Melrose Meadows Retirement Community in Iowa City, IA

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  • Interior

    A recreation room with a billiards table, seating area, and kitchenette.
  • Decor

    A traditional dining room with a long table, elegant chairs, and a chandelier.
  • Living Room

    A cozy living room with a fireplace, surrounded by bookshelves and comfortable seating.
  • Building

    A picturesque view of a building with twin cupolas on a sunny day, framed by a well-manicured lawn and trees.
  • Landscaping

    Sign for Melrose Meadows Retirement Community in front of landscaped greenery and residential buildings.
  • Lighting

    A waiting area featuring round tables with chairs, art displayed on the walls, and a carpeted floor.
  • Swimming Pool

    An indoor swimming pool with a ramp and seating area for relaxation and exercise.

Melrose Meadows Retirement Community in Iowa City, IA

Melrose Meadows Retirement Community is an assisted living community in Iowa City, IA.

Information last verified:

350 Dublin Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246

For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318

4.7 from 15 reviews
5 stars
13
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 stars
0

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 plansMelrose Meadows Retirement CommunityJohnson CountyIowa
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

Overall Review of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Pros

  • pro Melrose Meadows is a beautiful, well-established community that feels like home and offers independent or assisted living.
  • pro The staff are friendly, competent, and genuinely caring, often going above and beyond.
  • pro Residents enjoy a strong sense of community with plenty of activities and a pool.
  • pro The meals are wonderful with lots of variety.
  • pro Move-ins are smooth, and units are spotless in a welcoming atmosphere.
  • pro The facility is bright, cheerful, clean, safe, and well maintained.
  • pro Families are grateful for the years their loved ones spend at Melrose Meadows.
  • pro The environment fosters meaningful connections among residents, with opportunities to gather or enjoy quiet time as desired.
  • pro Overall, Melrose Meadows is warm, inviting, and supportive for its residents and their families.

Cons

  • pro The place has gone downhill since COVID.
  • pro 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.

Features

Housing

  • 52 resident community capacity 52 resident community capacity
  • 1-bedroom apartments 1-bedroom apartments
  • 2-bedroom apartments 2-bedroom apartments
  • Studio apartments Studio apartments

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted Living
  • Independent Living Independent Living
  • Respite Care Respite Care

Pets

  • Cats allowed Cats allowed
  • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-site
  • Air-conditioning Air-conditioning
  • Beautician on-site Beautician on-site
  • Beauty salon Beauty salon
  • Cable or satellite TV Cable or satellite TV
  • Computer center Computer center
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-site
  • Dining room Dining room
  • Financial aid Financial aid
  • Financing advice Financing advice
  • Fitness room Fitness room
  • Full kitchen Full kitchen
  • Fully furnished Fully furnished
  • Gaming room Gaming room
  • Garden Garden
  • Guest parking Guest parking
  • Home sale assistance Home sale assistance
  • Housekeeping services Housekeeping services
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areas
  • Kitchenette Kitchenette
  • Laundry Laundry
  • Move-in coordination Move-in coordination
  • Outdoor space Outdoor space
  • Party space Party space
  • Private bathrooms Private bathrooms
  • Resident parking Resident parking
  • Respite or short term stays offered Respite or short term stays offered
  • Restaurant-style dining Restaurant-style dining
  • Small library Small library
  • Swimming pool Swimming pool
  • TV room TV room
  • Telephone Telephone
  • VA Benefits Consultation VA Benefits Consultation
  • Wellness center Wellness center
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available

Transportation

  • Eastern Iowa (17 miles away) Eastern Iowa (17 miles away)
  • Community operated transportation Community operated transportation
  • Transportation & parking Transportation & parking
  • Transportation arrangement Transportation arrangement
  • Transportation arrangement (non-medical) Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
  • Transportation to doctors appointments Transportation to doctors appointments

Care Services

  • 12-16 hour nursing 12-16 hour nursing
  • 24-hour call system 24-hour call system
  • 24-hour supervision 24-hour supervision
  • Activities of daily living assistance Activities of daily living assistance
  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care
  • Assistance with bathing Assistance with bathing
  • Assistance with dressing Assistance with dressing
  • Assistance with transfers Assistance with transfers
  • Diabetes diet Diabetes diet
  • Diabetic care Diabetic care
  • Meal preparation and service Meal preparation and service
  • Medication management Medication management
  • Mental wellness program Mental wellness program
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictions

