10 Best Independent Living Communities in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, Iowa, is a pleasant city that captures the heart of the Midwest. Known for its friendly people, beautiful parks, and vibrant downtown, Des Moines has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to catch a baseball game, explore the city’s historical attractions, or enjoy the delicious food scene, Des Moines has it all. With a strong sense of community and a commitment to growth and progress, it’s no wonder that so many people love calling Des Moines their home.
For active seniors seeking a low-maintenance home with plenty of social opportunities and a laid-back lifestyle, independent living communities in Des Moines may be the perfect solution. These communities offer a range of amenities and benefits, including different housing layouts to suit the personal needs and wants of singles and couples.
With 15 A Place for Mom partnered independent living options available within a 10-mile radius of downtown Des Moines, seniors have a great starting point to begin their journey toward relocation to an independent living community in the area. From yoga classes to fine dining, everything you need is available without ever having to leave your neighborhood or building complex. In this guide, we’ll look at the options, their costs, and way to pay; we’ll also explore health care, transportation, and activities Des Moines has to offer.
Des Moines Independent Living Facilities | 651 Reviews
So far I'm completely pleased with everything here, I'd give them top marks across the board. It's a nice looking place, they keep it very clean, and the staff all seem friendly. It's a good environment, and...
I think things have turned out very well at Corinthian Gardens, my loved one really seems to have settled in well and is enjoying herself! It's a very friendly community, and she's really enjoying being able...
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It's a nice place to live. I like that I have my privacy. The staff is friendly, and I get along with them pretty well. I do think some of their equipment needs updating. For instance, some of the...
My mom has been thrilled with the staff and all of the social activities! She's made many new friends and enjoys her time there.
Our methodology
How we rank order the Des Moines community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Des Moines community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Des Moines area
- What families are saying about independent living in Des Moines
- How people pay for independent living in Des Moines
- Understand Iowa laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Des Moines
- Des Moines independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Des Moines? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Des Moines area
In Des Moines, the average actual cost to live in an independent living community is $3,349 per month, according to proprietary data from A Place for Mom.[01] Typically, these costs include amenities, such as full access to communal grounds and activities, property maintenance, lawn care and outdoor property management, and, if applicable, parking spaces and access to garage or storage units.
Please note that your actual costs may be higher or lower than the average based on the independent living community you choose and any extra services you choose to add.
The following chart represents starting costs of independent living in Des Moines and surrounding areas.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Des Moines, IA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Des Moines, IA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Des Moines vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Des Moines, IA by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Des Moines over time
What families are saying about independent living in Des Moines
Recent reviews for independent living in Des Moines
Elite Lodge of Ashworth in West Des Moines, IA
Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA
Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny, IA
How people pay for independent living in Des Moines
Being able to reside in one of Des Moines’ independent living communities provides freedom and independence. However, since seniors are not receiving medical care in the community as part of room and board, these costs will likely have to be paid out of pocket each month.
Fortunately, many seniors can offset private pay methods to cover other costs of daily living through helpful resources, including VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Seniors who move to independent living communities rely on numerous ways to cover the cost of their medically necessary care, including those that happen in-home at their independent living apartments.
If you’re not familiar with these payment methods, please check out the following tabs to get an idea of whether or not they could work for you.
Many seniors moving to independent living facilities in Des Moines use a variety of personal savings and income to cover their cost of monthly room and board. For instance, they may rely on the savings they amassed during their working years. Or, if they’re receiving monthly Social Security benefits, pensions, or even investment returns, those monies may be enough to partially or entirely cover the cost of living in an independent living community.
Number of veterans who live in Des Moines
About 43% of Des Moines veterans are 65+
Thousands of veterans call Des Moines home, which makes it one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the state of Iowa. When paying for independent living, individuals who qualify for VA Pension or disability benefits might be able to use those funds to help.
If a senior is already receiving a Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension, they may be eligible for other types of veteran-specific funding designed to provide financial help. For instance, the Aid and Attendance benefit provides monthly payments in addition to the VA Pension for vets who need help with their activities of daily living, have poor vision, are often confined to bed, or who are in a nursing home.
