AL NH SNF | West Des Moines (Heritage Bend) | 40
Facility
40
IA AVG
71
Rank
#324 / 406 | Yes |
5
Facility
5
IA AVG
45
Rank
#488 / 528 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 5
Facility
5
IA AVG
19
Rank
#232 / 287 | 95.0% | A+ | 15 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
7
Rank
#89 / 306 | 1
Facility
1
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#210 / 306 |
| Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living | IL ADC AL MC NH SNF | West Des Moines | 40
Facility
40
IA AVG
71
Rank
#324 / 406 | Yes |
7
Facility
7
IA AVG
45
Rank
#482 / 528 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - | 97.5% | - | 20 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
7
Rank
#89 / 306 | 5
Facility
5
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#286 / 306 |
| Cedar Ridge Village | IL AL NH SNF | West Des Moines | 68
Facility
68
IA AVG
71
Rank
#170 / 406 | Yes |
51
Facility
51
IA AVG
45
Rank
#213 / 528 | - | 8
Facility
8
IA AVG
19
Rank
#232 / 287 | 51.5% | A+ | 2 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
7
Rank
#1 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Heritage Court Assisted Living | IL NH AL | West Des Moines (Office Park Road) | 56
Facility
56
IA AVG
71
Rank
#233 / 406 | No |
31
Facility
31
IA AVG
45
Rank
#362 / 528 | - | 26
Facility
26
IA AVG
19
Rank
#74 / 287 | 35.7% | - | 18 | 7
Facility
7
IA AVG
7
Rank
#187 / 306 | 1
Facility
1
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#210 / 306 |
| 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 / 287 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Crestview Terrace Apartments | IL | West Des Moines (Ashworth Road) | - | Yes |
53
Facility
53
IA AVG
45
Rank
#195 / 528 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Woodlands Creek Senior Living | IL AL MC | Clive | - | Yes |
21
Facility
21
IA AVG
45
Rank
#415 / 528 | - | 23
Facility
23
IA AVG
19
Rank
#105 / 287 | - | A+ | - | - | - |
| Luther Park Community | IL AL MC NH SNF | Des Moines (Union Park) | - | Yes |
45
Facility
45
IA AVG
45
Rank
#262 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 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 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Valley West Apartments | IL | West Des Moines (36Th Street) | - | Yes |
59
Facility
59
IA AVG
45
Rank
#160 / 528 | 1 Bed | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 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 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 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
#105 / 287 | - | A+ | - | - | - |
| Care Initiatives | IL AL HOS NH SNF | West Des Moines (West Lakes Parkway) | - | No |
28
Facility
28
IA AVG
45
Rank
#382 / 528 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
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!
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.
Care Initiatives, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a care facility offering a spectrum of services that offer skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve is evident in their approach. Every interaction with residents is valued, and they prioritize personal growth for each individual. Care Initiatives boasts a team of dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, who provide various services, spanning dietary support, social services, and engaging activities.
In terms of skilled nursing services, Care Initiatives excels in providing specialized care such as tube feedings, wound care management, and access to beauty and barbershop services. They also offer bariatric accommodations and cater to the unique needs of veterans. Additionally, their rehabilitation services are top-notch, featuring accelerated care, state-of-the-art therapy equipment, and expert care in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Care Initiatives is renowned for its expertise, making it a trusted community where seniors can be assured of safe and high-quality care.
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
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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.
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 13 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.






