23 independent living communities in Central Iowa have costs between $1,250 to $5,640, have input from 562 reviews, and 73% have photos. Central Iowa offers a welcoming environment for seniors in independent living communities, characterized by its vibrant local culture and numerous amenities tailored to their needs. The area is home to the East Village, known for its charming shops and accessible dining options, while the nearby Des Moines Art Center provides enriching cultural experiences. Seniors can take advantage of the variety of programs available at the Senior Citizen Center in West Des Moines, which hosts activities ranging from fitness classes to social gatherings. Furthermore, the region boasts beautiful parks like Gray's Lake Park, ideal for leisurely walks or picnics with friends and family.
#1 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$1,822 to $2,060 per month
Independence Village is a vibrant and welcoming independent living community praised for its spacious apartments, engaging activities, exceptional dining experience, and dedicated staff, creating a joyful and fulfilling environment for residents.
Supportive Environment
Prairie Vista Village
Altoona, IA
4.7 from 48 reviews
#2 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Prairie Vista Village offers modern, spacious apartments with helpful amenities and attentive staff, but potential residents may find the limited social activities and dining options less appealing compared to other independent living communities.
St. Francis Manor
Grinnell, IA
4.8 from 12 reviews
#3 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
St. Francis Manor in Grinnell, IA offers a comfortable independent living community for seniors with various amenities and supportive services, but may lack certain specialized care options or extensive medical support.
Birkwood Village
Toledo, IA
4.3 from 43 reviews
#4 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$2,000 to $4,200 per month
Birkwood Village in Toledo, IA, is a vibrant Independent Living community that offers comfortable amenities, engaging activities, and supportive services to help residents thrive while maintaining their independence.
Great Staff
Pennsylvania Place
Ottumwa, IA
4.7 from 18 reviews
#5 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$2,194 to $3,685 per month
Pennsylvania Place is highly recommended for its coordinated care, pleasant atmosphere, spacious and modern apartments, enriching daily activities, and exceptional staff committed to residents' well-being.
Great Staff
Hearthstone Pella
Pella, IA
4.4 from 28 reviews
#6 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Hearthstone offers spacious, clean "Cottages" with a vibrant community atmosphere, while Pella Manor features charming balconies with serene views amidst mature trees, though it has shared laundry facilities.
Highland Ridge
Williamsburg, IA
4.8 from 9 reviews
#7 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$770 to $3,295 per month
Reviews of Highland Ridge indicate mixed experiences, highlighting concerns about staff supervision, resident safety, and communication with families, which may be critical for those considering an independent living community.
Emergency Response
Edencrest at The Tuscany
Altoona, IA
4.1 from 57 reviews
#8 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$2,200 to $3,550 per month
Edencrest at Tuscany offers a modern, aesthetically pleasing environment with spacious living areas and engaging activities, but potential residents should be aware of concerns regarding staff turnover, communication issues, and inconsistent training that may impact overall care quality.
The Estates of Pella
Pella, IA
5.0 from 5 reviews
#9 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$1,394 per month
The Estates of Pella in Pella, IA offers a range of amenities and services for seniors, but it may lack the same level of independence and privacy some individuals desire.
Vintage Cooperative of Altoona
Altoona, IA
5.0 from 5 reviews
#10 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$1,344 to $1,391 per month
Vintage Cooperative of Altoona offers spacious apartments and a variety of amenities in a supportive environment, but lacks on-site dining options and may require residents to rely on nearby restaurants for meals.
Good Samaritan Society - Ottumwa
Ottumwa, IA
4.1 from 24 reviews
#11 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
The Good Samaritan Society - Ottumwa offers independent living with fully furnished apartments and various amenities, but lacks extensive recreational facilities and may have limited transportation options.
Newton Village
Newton, IA
4.0 from 9 reviews
#12 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$1,250 to $2,880 per month
Newton Village in Newton, IA offers a vibrant Independent Living community with engaging activities, comfortable amenities, nutritious dining, and convenient access to local services.
Vista Woods Care Center
Ottumwa, IA
3.7 from 6 reviews
#13 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Vista Woods Care Center offers a wide range of amenities and services for seniors, but it may lack some independence as residents receive assistance with daily living activities and medication management.
Hillside Estate Inc
Williamsburg, IA
4.7 from 62 reviews
#14 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Hillside Estate Inc in Williamsburg, IA offers a vibrant assisted living community with convenient amenities, nearby pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, and places of worship for residents to enjoy a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.
