Other senior care options in West Des Moines:

Page 2 of Best Independent Living in West Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 13 independent living communities in West Des Moines, 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
13 homes
Other senior care options in West Des Moines:
Avg Walk Score: 32/ 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: 51The 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)

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
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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 Woodlands Creek Senior Living

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.

 

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Care Initiatives

1611 W Lakes Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Care Initiatives

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.

Contact Care Initiatives

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 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.