33 independent living communities in Northern Iowa have costs between $944 to $27,950, have input from 955 reviews, and 78% have photos. Seniors in an independent living community would find Northern Iowa appealing due to its vibrant blend of natural beauty and accessible amenities tailored for older adults. The picturesque Cedar Valley offers numerous walking trails, especially around the scenic Cedar River, perfect for leisurely strolls or nature-related activities. Local organizations like the Waterloo Senior Center provide engaging programs ranging from exercise classes to social events, fostering a sense of community among seniors. Additionally, the nearby University of Northern Iowa hosts cultural events and workshops that encourage lifelong learning and interaction with younger generations.
#1 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Northridge Village is a vibrant independent living community praised for its cheerful atmosphere, compassionate staff, diverse amenities, and engaging activities that foster social interaction and support among residents.
New Facility
Green Hills Retirement Community
Ames, IA
4.8 from 56 reviews
#2 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Green Hills Health Care Center offers spacious, well-maintained accommodations with a welcoming atmosphere, diverse recreational activities, and convenient transportation services for seniors seeking an independent living community.
Friendly Staff
Bridges
Waterloo, IA
4.8 from 41 reviews
#3 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$1,795 to $27,950 per month
Bridges Senior Living is highly regarded for its caring staff, delicious and varied dining options, engaging activities, friendly atmosphere, efficient maintenance, and convenient transportation services, making it an ideal choice for independent living.
Cleanliness
Friendship Haven
Fort Dodge, IA
4.5 from 109 reviews
#4 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, Iowa, offers independent living options with spacious accommodations, a warm ambiance, a variety of amenities including an indoor pool and library, personalized care through dietary preferences, and active community engagement, making it a highly regarded choice for seniors seeking a supportive and vibrant living environment.
Friendly Staff
Holiday Mallard Point
Cedar Falls, IA
4.3 from 122 reviews
#5 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$1,829 to $3,359 per month
Holiday Mallard Point is a well-regarded independent senior living community known for its welcoming environment, attentive staff, engaging activities, solid amenities, and commitment to fostering personal connections among residents.
Family Experience
Rosewood Estate
Waterloo, IA
4.5 from 35 reviews
#6 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$2,465 to $2,934 per month
Rosewood Estate is a highly recommended independent living community known for its personalized care, compassionate staff, excellent food, engaging activities, and clean environment.
Vintage Cooperative of Ames
Ames, IA
5.0 from 7 reviews
#7 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$1,300 to $1,800 per month
Vintage Cooperative of Ames offers a vibrant lifestyle with numerous local amenities and supportive activities, but may lack privacy due to shared spaces and communal living arrangements.
Stanard Family Assisted Living Center, Inc
Cedar Falls, IA
4.3 from 63 reviews
#8 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$2,970 to $3,870 per month
This highly sought-after independent living community offers spacious apartment-like accommodations, essential amenities for cooking, and a vibrant social atmosphere, making it an attractive choice for seniors seeking a fulfilling lifestyle.
Western Home Communities
Cedar Falls, IA
4.3 from 61 reviews
#9 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$1,425 per month
Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, IA offers independent living options with a variety of amenities and activities, but residents may find it lacks a sense of privacy due to shared dining and common spaces.
Good Location
Friendship Village Retirement
Waterloo, IA
4.0 from 71 reviews
#10 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Friendship Village Waterloo offers a prime location with easy access to amenities, a thoughtfully designed and aesthetically pleasing layout, strong community connections fostering camaraderie among residents, and enjoyable social events that enhance the vibrant living experience.
Excellent Care
Glenwood Place
Marshalltown, IA
4.3 from 18 reviews
#11 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$3,760 to $6,800 per month
Glenwood Place offers a caring environment with dedicated staff and enjoyable dining experiences, but prospective residents should consider mixed reviews on facility layout, pricing, staffing shortages, and engagement in activities.
Community
Meadows Independent Living
Clarion, IA
5.0 from 4 reviews
#12 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$944 to $1,542 per month
This affordable senior community in a small town offers a warm atmosphere, convenient access to healthcare, and engaging activities like regular exercise classes, making it an excellent choice for independent living.