Candleridge Apartments
Bondurant, IA
2.0 from 4 reviews
#15 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Candleridge Apartments in Bondurant, IA, while offering proximity to pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, and entertainment, may not provide extensive amenities for those seeking a more independent lifestyle without support services.
Active Lifestyle
Newton Village
Newton, IA
4.0 from 9 reviews
#16 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Reviews of a Des Moines area independent living community highlight its cleanliness and friendly, professional staff, but also note that it may not suit everyone's activity levels or financial needs due to its lack of Medicaid acceptance.
Prairie Village Apartments
Pella, IA
3.8 from 10 reviews
#17 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Prairie Village Apartments in Pella, IA, though vibrant and supportive with nearby amenities, lacks immediate access to diverse health care options and may not offer the independence some seniors seek.
Candleridge Apartments
Runnells, IA
3.0 from 3 reviews
#18 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Candleridge Apartments offers spacious, well-designed apartments for seniors seeking independence, but it may lack some privacy due to 24/7 staff presence and communal activities.
Carlisle Villa
Carlisle, IA
#19 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Oskaloosa Retirement Homes
Oskaloosa, IA
#20 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Oskaloosa Retirement Homes in Oskaloosa, IA offers a supportive environment with convenient access to amenities, dining, parks, healthcare services, transportation, and places of worship for independent seniors.
Pennsylvania Place AL
Ottumwa, IA
#21 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Pennsylvania Place AL in Ottumwa, IA offers a supportive environment for seniors valuing independence but may be limited by dependency on staff for daily activities and medication management.
Pella Manor
Pella, IA
#22 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
Pella Manor in Pella, IA offers a vibrant independent living community with convenient access to amenities and nearby medical facilities, but may lack on-site devotional services.
Deer View Manor
Sigourney, IA
#23 Best reviewed of independent living in Central Iowa
$4,020 to $5,640 per month
Deer View Manor in Sigourney, IA, while offering various amenities and activities for independent living seniors, might lack certain high-end features and may not provide as much privacy due to shared accommodations and communal spaces.
Best Pet Friendly Independent Living in Central Iowa
Dogs & Cats
Independence Village of Pella
Pella, IA
4.9 from 210 reviews
$1,822 to $2,060 per month
Independence Village is a vibrant and welcoming independent living community praised for its spacious apartments, engaging activities, exceptional dining experience, and dedicated staff, creating a joyful and fulfilling environment for residents.
Dogs & Cats
Birkwood Village
Toledo, IA
4.3 from 43 reviews
$2,000 to $4,200 per month
Birkwood Village in Toledo, IA, is a vibrant Independent Living community that offers comfortable amenities, engaging activities, and supportive services to help residents thrive while maintaining their independence.
Dogs Allowed
Pennsylvania Place
Ottumwa, IA
4.7 from 18 reviews
$2,194 to $3,685 per month
Pennsylvania Place is highly recommended for its coordinated care, pleasant atmosphere, spacious and modern apartments, enriching daily activities, and exceptional staff committed to residents' well-being.
Dogs & Cats
Highland Ridge
Williamsburg, IA
4.8 from 9 reviews
$770 to $3,295 per month
Reviews of Highland Ridge indicate mixed experiences, highlighting concerns about staff supervision, resident safety, and communication with families, which may be critical for those considering an independent living community.
Dogs & Cats
Edencrest at The Tuscany
Altoona, IA
4.1 from 57 reviews
$2,200 to $3,550 per month
Edencrest at Tuscany offers a modern, aesthetically pleasing environment with spacious living areas and engaging activities, but potential residents should be aware of concerns regarding staff turnover, communication issues, and inconsistent training that may impact overall care quality.
Considerations for seniors living in Central Iowa
Access to quality healthcare: Central Iowa is home to several top-rated hospitals and medical facilities, providing seniors with easy access to high-quality healthcare services.
Affordable cost of living: Central Iowa offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of the country, making it more affordable for seniors on a fixed income.
Active senior communities: Central Iowa has a variety of active senior communities and retirement homes that offer social activities, amenities, and support services for older adults.
Cultural and recreational opportunities: Central Iowa is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as numerous outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, parks, and lakes.
Safe and friendly environment: Central Iowa is known for its safe neighborhoods, friendly residents, and strong sense of community, making it an ideal place for seniors to live independently or with family support.