If it seems overwhelming to sift through these opportunities alone, research out to a veterans service officer for help. These experts in VA benefits and the application process are found through VA offices and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), such as the American Legion.
Resources for Des Moines veterans
Des Moines VA Regional Benefit Office
210 Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 5030
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Polk County Commission of Veteran Affairs
2309 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: 515-286-3670
Email: Veterans.Affairs@polkcountyiowa.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
7105 NW 70th Ave.
Camp Dodge – Building 3465
Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 515-252-4698
Iowa Department of VFW
3601 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: 515-255-2139
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
American Legion Department of Iowa
720 Lyon St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-282-5068
Email: info@ialegion.org
Disabled American Veterans
210 Walnut St., Room 566
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-323-7539
Vietnam Veterans of America Iowa State Council
210 Walnut St., Room 559
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 563-650-3055
Email: ghpaulline@gmail.com
Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of America
7025 Hickman Road, Suite 1
Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone: 515-277-4782
Email: iowapvakim@yahoo.com
Medicaid may be the ideal solution for seniors who have limited means to pay for rent and health care out-of-pocket.
Medicaid is meant as a health care coverage vehicle for low-income adults. Medicaid will not pay for room and board, but it can be useful as a way to pay for medical care — including medical care that happens in an independent living facility.
In-home care can be obtained through a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, which is also called a 1915(c) waiver. There are multiple types HCBS waivers offered in Iowa including:
- Health and Disability (HD) Waiver
- AIDS/HIV (AH) Waiver
- Elderly (E) Waiver
- Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
- Physical Disability (PD) Waiver
Fortunately, seniors don’t even need to leave home to apply for an HCBS waiver since the state makes it simple to apply online or via a printable application that can be mailed in.
Medicaid application assistance is available
Medicaid can be overwhelming to navigate. One good starting point to better understand Medicaid as someone about to move to an independent living community in Des Moines is to read the Iowa Department of Human Services booklet about waivers.
If you feel that Medicaid is in your future, consider attending the regularly scheduled Iowa Medicaid Town Hall Meetings. Or, if you prefer one-on-one assistance, Iowa Medicaid Member Services can also help you submit state-sponsored health insurance applications and renewals. You can also contact the Des Moines long-term care ombudsman to gather more information and assistance.
Des Moines resident Medicaid resources
Iowa Medicaid Member Services
2309 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-256-4606
TTY: 800-735-2942
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Social Security Administration
455 SW Fifth St. F
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Central Iowa Agency on Aging
5835 Grand Ave., Suite 106
Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: 515-255-1310
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Long-term care Ombudsman
Beth Burke
510 E. 12th St., Suite 2
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-725-3308
Medicare serves as the nationally-controlled health insurance program for seniors ages 65 and above. Just like private health insurance options, Medicare won’t cover senior independent living housing. Nevertheless, Medicare can pay for short-term medical needs like doctor’s appointments, in-home health care, and surgical care.
Seniors not yet receiving Medicare as their primary insurance may want to get in touch with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) in Iowa. That way, they will be able to best understand how to make the most of Medicare.
In addition to the broader Medicare program, the state of Iowa runs Medicare Savings Programs for seniors who are having trouble making ends meet. This is specifically designed to help with coverage for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and copayments.
You can also check out the Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE), which offers support for care services and medical equipment costs for seniors in Des Moines who qualify for nursing home type care.
For seniors not quite sure how to navigate Medicare or the other savings programs, contact an ombudsman at the PEER Advocate Program or the Central Iowa Agency on Aging. Seniors can also visit the Des Moines, Iowa Social Security Administration office to apply for Medicare and learn more.
Des Moines resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
455 SW Fifth St. F
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SHIIP
1963 Bell Ave., Suite 100
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
Phone: 800-351-4664 or 563-421-1096
Email: shiip@iid.iowa.gov
Central Iowa Agency on Aging
5835 Grand Ave., Ste. 106
Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: 515-255-1310
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Des Moines, Iowa Ombudsman
Bernardo Granwehr, Ombudsman
Bert Dalmer, Senior Deputy Ombudsman
1112 E. Grand
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone: 515-281-3592
Email: ombudsman@legis.iowa.gov
Understand Iowa laws and regulations for independent living communities
Because independent living communities in Des Moines are not care facilities, they do not need to be licensed or inspected by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals as assisted living facilities do.