Windsor Oaks
Ames, IA
5.0 from 4 reviews
#13 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Windsor Oaks in Ames, IA offers limited on-site religious services and may lack extensive recreational activities compared to other independent living options.
Village Cooperative of Marshalltown
Marshalltown, IA
5.0 from 4 reviews
#14 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$720 per month
The Village Cooperative of Marshalltown offers a vibrant community with various amenities and convenient access to essential services, but potential drawbacks may include limited privacy in shared spaces and reliance on nearby facilities for certain needs.
Grand JiVante
Ackley, IA
4.2 from 11 reviews
#15 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Grand JiVante in Ackley, IA may offer a range of amenities and activities for an active lifestyle, but it lacks details on staff-to-resident ratios or specific costs, which could be concerning for potential residents.
Newaldaya
Cedar Falls, IA
3.8 from 54 reviews
#16 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Newaldaya in Cedar Falls, IA, while offering a plethora of amenities and services for independent living seniors, may lack the personalized attention some residents desire due to its larger community structure.
Northcrest Community
Ames, IA
5.0 from 3 reviews
#17 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Northcrest Community offers a warm, supportive environment with spacious, homelike accommodations, engaging activities, excellent dining options, and attentive staff dedicated to fostering companionship and well-being for its residents.
Cleanliness
Timberland Village
Story City, IA
5.0 from 3 reviews
#18 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Timberland Village is a beautifully maintained independent living community that prioritizes cleanliness, fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere among residents, and offers attractive accommodations that enhance both comfort and social engagement.
Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community
Waverly, IA
3.9 from 7 reviews
#19 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly, IA, offers a range of independent living options with amenities like furnished apartments and dining services, but it may lack a more diverse range of off-site activities and communal engagement compared to other communities.
Villa Del Sol
Marshalltown, IA
3.4 from 14 reviews
#20 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Villa Del Sol in Marshalltown, IA provides seniors with a safe and comfortable environment, close to amenities including restaurants, healthcare services, places of worship, and transportation options.
Cedar Place
Story City, IA
3.7 from 10 reviews
#21 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Cedar Place in Story City, IA offers independent living for seniors with amenities and social activities, but may lack diversity in dining options and requires residents to manage their own medical care despite nearby services.
Westhaven Community
Boone, IA
3.9 from 8 reviews
#22 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$4,544 to $5,907 per month
The Westhaven Community in Boone, IA offers a variety of amenities and services for independent living seniors but may lack sufficient privacy and freedom due to around-the-clock staff supervision and scheduled daily activities.
Windhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care
Cedar Falls, IA
4.5 from 100 reviews
#23 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Windhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cedar Falls, IA offers a vibrant community with limited independence due to the need for assistance, which may not appeal to those seeking a fully autonomous living experience.
Walnut Court Retirement Comm
Waterloo, IA
3.4 from 5 reviews
#24 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Walnut Court Retirement Community in Waterloo, IA, while offering a variety of nearby amenities and services, may lack certain independent living features that some seniors seek.
Western Home Communities
Cedar Falls, IA
5.0 from 1 review
#25 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, IA is a vibrant CCRC offering personalized care services, amenities, and activities to meet the needs of residents in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Prairie Village of Parkersburg
Parkersburg, IA
4.0 from 5 reviews
#26 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Prairie Village of Parkersburg, while offering a serene environment and proximity to parks, restaurants, and healthcare facilities, may lack extensive entertainment options and diversity in activities for seniors seeking independent living.
Lakeview Lodge
Waterloo, IA
3.0 from 2 reviews
#27 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Families seeking Independent Living senior communities should be aware of potential inconsistencies in care quality, staff engagement, and accountability at facilities like The Lodge and Friendships Village, which may impact their loved ones' overall well-being.
