350 Dublin Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community Costs & Pricing
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community offers a competitive range of monthly costs that reflect both quality and value within the context of Johnson County and statewide averages in Iowa. For a one-bedroom unit, residents can expect to pay between $2,300 and $2,595, which is quite favorable compared to the county's average of $2,698 and the state's higher average of $2,862. The two-bedroom option ranges from $2,900 to $3,095, positioning it slightly above the Johnson County average of $2,600 but still below the state average of $3,329. For those considering a studio apartment, Melrose Meadows sets its price at $3,200 - more affordable than both Johnson County's average of $2,838 and Iowa's statewide average of $3,613. Overall, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community stands out as an attractive choice for seniors seeking cost-effective living arrangements without compromising on comfort or care.
| Floor plans | Melrose Meadows Retirement Community | Johnson County | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,300 to $2,595 | $2,698 | $2,863 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,900 to $3,095 | $2,600 | $3,329 |
| Studio | $3,200 | $2,838 | $3,609 |
Assisted Living communities with a similar price nearby
-
from -$300 / mo
Garnett Place
$2,000 to $5,000 / month24.9 miles away -
from +$450 / mo
Legacy Pointe
$2,750 to $3,900 / month5.3 miles away -
from +$200 / mo
Cottage Grove Place, a CCRC
$2,500 to $3,995 / month23.6 miles away -
from +$124 / mo
Cherry Ridge & Hallmark Care Center
$2,424 to $2,582 / month19.9 miles away
Overall Review of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
Pros
Melrose Meadows is a beautiful, well-established community that feels like home and offers independent or assisted living.- The staff are friendly, competent, and genuinely caring, often going above and beyond.
- Residents enjoy a strong sense of community with plenty of activities and a pool.
- The meals are wonderful with lots of variety.
- Move-ins are smooth, and units are spotless in a welcoming atmosphere.
- The facility is bright, cheerful, clean, safe, and well maintained.
- Families are grateful for the years their loved ones spend at Melrose Meadows.
- The environment fosters meaningful connections among residents, with opportunities to gather or enjoy quiet time as desired.
- Overall, Melrose Meadows is warm, inviting, and supportive for its residents and their families.
Cons
The place has gone downhill since COVID.- She disliked the other retirement community so much she moved back to a regular apartment after the first year.
Review
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community is best suited for seniors who want a warm, social, and actively engaged lifestyle with a clear, supported path from independent living through assisted living. This campus excels for families seeking a community where residents mingle freely, participate in a full slate of activities, and dine together in a lively atmosphere. The combination of spacious, well‑maintained spaces, a welcoming staff, and a pool‑rich calendar makes it ideal for those who measure retirement success by connection, neighborly conversations, shared meals, and easy access to group outings. In short, it suits families that value a flourishing sense of community as a core daily experience and want to stay busy without chasing down activities on their own.
That said, certain realities warrant consideration before committing. For households prioritizing highly modern, furnished units or subsidized, ultra-low‑maintenance living, Melrose Meadows may feel less tailored to those expectations. A practical point that matters to some movers is that some floor plans require residents to furnish their own apartments, which can add upfront effort and cost. For families seeking specialized memory care or ongoing, intensive medical oversight on a 24/7 basis, safety nets at a glance, or a more contemporary build in a different part of town, alternatives with a sharper focus on medical acuity or newer design features may be preferable. While Melrose Meadows does offer a continuum of care, the emphasis remains on a warm community atmosphere rather than a hospital‑style care model.
The strongest positives, the staff, residents, and social framework, offset the potential drawbacks for most families. Reviews consistently highlight staff who are not only competent but genuinely engaged with residents, a hallmark of care that goes beyond routine tasks. The residents themselves form a welcoming, intellectually and socially vibrant culture, with conversations, games, movies, singing, and group meals providing daily texture. Meals and dining options are frequently praised as high quality, with variety that keeps the routine from feeling stale. The environment is described as bright, clean, and well maintained, reinforcing a sense of safety and pride in the community. When a move from independent living to assisted living is needed, Melrose Meadows has been recognized for making that transition smooth and unobtrusive, preserving familiarity and relationships during change.
The experience of daily life at Melrose Meadows hinges on two durable strengths: the people and the pace. The staff are described as “people people”, not merely capable caregivers but integral contributors to the sense of home. Residents speak warmly about friendships formed with teammates and peers, and long‑time families recount long trajectories of trust and affection. The social fabric is reinforced by organized activities, accessible pools, and shared dining experiences that make participation natural rather than optional. The result is a living tapestry where residents rarely feel socially isolated, and families gain confidence from visible, ongoing connections between staff and residents.
From a practical planning angle, prospective movers should adopt a readiness checklist. Visit with an eye toward the type of unit desired, confirm whether furniture is provided, and verify how frequently dining menus rotate and what activity streams look like across the calendar. Ask about the ease of moving from independent living to assisted living, and explore how the community handles transitions for spouses or parents who require escalating levels of care. Observe the pool, dining room, and common spaces, paying attention to cleanliness and accessibility, and speak with both staff and residents about typical days. The overarching takeaway is clear: Melrose Meadows delivers a deeply social, well‑staffed senior living experience where the appeal rests on people, ambiance, and a culture that feels like a generously extended family.
Ultimately, Melrose Meadows stands as a strong recommendation for families seeking a warm, active, and well‑supported environment with a proven track record of caring staff and a robust social life. It is especially compelling for those who want a smooth, resident‑driven transition between living options within a single campus, coupled with reliable dining and meaningful activities. Caution is warranted for households that require furnished units by default or that demand high‑ acuity medical care or specialized memory support beyond what the community routinely provides. When those conditions aren’t in play, Melrose Meadows often proves to be the right home: a place where the sense of community sustains daily life, and good, attentive care accompanies every meal and every interaction.
52 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Respite Care
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Financial aid
Fitness room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Guest parking
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Party space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Swimming pool
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Eastern Iowa (17 miles away)
Community operated transportation
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Arts and crafts
Concierge services
Games
Live musical performances
Planned day trips
English
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