Senior Living Apartments in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is an energetic city that has a lot to offer in terms of culture, entertainment, and food. For independent and active older adults looking to find their new home away from home, Des Moines is the place to be. The city offers numerous senior living options for people who want to live a comfortable lifestyle in a community surrounded by generational peers. In Des Moines, senior apartments offer up all the amenities you want in a home without the responsibilities and headaches that come with owning property, such as landscaping or keeping your walkways free from snow, ice, and debris.
Below, you’ll find several senior apartment choices within a 10-mile radius of the downtown Des Moines area. All of these senior apartment communities have partnered with A Place for Mom to bring you a variety of different types of senior living selections. From unique layouts to widespread benefits like onsite fitness facilities, these senior apartments present several potential places to call home.
As you’re searching for senior apartments in Des Moines, be sure to look through the rest of our guide to senior living in this region of Iowa. This comprehensive guide covers topics including how to pay for senior living costs, what living in Des Moines is like, the top medical hospitals, and other considerations. That way, you can have a better understanding of what it’s like to relocate to a Des Moines senior apartment building or community.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Des Moines, IA
My parents love it there. The staff is very friendly and very accommodating. The apartment is beautiful. The only reason I rated activities down a little is because we thought there would be...
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...
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.
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...
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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 senior apartments in the Des Moines area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Des Moines
- How people pay for senior apartments in Des Moines
- Understand Iowa laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
- What to expect from senior apartments in Des Moines
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Des Moines? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Des Moines area
Older adults who move to senior apartments in Des Moines can pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for rent; the average price is around $1,040 a month. [1] This would include things like maintenance, landscaping, and parking. Fees for having pets or covered parking, for instance, would be extra.
The following chart represents starting costs of senior apartments in Des Moines and surrounding areas.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Des Moines, IA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Des Moines, IA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Des Moines vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Des Moines, IA by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Des Moines
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Des Moines
Thomas Place at Waukee
Alice Place Apartments in Waukee, IA
The Rose of Des Moines
How people pay for senior apartments in Des Moines
Senior apartments are not medical facilities. Consequently, people who move to senior-only buildings and communities typically rely on private pay methods to cover their monthly rent and any other add-on fees, such as pet allowances.
Some seniors, however, are able to leverage their (or their spouse’s) VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, or public assistance to lower their out-of-pocket financial responsibility for needed treatments, medications, therapies, diagnostics, and home health visits. This enables them to free up more of their disposable income to spend on the ideal senior apartment for their needs.
When it comes to private pay methods, seniors may have a number of ways that they can cover their rent. Some have built up savings, for instance. Others receive regular Social Security benefits or work-related pension checks. Some have investment money or choose to cash out one or more of their life insurance plans, sell a primary residence or vacation property, or engage in a reverse mortgage agreement with a lender. Below are some more insights into ways that seniors can take advantage of their home equity or life insurance policies to obtain cash for a move to a senior apartment in Des Moines.
Number of veterans who live in Des Moines
About 43% of Des Moines veterans are 65+
Seniors who have served in the American military and who received honorable discharges may be able to take advantage of veteran-specific financial assistance. For example, some veterans receive a monthly Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension.
If you or your spouse currently receives a VA Pension, you may also qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit. The Aid and Attendance benefit is additional compensation above and beyond the VA Pension to help veterans who have limited eyesight, need help with day-to-day activities, have to stay in bed much of the day, or are in a nursing home.
There may be other veteran-focused funds that you can take advantage of as well, such as VA Disability compensation and one-time or ongoing Veterans of Foreign Wars grants. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers a rental assistance program for veterans who are homeless or at risk of being so.
Knowing which veteran financial aid, programs, grants, or funding streams you may qualify for can be confusing. To help you understand your full options and rights, consider contacting a VA office and speaking with a veterans service officer who can walk you through the VA benefits available for Des Moines veterans. Veterans service officers can also be found through Veterans Service Organizations, such as the VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.
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
For many seniors, Medicaid will become necessary after they no longer have private savings. In that case, Medicaid provides health care coverage for those low-income senior adults. Though Medicaid can’t be used to cover the cost of living in a senior apartment community, it can be useful for covering some other kinds of care, including medical care that takes place in the senior’s apartment.
