Best Senior Living in Des Moines, IA

Experience a vibrant lifestyle in Des Moines, IA, with its booming art scene, rich culture, and diverse opportunities, showcased by iconic attractions like John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Des Moines Art Center. The city also boasts exceptional healthcare and an affordable cost of living, as well as recreational activities, making it an attractive destination. Senior living communities also reside in the area, providing beautifully furnished accommodations and dedicated services for those seeking a place to spend their retirement. With a tax-friendly setting, age-appropriate services, and a welcoming environment, the city ensures retirees thrive in their golden years.

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Comparison Chart

Compare Senior Living around Des Moines
Luther Park Apartments
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Des Moines
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Yes
32
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Plymouth Place
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Des Moines
Studio / 1 Bed
No
68
BIERE, JAMES
84.3%
$7,714,389.00
$12,007,966.00
155.7%
73.80
2/5
4.6670
2/5
4/5
4/5
2
Fort Des Moines Senior Housing
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Des Moines
1 Bed
No
60
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
The 44 DSM
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Des Moines
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Yes
54
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Slate at Grays Landing
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Des Moines
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Yes
51
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Live a vibrant lifestyle at Slate at Grays Landing, a welcoming 55+ community in Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community has cozy and well-thought-out one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features and maintenance services.

Promoting social interactions, cozy communal spaces, and wellness opportunities are available to keep residents active and well-engaged. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services help residents downsize in retirement without hassles.

Overview of Slate at Grays Landing

Live a vibrant lifestyle at Slate at Grays Landing, a welcoming 55+ community in Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community has cozy and well-thought-out one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features and maintenance services.

Promoting social interactions, cozy communal spaces, and wellness opportunities are available to keep residents active and well-engaged. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services help residents downsize in retirement without hassles.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 720 - 961 / 1,339 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Exercise Programs

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Swimming Pool

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Parking Available

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Slate at Grays Landing

Luther Park Apartments is a blissful retreat in Des Moines, IN, offering independent living. Those 62+ can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences, with specially designed and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The community also helps with chores and maintenance, ensuring residents enjoy a hassle-free living.

Here, residents can spend their days as they please, as cozy communal spaces and leisure activities are available for their recreation and wellness. Lunch services are also provided, so residents have a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. With its extensive amenities and exceptional services, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Overview of Luther Park Apartments

Luther Park Apartments is a blissful retreat in Des Moines, IN, offering independent living. Those 62+ can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences, with specially designed and sophisticated one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The community also helps with chores and maintenance, ensuring residents enjoy a hassle-free living.

Here, residents can spend their days as they please, as cozy communal spaces and leisure activities are available for their recreation and wellness. Lunch services are also provided, so residents have a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. With its extensive amenities and exceptional services, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 62 Years Old

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 483 / 532 / 565 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Beauty Services

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Transportation Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Luther Park Apartments

Ideally situated in the thriving neighborhood of Des Moines, IA, Plymouth Place is a distinguished community that offers independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and cozy studio and one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to the comfort of those 62+. With easy access to nearby local amenities, residents can keep their peace of mind.

Residents are also encouraged to interact with their surroundings, especially with various wellness opportunities and inviting gathering spaces. Delightful restaurants and shops also surround the area, providing residents with dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to spend their golden years without hassles.

Overview of Plymouth Place

Ideally situated in the thriving neighborhood of Des Moines, IA, Plymouth Place is a distinguished community that offers independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and cozy studio and one-bedroom floor plans, dedicated to the comfort of those 62+. With easy access to nearby local amenities, residents can keep their peace of mind.

Residents are also encouraged to interact with their surroundings, especially with various wellness opportunities and inviting gathering spaces. Delightful restaurants and shops also surround the area, providing residents with dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to spend their golden years without hassles.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 62 Years Old

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Room Sizes: 315 / 448 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: High-rise

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Exercise Programs

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Social and Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Plymouth Place

Make the most of your best years at Fort Des Moines Senior Housing, a distinct community located in the quiet setting of Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. Featuring purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents’ comfort and safety. Maintenance services and plenty of convenient apartment features, residents enjoy a hassle-free living.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and engaging programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delightful restaurants and shops are also available nearby, providing residents with various dining options to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include an activities room, a beauty salon, a chapel, a fitness center, a theater room, a garden, and an outdoor gazebo, creating the ideal setting for a blissful retirement.

Overview of Fort Des Moines Senior Housing

Make the most of your best years at Fort Des Moines Senior Housing, a distinct community located in the quiet setting of Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. Featuring purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents’ comfort and safety. Maintenance services and plenty of convenient apartment features, residents enjoy a hassle-free living.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and engaging programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delightful restaurants and shops are also available nearby, providing residents with various dining options to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include an activities room, a beauty salon, a chapel, a fitness center, a theater room, a garden, and an outdoor gazebo, creating the ideal setting for a blissful retirement.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 640 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Beauty Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Fort Des Moines Senior Housing

Ideally set in the harmonious neighborhood of Des Moines, IA, The 44 DSM is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. The community has a variety of beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom accommodations, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also gain easy access to their necessities with local shops in the area.

A thoughtfully planned calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delightful restaurants and shops surrounding the area also provide residents with various dining options to satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and friendly setting.

Overview of The 44 DSM

Ideally set in the harmonious neighborhood of Des Moines, IA, The 44 DSM is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. The community has a variety of beautifully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom accommodations, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also gain easy access to their necessities with local shops in the area.

A thoughtfully planned calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delightful restaurants and shops surrounding the area also provide residents with various dining options to satisfy their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and friendly setting.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Parking Available

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact The 44 DSM

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

At Assisted Living Magazine, our rankings are designed to help families compare senior living communities with clarity and confidence.
Each community is evaluated and ranked based on reputation, transparency, digital trust, and on-site quality signals.
Below is the full explanation of every factor and the exact weight it contributes to the final score.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest portion of every community’s score comes from resident feedback and online reputation (40%), which reflects real experiences shared by families and caregivers.
An additional 45% of the score comes from a combination of transparency and operational quality signals, including:

  • Photos, videos, and virtual tours (visual transparency)
  • Website quality and digital trust indicators
  • Occupancy levels and number of units (community scale & stability)

These factors help us evaluate how well a community presents itself and how consistently it meets resident needs.

Balancing Additional Factors

The final 15% of the score comes from supportive context data, including:

  • Walkability and local accessibility
  • Estimated property value
  • Pricing information

These elements provide helpful context but carry less weight because our rankings prioritize real-world satisfaction and care consistency first.
The result is a fair, clear, and data-driven ranking system for families researching senior living options.

What Families Search for Most in Des Moines

A quick look at the senior living and care categories people explore the most. Find the options that matter to you in one place.

Best Assisted Living in Des Moines
Best Nursing Homes in Des Moines
Best Memory Care in Des Moines
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.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album

Check out our virtual tours

Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews

Cost guide to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more.

Check out our cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from families.
What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

Cost guide to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more.

Check out our cost guide.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album

Check out our virtual tours

Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews