Page 2 of Best Senior Living in Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 20 senior living communities in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every senior living provider in Des Moines, IA.
20 homes
Other senior care options in Des Moines:

Compare Senior Living around 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-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. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
IL
AL
NH
RC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
108
Facility 108
IA AVG 76
Rank #20 / 241
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 43
Rank #2 / 260
-
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 15
Rank #55 / 119
68.5%
Facility 68.5%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #196 / 234
B+3616-
Azria Health Park Place
IL
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Union Park)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 76
Rank #81 / 241
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 43
Rank #121 / 260
--
72.9%
Facility 72.9%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #170 / 234
C-2982
Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation
IL
NH
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 76
Rank #48 / 241
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 43
Rank #2 / 260
--
82.5%
Facility 82.5%
IA AVG 63.2%
Rank #63 / 234
-4221-
Plymouth Place
IL
Des Moines (North Of Grand)
-No
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 43
Rank #41 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed------
Addington Place of Des Moines
IL
AL
MC
Des Moines
54Yes-Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed14 25.9% D-8191
Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates)
IL
AL
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
-Yes
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 43
Rank #52 / 222
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 15
Rank #115 / 131
-----
Slate at Grays Landing
IL
Des Moines
-Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 43
Rank #88 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed------
Luther Park Apartments
IL
Des Moines (Union Park)
-Yes
32
Facility 32
IA AVG 43
Rank #148 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed------
Fort Des Moines Senior Housing
IL
Des Moines (Fort Des Moines)
-No
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 43
Rank #61 / 222
1 Bed------
The 44 DSM
IL
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
-Yes
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 43
Rank #77 / 222
1 Bed / 2 Bed------

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other IA independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 20 analyzed for Des Moines. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation

Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation is a nursing home and skilled nursing facility in Des Moines, Iowa, with 80 beds in the East Village neighborhood. Licensed nursing care is available on site around the clock, and in house therapy allows residents to receive rehabilitation without arranging transportation elsewhere. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs skilled nursing care alongside therapy in the same setting.

Outpatient therapy is also available for people receiving rehabilitation services without living at the community. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover care. Religious services are available, and Michael Anderson serves as the administrator.

Contact Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation

Overview of University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is set up in Des Moines, IA, carrying nursing home care, assisted living, respite care, and skilled nursing. Assisted living is help with daily tasks, arranged so a resident still keeps a private space of their own. Skilled nursing is licensed support for residents whose medical needs are more complicated.

Respite and short-term rehabilitation both give a resident somewhere to stay temporarily, whether the reason is recovery of their own or a caregiver who has travel or needs time to rest. Nursing rehabilitation and therapy services, IV therapy, ostomy care, diabetic care, enteral nutrition, tracheotomy care, and pain management are each named programs. A resident arriving with any of those needs is met by a program already intended for them.

A hundred and eight beds are covered by the license here, and Stacy Soderstrum is named administrator. Nursing time per day works out to 3 hours and 22 minutes a resident. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Medicare generally applies to a short skilled course after a qualifying hospital stay, while Medicaid can help an eligible resident once personal savings run out on a long stay.

The Walk Score is a high 91 out of 100. The area rates as a walker’s paradise, and a day’s errands don’t need a car.

The spread of car types and services fits residents whose needs are likely to change, and families looking for short respite stays.

Contact University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overview of Addington Place of Des Moines

Treat yourself to a luxurious retirement with the prestigious senior living community of Addington Place of Des Moines in South East 27th Street, Des Moines, IA, offering assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Featuring cozy and sophisticated studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, the community ensures seniors enjoy a comfortable and secure retirement. Moreover, 24-hour care and assistance allow seniors to flourish and live to their potential.

With mind-stimulating programs and enriching activities, Addington Place of Des Moines ensures residents enhance their cognition and live an active lifestyle. Delight in healthy and delicious meals that satisfy cravings and dietary needs. Addington Place of Des Moines is a pet-friendly community that strives to create a safe place for seniors to spend their golden years doing the things they love.

Contact Addington Place of Des Moines

Overview of Azria Health Park Place

Azria Health Park Place is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Des Moines. It is proud to be one of the few communities in the city that delivers exceptional individualized care for its unique residents. They aim to change the meaning of recovery for seniors through the outstanding level of care delivered by their patient-friendly staff to offer the best care possible for their residents. Azria strives to have all its residents experience the comprehensive and exemplary care offered.

Expect nothing but quality regarding their service: an advanced level of recovery found in long-term and post-acute rehabilitative services. They also proudly offer specialized care programs such as neurological and stroke services, orthopedic care, prosthetic training, pulmonary rehabilitation, post-cardiac care, and wound care– all created to have the right provision of multidisciplinary healthcare services such as therapy, enriching activities, and discharge planning.

Contact Azria Health Park Place

Overview of Independence Village of Des Moines (beaverdale Estates)

Make the most of your retirement years at the vibrant senior living community of Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates) in Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community features pet-friendly apartments featuring large windows with plenty of natural light, along with convenient access to housekeeping for a maintenance-free living. The community is conveniently located near numerous parks, recreational facilities and walking trails, as well as excellent health care facilities, including the MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.

The community fosters a vibrant living experience and social connection through their diverse array of social, cultural and recreational activities, as well as exercise, fitness and wellness programs. A talented culinary team carefully prepares diverse menu options catered to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a business center and library, beauty salon and barbershop, and community activity room, including a game room and lounge, for relaxing gathering spaces.

Contact Independence Village Of Des Moines (Beaverdale Estates)

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.

Contact Plymouth Place

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.

Contact Fort Des Moines Senior Housing

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.

Contact The 44 DSM

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.

Contact Slate at Grays Landing

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.

Contact Luther Park Apartments

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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Senior Living in Des Moines at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 67/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in 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: 95The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Des Moines, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Living in Des Moines, 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 20 senior living communities in Des Moines, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

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