A primary way that seniors obtain help via Medicaid is through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These may also be referred to as 1915(c) waivers. In Iowa, the state’s Medicaid programs offer seven HCBS waivers. Six of those waivers may be appropriate for seniors depending upon their situations: Health and Disability (HD) Waiver, AIDS/HIV (AH) Waiver, Elderly (E) Waiver, Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver, Brain Injury (BI) Waiver, and Physical Disability (PD) Waiver. Applying for Medicaid in Iowa can be done through your computer via this DHS portal. Alternatively, you can print off a paper application to send through the mail.
Help is available when it come to understanding Medicaid
To learn more about the HCBS waivers available in Iowa for state residents, read the “Are Home- and Community-Based Services Right for You?” booklet. A Place for Mom has additional resources on these waivers and Medicaid assistance, too. You may also want to attend Iowa Medicaid Town Hall Meetings, especially if you believe that you or your aging spouse will need Medicaid in the future. Alternatively, the Central Iowa Agency on Aging can help seniors obtain Medicaid benefits.
Iowa Medicaid Member Services can also help Medicaid recipients with submitting state-sponsored health insurance applications and renewals. You can also contact the Des Moines long-term care ombudsman to gather more information and assistance. Additionally, you can visit the Des Moines Social Security Administration office to help further comprehend your Medicaid benefits.
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 is a federal health insurance program. Seniors living in senior apartment housing in Des Moines can’t use Medicare to cover the cost of rent. However, Medicare may pay for some short-term medical needs such as hospital stays, surgeries, or therapies. To get assistance in applying for Medicare as an Iowa resident, contact the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to learn more about navigating Medicare benefits.
Be aware that you may also be able to save extra money through the state-run Iowa Medicare Savings Programs. The programs serve individuals who have limited resources and income and who receive Medicare Part A and Part B. You can also check out the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which offers services for social support and medical care to help seniors avoid nursing home placement.
If you need help determining which Medicare program is right for you, consider contacting an ombudsman in Des Moines, at the PEER Advocate Program, or through the Central Iowa Agency on Aging for advice, counseling, and suggestions. 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
Individuals who are low-income and over age 65 who believe they may need rent reimbursement to help pay for their apartments can apply to the state for assistance. Another form of assistance is the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher. You should be aware that not all landlords or property owners accept HUD Vouchers in Des Moines, so it is best to ask when researching a senior apartment. You can learn more about HUD Vouchers by contacting the Des Moines HUD Office.
The Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (DMMHA) also provides public housing rental units for qualified low-income seniors and administers the HUD voucher rental assistance program for residents in Polk County.
Assistance from Social Security
Social Security benefits can also be valuable forms of public assistance for seniors to offset their costs, including monthly living expenses like rent, groceries, and utility bills. There are four general types of Social Security benefits that may apply to your situation.
Social Security Retirement (SSR) benefits: This is a monthly payment that you can receive if you’ve amassed enough historical work credits. The amount you receive will depend on those work credits.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits: If you are disabled and have enough historical work credits, you may be eligible to receive this benefit. Again, your monthly benefits will vary based on your work history records.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits: What happens if you have a disability but no historical work credits? In that situation, you can apply to receive Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security survivors pension benefit: Did your deceased spouse amass enough work credits to be a candidate for Social Security Retirement benefits? If so, you may be able to continue tapping into those benefits as a widow or widower.
Visit the Des Moines Social Security Administration office to apply and learn more.
Des Moines resident public assistance resources
Des Moines HUD Office
210 Walnut St., Room 937
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-284-4512
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
2309 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: 515-323-8950
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Rent Reimbursement Program
Phone: 515-255-1310
Des Moines Social Security Administration
455 SW Fifth St., Suite F
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone: 866-964-7583
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Understand Iowa laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
Senior apartment buildings, communities, and complexes are not health care facilities. Consequently, Iowa doesn’t regulate them as if they were memory care or assisted living locations. This doesn’t mean that landlords and property owners of senior apartments in Des Moines don’t have to follow certain housing standards, though. They must comply with the same regulations as other types of apartments throughout the city.
