Best Senior Living in Ames, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 7 senior living communities in Ames, IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank senior living in IA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Ames, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every senior living provider in Ames, IA.
7 homes
Other senior care options in Ames:
Avg Walk Score: 37/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Ames, 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: 61The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Ames, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Senior Living around Ames (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-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. 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.
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.
Green Hills Retirement Community
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Ames
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #192 / 334
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 46
Rank #361 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 18
Rank #16 / 258
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #97 / 295
14
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
Northridge Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #141 / 334
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 46
Rank #408 / 424
-
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 18
Rank #165 / 258
63.2%
Facility 63.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #147 / 295
6
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
Riverside Manor
IL
Ames
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 71
Rank #186 / 334
No
45
Facility 45
IA AVG 46
Rank #214 / 424
-----
Keystone of Ames
IL
Ames
-Yes
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 46
Rank #59 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed----
Windsor Oaks
IL
Ames
-Yes
42
Facility 42
IA AVG 46
Rank #235 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed----
Heartwood House
IL
AL
MC
NH
Ames
-No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 46
Rank #271 / 424
-----
Vintage Cooperative of Ames
IL
Ames
-Yes-1 Bed / 2 Bed----

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 7 analyzed for Ames. See how we rank facilities

Overview of Green Hills Retirement Community

Green Hills Retirement Community offers a vibrant lifestyle designed to support those in their golden years. This sprawling 33-acre property, nestled near Iowa State University, provides an exquisite living experience for individuals aged 55 and above. The community boasts beautifully appointed living spaces, ranging from apartments to townhomes, ensuring residents have a variety of comfortable options to choose from.Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Green Hills offers a plethora of wellness opportunities, engaging activities, and delightful restaurant-style dining experiences, creating a fulfilling environment for its residents.

They provide specialized memory care services, catering to individuals with dementia, alongside independent living options. The community is characterized by a compassionate atmosphere, where residents can enjoy their lives to the fullest. Moreover, Green Hills features a Medicare five-star rated health care center, offering both short-term and long-term services, including comprehensive rehabilitation programs. With all these amenities and services under one roof, Green Hills Retirement Community truly becomes a premier choice for residential assisted living.

Contact Green Hills Retirement Community

Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Overview of Northridge Village
Northridge Village is a senior living community located in Ames, Iowa. It offers a comprehensive range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, and long-term care. The community focuses on providing personalized care and a close-knit environment for its residents.

Contact Northridge Village

Overview of Riverside Manor

Located in Ames, IA, Riverside Manor is a nursing home that provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, and extended care programs. The community also provides convenient access to local healthcare resources, particularly Mary Greeley Medical Center.

Core services include rehabilitation and home care support, allowing the community to accommodate older adults’ different needs. To support residents’ recovery and overall health, a wellness program is provided.

Moreover, emergency response systems are installed in every resident room and bathroom to ensure safety.
Housekeeping and linen services are provided, along with home-style meals that are prepared with fresh ingredients. Family and friends are also encouraged to visit, as flexible visiting hours are provided.

Its surrounding area is slightly walkable, as reflected by its Walk Score of 45. This suggests that only a few services are available within walking distance, and transportation is required for most errands. Riverside Manor may appeal to families seeking nursing care in a residential setting with rehabilitation services, wellness support, and proximity to medical care.

Contact Riverside Manor

Overview of Keystone of Ames

Keystone of Ames is a distinct community in Ames, IA, offering independent living. The community has cozy and specially designed one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to residents’ comfort and safety. Laundry spaces and utilities are taken care of, easing residents’ worries and financial burdens.

With a variety of engaging activities and fun programs, residents can spend their days as they please. Delightful restaurants and shops also surround the area, providing residents with plenty of dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Residents can also bring their pets to accompany them and prevent loneliness. The community is a great option for those seeking independence in retirement, accompanied by its state-of-the-art amenities and friendly setting.

Contact Keystone of Ames

Overview of Windsor Oaks

Windsor Oaks independent living community offers an inviting atmosphere so that residents can be comfortable and feel a sense of belonging in their new home. Life in the retirement home means a life of convenience and flexibility because management ensures that everyone is treated with respect and compassion. Windsor Oaks is an excellent community that has proven to be an exemplary resident-centered community where seniors can thrive while living a lovely life.

The tight-knit community excels at cultivating individual-focused senior living that fosters growth and independence in a nurturing environment. Residents can immerse themselves in amenities such as home-cooked meals, recreational activities, enriching programs, and ADLs.

Contact Windsor Oaks

Overview of Heartwood House

Heartwood House is an assisted living and memory care community in Ames, Iowa, that provides 24-hour support and specialized memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Additional services include medication management, diabetic care, and respite care for families seeking temporary support.

Residents have access to secured indoor and outdoor common areas, promoting both safety and social engagement. Wheelchair-accessible showers also accommodate varying mobility needs.

On-site parking is available for visiting family members and friends, making regular visits more convenient. The surrounding neighborhood is slightly walkable, allowing a limited number of errands to be completed on foot, though most destinations are more easily reached by car.

For families seeking a combination of assisted living and specialized memory support, Heartwood House offers services tailored to residents with memory-related conditions while also addressing everyday care needs.

Contact Heartwood House

Overview of Vintage Cooperative of Ames

Vintage Cooperative of Ames is a 55+ independent living community in Ames, IA, that features thoughtfully furnished apartments. Promoting a lively and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can find a home away from home. Recreational programs, maintenance services, and convenient amenities are also available, so residents have a hassle-free living. With its carefully curated amenities, the community ensures residents can maintain their independence.

Educational programs, social events, and hobby groups provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and have fun. Residents can also relax and maintain holistic wellness, as a fitness center, a cafe, and a library are available. With its ideal setting in the quiet residential area of Ames, residents have a stress-free retirement. This independent living community has top-notch amenities, making it a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Contact Vintage Cooperative of Ames

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 Senior Living in Ames, IA

What is senior living?

Senior living is an umbrella term covering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes — communities and services designed for adults aged 55 or older.

How many senior living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 7 senior living communities in Ames, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right senior living community in Ames, 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 Ames, 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 senior living communities in Ames, 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.