This doesn’t mean that independent living communities aren’t required to stay up-to-date with regulatory requirements like codes and zoning expectations. They are. In fact, many independent living communities also actively acquire accreditation from entities like the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to differentiate themselves from competing community options. Being accredited by this nonprofit organization means the facilities are committing to upholding certain standards and actively being checked against them.
Like senior apartments in Des Moines, independent living must comply with Fair Housing laws making it illegal to discriminate or deny reasonable accommodations. They must also follow the Americans with Disabilities Act, which (among other things) ensures you have the right to have your service dog with you in your facility.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-7689
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Des Moines independent living communities
Iowa doesn’t require independent living communities to follow any specific Covid-19 practices. Nevertheless, it is wise to follow some best practices when you’re living in housing that’s shared with many other seniors.
Vaccinations.
Getting vaccinations and booster shots against both Covid-19 and the seasonal flu can help you reduce your risk of developing either condition or spreading an infection to others.
Masking.
Not feeling well? Going to be around people who might be infected or immunocompromised? Be sure to wear a mask as a protective measure.
Quarantining.
After being exposed to Covid-19, always isolate and test. You may want to speak with your doctor about quarantining if you test positive for Covid-19.
Types of independent living in Des Moines
One of the most important benefits to moving to an independent living community in Des Moines is the ability to choose from a variety of facility settings and types. Like all housing communities, each independent living location offers distinctive amenities, activities, and nuances.
Independent living with an eye toward the future
For seniors looking to the future, consider choosing a community attached to other kinds of senior-specific communities. For instance, though there are standalone independent living facilities, there are also those that are connected to assisted living, senior apartments, and memory care complexes. By moving to a community that has a combination type of living arrangement, seniors can easily change living arrangements as their health necessitates. Here’s how our partner communities break down:
- 7 standalone independent living facilities
- 7 independent living/assisted living/memory care facilities
- 1 senior apartments/independent living/memory care facility
The onsite resources you need for active living
One of the hallmarks of independent living communities is the resources they offer to seniors who are active. More than half of the independent living options you’ll find through A Place for Mom offers onsite arts centers, barber shops, beauty salons, fitness centers, outside garden space, and complimentary transportation. Doing what you love is even easier. You can tickle the ivories on the facility piano or make a new project in the woodworking shop available at some of our partner independent living facilities. Interested in bringing along a dog or cat? Nearly all independent living communities we partner with are pet-friendly.
Options in the greater Des Moines area
The greater Des Moines region offers a few more choices for seniors who may not be able to find an independent living community that meets their needs within a 10-mile radius. Within a 25-miles radius, A Place for Mom partners with an additional five facilities. Three are standalone independent living complexes, while one is a senior apartments/independent living combo. The last one is a combo of independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Des Moines independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Des Moines independent living
Availability of select dining options in Des Moines independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Des Moines independent living
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Des Moines? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Des Moines[04]
Median annual income for Des Moines seniors 65 and older[05]
Health care for seniors in Des Moines
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
At one point or another, you may need an orthopedic evaluation and surgery or cardiovascular disease treatment. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center has earned high points for many treatments and also operates as a general hospital. It’s continuously been ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report, and is not far from the independent living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom.
Need a medical facility for an orthopedic condition? Broadlawns Medical Center may be a good fit. The Center constantly gets the nod from U.S. News & World Reports for its reputation as a top care center in the city.
Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System-Des Moines
If you or your spouse is a veteran, you may want to seek out care at the Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System general medical and surgical site in Des Moines. U.S. News & World Reports points out that this site is especially strong in its emergency and surgical services.
Transportation for seniors in Des Moines
Though Des Moines, like most large capital cities, offers some public transportation, it’s best traveled by car. This doesn’t mean seniors can’t walk or bike around the city, of course. Walk Score rates cities on the ability for pedestrians or cyclists to get around; with a walk score of 45 out of 100 and a bike score of 30 out of 100, seniors may be able to travel in a way that nets some good exercise, too.
