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Best Senior Living in Waterloo, IA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Dec 2025
5 homes analyzed

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos
Watch this Video to see Waterloo's Top-rated Senior Communities

Highly regarded for its rich manufacturing and agricultural heritage, Waterloo, IA, promotes a dynamic lifestyle with its many historic sites, vibrant culture, and thriving economy. The city also features a variety of entertainment options and recreational spaces, including the Lost Island Theme & Waterpark and Iron Horse Trail, ensuring residents and visitors have fun experiences. Senior living communities are also available throughout the area, offering beautifully furnished accommodations and dedicated services for retirees’ comfort. With an affordable cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and age-friendly services, the city creates the ideal setting where residents can flourish in their golden years.

Compare Senior Living around Waterloo

South Hills Senior Living
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Waterloo
116
Yes
11
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Landmark Commons
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Waterloo
-
No
2
2 Bed / 3 Bed
Bridges Senior Living
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Waterloo
-
Yes
74
1 Bed
Friendship Village
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Waterloo
378
No
52
2 Bed / 3 Bed
Hotel President Senior Apartments
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Waterloo
-
Yes
73
Studio / 1 Bed

Make the most of your best years at South Hills Senior Living, an exceptional community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. The community features beautifully furnished and spacious studio and one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Light housekeeping and linen services are also taken care of, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Here, residents will not run out of things to do with a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs tailored to their interests and capabilities. Delectable and well-balanced home-cooked meals are served from breakfast to dinner, ensuring residents have the finest dining experience that satisfies their dietary needs and preferences. Transportation services are also provided for residents’ convenience. The community is a great option for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its friendly and nurturing environment.

Overview of South Hills Senior Living

Make the most of your best years at South Hills Senior Living, an exceptional community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. The community features beautifully furnished and spacious studio and one-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Light housekeeping and linen services are also taken care of, so residents have more time to do the things they love.

Here, residents will not run out of things to do with a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs tailored to their interests and capabilities. Delectable and well-balanced home-cooked meals are served from breakfast to dinner, ensuring residents have the finest dining experience that satisfies their dietary needs and preferences. Transportation services are also provided for residents’ convenience. The community is a great option for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its friendly and nurturing environment.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Dining Services

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Transportation Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact South Hills Senior Living

Experience the best of your golden years at Landmark Commons, a distinguished community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. The community’s thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, alongside housekeeping and maintenance, allow residents to feel at ease during their stay. Residents can also easily access their necessities with local amenities nearby.

A variety of wellness opportunities and leisure activities are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. With restaurant-style dining, residents enjoy a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. With its warm and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

Overview of Landmark Commons

Experience the best of your golden years at Landmark Commons, a distinguished community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. The community’s thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, alongside housekeeping and maintenance, allow residents to feel at ease during their stay. Residents can also easily access their necessities with local amenities nearby.

A variety of wellness opportunities and leisure activities are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and make new friends. With restaurant-style dining, residents enjoy a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. With its warm and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Housing Options: 2 Bed / 3 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Type of Care Available

Independent Living Assisted Living
Contact Landmark Commons

Live the best of your retirement at Bridges Senior Living, an exceptional community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. Here, residents can ease their worries with a variety of thoughtfully furnished and sophisticated apartments. The community also ensures residents feel a sense of belonging during their stay in a warm and welcoming environment.

Residents can spend their days as they please with a carefully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and preferences. Through San Souci Restaurant, which serves delightful and healthy meals from 7 A.M. to 6:30 P.M., residents enjoy mealtimes on their terms. Amenities include a pub, a library, a fitness room, a salon, a pool, and a garden, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in their golden years.

Overview of Bridges Senior Living

Live the best of your retirement at Bridges Senior Living, an exceptional community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. Here, residents can ease their worries with a variety of thoughtfully furnished and sophisticated apartments. The community also ensures residents feel a sense of belonging during their stay in a warm and welcoming environment.

Residents can spend their days as they please with a carefully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and preferences. Through San Souci Restaurant, which serves delightful and healthy meals from 7 A.M. to 6:30 P.M., residents enjoy mealtimes on their terms. Amenities include a pub, a library, a fitness room, a salon, a pool, and a garden, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in their golden years.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed

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Building Type: High-rise

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Transportation Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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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 Bridges Senior Living

Conveniently located near MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo, IA, Friendship Village is an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and long-term care. The community also features beautifully furnished and spacious floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with the community helping with housekeeping and chores.

Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents also enjoy a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced meals to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are welcome to stay to ease residents’ loneliness. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Overview of Friendship Village

Conveniently located near MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo, IA, Friendship Village is an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and long-term care. The community also features beautifully furnished and spacious floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with the community helping with housekeeping and chores.

Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents also enjoy a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced meals to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are welcome to stay to ease residents’ loneliness. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 940 - 1,826 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 2 Bed / 3 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Type of Care Available

Independent Living Assisted Living
Contact Friendship Village

Live the retirement of your dreams at Hotel President Senior Apartments, an esteemed 55+ community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. With cozy and specially designed studio and one-bedroom floor plans, residents can keep their peace of mind and find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Laundry spaces and on-site management are also provided for residents’ convenience.

Residents have easy access to leisure opportunities and necessities with convenient highways and thriving local amenities. The community also offers paid utilities to ease financial burdens. Pets are welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With its warm and welcoming environment, residents make the most of their golden years.

Overview of Hotel President Senior Apartments

Live the retirement of your dreams at Hotel President Senior Apartments, an esteemed 55+ community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. With cozy and specially designed studio and one-bedroom floor plans, residents can keep their peace of mind and find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Laundry spaces and on-site management are also provided for residents’ convenience.

Residents have easy access to leisure opportunities and necessities with convenient highways and thriving local amenities. The community also offers paid utilities to ease financial burdens. Pets are welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With its warm and welcoming environment, residents make the most of their golden years.

What does this home offer?

Minimum age icon
Minimum age icon

Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Social and Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Hotel President Senior Apartments

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence. Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

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, and 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.

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.