Dining

  • Diabetes diet Diabetes diet
  • Meals provided Meals provided
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictions

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-site
  • Arts and crafts Arts and crafts
  • Community-sponsored activities Community-sponsored activities
  • Concierge services Concierge services
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsite
  • Fitness programs Fitness programs
  • Games Games
  • Live musical performances Live musical performances
  • Planned day trips Planned day trips
  • Religious services Religious services
  • Resident-run activities Resident-run activities
  • Scheduled daily activities Scheduled daily activities
  • Yoga / chair yoga Yoga / chair yoga

Languages Spoken

  • English English

Description

Melrose Meadows Retirement Community in Iowa City, IA is a vibrant and inclusive assisted living community offering a range of housing options and care services to meet the diverse needs of its residents. With 2-bedroom apartments and studio apartments available, individuals can choose the living arrangement that best suits their preferences and lifestyle.

The community prides itself on promoting independence while providing necessary assistance to ensure residents' comfort and well-being. The types of care available include independent living for those who desire minimal assistance, as well as respite care for short-term stays.

Melrose Meadows offers an extensive list of amenities to enhance residents' daily lives. These include air-conditioning in all units, with beautician services and a beauty salon conveniently located on-site. Cable or satellite TV is provided for entertainment, and community-operated transportation ensures ease of travel. A computer center is available for digital needs, while devotional services off-site cater to spiritual well-being.

The dining experience at Melrose Meadows is exceptional, with delicious meals provided in a restaurant-style atmosphere. Special dietary restrictions are accommodated to ensure everyone's needs are met.

Residents can enjoy their leisure time by taking advantage of numerous activities and recreational facilities offered within the community. Arts and crafts, fitness programs, games, live musical performances, and yoga sessions are just some examples of the engaging activities available here. Additionally, planned day trips allow residents to explore the surrounding area.

Melrose Meadows boasts close proximity to numerous amenities outside its premises. Cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' practices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals are all conveniently located nearby.

Overall, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community offers a comfortable and secure environment where seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle while receiving the necessary care they need.

Nearby Places of Interest

Physicians

  • University-IA Sports Medicine (0.4 miles)
  • UI Quick Care (0.6 miles)
  • Mercy Family of West Iowa City (1.3 miles)
  • Dr Andrews Plastic Surgery (1.3 miles)
  • Hand & Plastic Surgery of Iowa (1.4 miles)
  • Wolfe Eye Clinic (1.4 miles)
  • Dermatology Associates (1.4 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Christ the King Lutheran Church-Elca (0.5 miles)
  • First United Methodist Church (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Hartig Drug (0.6 miles)
  • Walgreens (1.3 miles)
  • Nucara Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
  • Iowa Essential Oils (1.4 miles)

Cafes

  • Java House (0.6 miles)
  • Sidekick Coffee And Books (1.2 miles)
  • New Pioneer Co-Op (1.3 miles)
  • Panera Bread (1.4 miles)
  • Starbucks (1.8 miles)
  • Caribou Coffee (2.2 miles)
  • Starbucks (2.3 miles)

Parks

  • Mormon Handcart Park (0.9 miles)
  • Lower City Park (2.4 miles)
  • Thornberry Off Leash Dog Park (2.4 miles)
  • Riverfront Crossings Park (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

  • El Dorado Mexican Restaurant (1.2 miles)
  • Tabooleh Grocery (1.2 miles)
  • Monica's (1.3 miles)
  • Hurts Donut Co. (1.4 miles)
  • Vine Tavern & Eatery - Coralville (1.5 miles)
  • Danes Dairy (1.6 miles)
  • Iowa River Power Restaurant (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

  • Coralville Eye Clinic (1.4 miles)
  • Town Square Allergy and Asthma (1.4 miles)
  • U I Healthcare (1.8 miles)
  • University of Iowa Department of Pathology (1.8 miles)
  • UIHC Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Class Room (1.8 miles)
  • University of Iowa Children's Hospital (1.9 miles)
  • Uihc-Ambulatory Surgical Center (1.9 miles)

Transportation

  • U-Haul Moving & Storage (2.4 miles)
  • Iowa City Municipal Airport (2.5 miles)

Theaters

  • Coral Ridge Cinema Coralville, Ia (2.5 miles)
  • FilmScene at The Chauncey (2.9 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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