Feel more comfortable using public or alternative transportation methods? Don’t have a car? A Place for Mom’s partnered independent living facilities make it easy with 79% providing free transportation and 36% offering it at-cost.
There’s also the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority and its bus lines. The buses run around Des Moines and to popular sites. If seniors need a bus with accommodations, try the door-to-door Paratransit Bus Plus service. The Paratransit Bus Plus service may even be free to use for those who are disabled as well as low-income. Seniors can find out more about getting complimentary or low-cost service by calling (515) 286-3484.
Of course, seniors can always rely on Ubers, Lyfts, and other rideshare methods to go to the grocery store, head out to the shopping mall, visit restaurants with friends, attend events, and get to scheduled, non-emergency medical appointments. For senior-specific private transportation, reach out to Compassionate Care Transportation. Compassionate Care Transportation has a reputation for setting up reliable and affordable transportation for both individuals and groups.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Des Moines
Making the move to Des Moines isn’t just about finding an independent living community. It’s about exploring a city that has plenty to offer. From cultural activities and live entertainment to outdoor activities and lots of cuisine types to choose from, Des Moines can serve up constant things to do alone or with friends and family.
For outdoor enthusiasts
You can enjoy all of Des Moines’ four distinct seasons. For seniors who like to bike, jog, walk, fish, and participate in water sports, Gray’s Lake Park is a must-see location. It offers easy trails and paths, as well as accessibility to other landmarks like the 14-acre Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (seniors get special discounted admission rates) and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Another fun place to go is the Blank Park Zoo. With animals from far-flung regions of the world, the Zoo offers tours but can easily be navigated on your own. If you’re looking for something different to do with visiting friends and family, the Zoo is a perfect landing spot.
For museum lovers
Perhaps one of the most important museums to visit in Des Moines is the State Historical Museum. The Museum is designed to give a broader picture of what life in this original prairie town was like — and how it developed over the centuries. The Museum is completely accommodating and accessible for those who use a wheelchair or need wheelchair assistance.
For seniors who love art, the free Des Moines Arts Center features works from artists including Georgia O’Keefe and Henri Matisse. The Polk County Heritage Gallery is another place to see art within a multi-use exhibition space. The Heritage Gallery focuses on highlighting work from both known and emerging artists.
For live performance buffs
Seniors who want to go to a live orchestral performance or an athletics game can easily do it in Des Moines. Take Principal Park, for instance. It’s home to the minor league Iowa Cubs. But season after season, seniors can find much more at this Park than just baseball. For instance, be sure to stop by for their annual Independence Day celebration.
Live music and theater are always on the menu at the Des Moines Symphony as well as the Des Moines Civic Center. Both organizations are fully committed to bringing the performing arts to residents and visitors. Plus, seniors may be able to get discounted tickets, especially if they fall into a low-income category.
For foodies
Seniors can find every type of food in Des Moines. From down-home southern BBQ to fine cuisine, Des Moines spans the gamut when it comes to taste options. To explore fresh and organic food finds, plan an excursion to the Downtown Farmers Market. It’s where local farmers and creative cooks gather to support each other and the community they serve.
Like adult beverages? Head with friends from the independent living community on a city brew tour.
For peer community seekers
Some of the best-kept-secrets of the Des Moines region are its Des Moines Senior Activity Centers. Each Senior Center is devoted to presenting activities and experiences focused on senior adults. However, don’t expect that Senior Centers to only cater to those age 55 and older. The senior centers in Des Moines often set up events that are family-friendly and appealing to all age groups.
To visit any of the Des Moines senior activity centers, plug the following addresses into your smartphone:
- North Side Senior Services: 3010 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50313
- South Side Senior Services: 100 Payton Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50315
- East Side Senior Services: 1213 E. 26th St., Des Moines, IA, 50317
For more senior activity fun, be sure to bookmark the Polk County West Side Senior Center and Polk County Central Senior Center websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Attivo Trail Waukee, Glen Meadows Retirement and Independence Village of Waukee are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Des Moines, IA. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Des Moines is $3,054 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Test answer:
The average cost of Independent Living in Des Moines is $3,054 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Median Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2021 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) (S1903) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST
U.S. News & World Report L.P. (2023). Best Hospitals in Des Moines, IA Rankings
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