Belle Haven & Rehabilitation Center
Belmond, IA
#28 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$1,740 to $5,925 per month
Belle Haven & Rehabilitation Center in Belmond, IA offers a vibrant environment with various amenities and on-site activities but may lack sufficient privacy and independence for residents seeking more personal space.
Apple Valley Hampton
Hampton, IA
#29 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$5,500 per month
Apple Valley Hampton in Hampton, IA offers comfortable independent living with various amenities and activities, but may lack extensive access to specialized healthcare services on-site.
Rotary Homes Senior Living
Eagle Grove, IA
#30 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$3,090 to $7,000 per month
Rotary Homes Senior Living in Eagle Grove, IA offers a welcoming environment with personalized care services, but may not be suitable for seniors seeking full independence due to the availability of round-the-clock assistance and structured activities.
Dutchman's Oaks Assisted Living
Dumont, IA
#31 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
$1,353 to $4,350 per month
Dutchman's Oaks Assisted Living in Dumont, IA, offers a supportive community for independent seniors, but may not provide extensive privacy due to shared living accommodations and scheduled activities.
Eichhorn Haus
Waverly, IA
#32 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Eichhorn Haus in Waverly, IA, offers a range of nearby amenities but lacks significant differentiation from other communities and may not provide the active lifestyle some seniors seek.
Regency Retirement Residence
Boone, IA
#33 Best reviewed of independent living in Northern Iowa
Regency Retirement Residence in Boone, IA, offers a peaceful setting with limited transportation options and potential for isolation due to its quiet neighborhood despite several nearby amenities.
Best Pet Friendly Independent Living in Northern Iowa
Dogs & Cats
Bridges
Waterloo, IA
4.8 from 41 reviews
$1,795 to $27,950 per month
Bridges Senior Living is highly regarded for its caring staff, delicious and varied dining options, engaging activities, friendly atmosphere, efficient maintenance, and convenient transportation services, making it an ideal choice for independent living.
Dogs & Cats
Holiday Mallard Point
Cedar Falls, IA
4.3 from 122 reviews
$1,829 to $3,359 per month
Holiday Mallard Point is a well-regarded independent senior living community known for its welcoming environment, attentive staff, engaging activities, solid amenities, and commitment to fostering personal connections among residents.
Dogs & Cats
Rosewood Estate
Waterloo, IA
4.5 from 35 reviews
$2,465 to $2,934 per month
Rosewood Estate is a highly recommended independent living community known for its personalized care, compassionate staff, excellent food, engaging activities, and clean environment.
Dogs & Cats
Vintage Cooperative of Ames
Ames, IA
5.0 from 7 reviews
$1,300 to $1,800 per month
Vintage Cooperative of Ames offers a vibrant lifestyle with numerous local amenities and supportive activities, but may lack privacy due to shared spaces and communal living arrangements.
Dogs & Cats
Glenwood Place
Marshalltown, IA
4.3 from 18 reviews
$3,760 to $6,800 per month
Glenwood Place offers a caring environment with dedicated staff and enjoyable dining experiences, but prospective residents should consider mixed reviews on facility layout, pricing, staffing shortages, and engagement in activities.
Considerations for seniors living in Northern Iowa
Lower cost of living: Northern Iowa typically has a lower cost of living compared to other areas, which can be beneficial for seniors on fixed incomes.
Access to quality healthcare: Northern Iowa is home to several hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities that provide high-quality care for seniors.
Peaceful and scenic surroundings: Northern Iowa offers beautiful landscapes, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities for seniors to enjoy nature and stay active.
Close-knit communities: Small towns in Northern Iowa often have tight-knit communities where seniors can build relationships, receive support, and participate in social activities.
Safety and security: Northern Iowa is known for its low crime rates and safe neighborhoods, providing peace of mind for seniors living independently.
Accessibility to services and amenities: Despite being rural areas, many communities in Northern Iowa have access to essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and recreational facilities that cater to the needs of seniors.
Opportunities for volunteering and community involvement: Northern Iowa offers numerous opportunities for seniors to volunteer, connect with others, and contribute to their communities through various organizations and initiatives.
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing
Independent Living
All Filters