Senior apartment housing regulations in Des Moines
All apartments in Des Moines must comply with Fair Housing laws that make it illegal to discriminate against tenants or deny them reasonable accommodations. If you believe that your landlord or property owner is in violation of Fair Housing standards, you may file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission within 180 days of the alleged discriminating event. You may also want to file a second complaint with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within one year of the alleged discrimination. HUD can be a good resource for you as a senior apartment resident in other ways. Not only does HUD publish a guide listing your rights as a tenant, but it offers a comprehensive guide on renting in Iowa in general.
Senior apartments are inspected based on the guidelines laid out in this Des Moines housing code checklist. You may contact the Neighborhood Inspection Zoning Division in Des Moines and ask for an inspection report from any senior apartment living facility you’re considering.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services contact information
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 senior apartments communities
In Polk County, the county of Des Moines, Iowa, the spread of Covid-19 is low. There are no regulations or mandates in place regarding face coverings, vaccine requirements, or social distancing. However, government entities recommend following precautionary best practices for all people, including residents of senior apartments. These preventative best practices are especially essential in communal and shared living spaces such as onsite fitness facilities, lounges, and community laundry rooms.
Vaccinations.
Individuals healthy enough to receive Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are encouraged to get them from their health care providers.
Masking.
Face coverings help prevent the spread of some airborne contagions and are recommended for those who may be ill or immunocompromised.
Staff safety.
Staff members who work with those who are ill, vulnerable, or immunocompromised may want to wear masks and social distance when possible.
Quarantining.
Temporary isolation may be preferred while waiting for the results of a Covid-19 test or after receiving a positive diagnosis for Covid-19.
What to expect from senior apartments in Des Moines
Moving to Des Moines to live in a senior apartment can be a good choice if you want all the freedom of living independently without the frustrations, costs, and obligations of caring for a large home, single-family dwelling, or townhouse.
Plus, two of the senior apartment facilities in Des Moines that are partners with A Place for Mom are combined senior apartments and either assisted living, independent living, or memory care communities. This means that you can more easily transition to different stages of your life without having to adjust to a new area every time.
Live with other independent seniors
One of the most appealing benefits of moving to senior apartments is the ability to be closer to your peers. Because all senior apartments in Des Moines are meant for residents at least age 55, the apartment complexes focus on providing amenities geared toward a more mature population. It’s a comfortable way to enjoy retirement without having to worry about mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or shoveling snow.
Take advantage of senior-focused activities
Whether you’re interested in staying fit, tending a garden, or engaging in arts and crafts, you’ll find plenty of senior-focused activities at some of the Des Moines senior apartment communities. Many feature fitness centers, game rooms, and movie rooms. This gives you access to entertainment and activities without having to leave your neighborhood. Of course, if you want to explore the greater Des Moines region, your senior apartment living community may occasionally organize outings and day trips.
Look for the advantages, resources, and services you prefer
Every senior apartment community has its nuances and unique aspects. When searching for the right one to call your next home, you may want to create a checklist of must-haves and nice-to-haves. For example, the following services, advantages, and resources are available and some senior apartments:
- Controlled access entry
- Pet-friendly setups including dog parks
- Playgrounds, walking paths, and clubhouses
- Business centers and community rooms
- High-speed internet access
- Patios and personal yard space
- Onsite 24/7 personnel or concierge availability
- Medical alert systems
- Garages and storage units
If you’re moving to Des Moines from out of state, take advantage of online digital tours. Many senior apartment communities will offer pre-recorded and live remote walk-throughs so you can get a better sense of each building and its environment, ambiance, and neighborhood.
Explore senior care with confidence
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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
According to U.S. News & World Report, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center ranks high in nearly one-dozen adult treatments including heart surgery, GI surgery, geriatrics, and orthopedics. However, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is not limited to just those procedures. It is well-respected as a general hospital, too.
Known primarily for its orthopedics excellence, Broadlawns Medical Center has also received high patient marks from U.S. News & World Reports.
Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System-Des Moines
Veterans seeking care may want to consider the Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System general medical and surgical site in Des Moines. As noted by U.S. News & World Reports, this facility provides emergency treatment and surgical procedures.
Transportation for seniors in Des Moines
In general, Des Moines is a city best traveled by car. Although its Walk Score is 45 out of 100 according to WalkScore’s research that judges the pedestrian friendliness of a city, you may not be able to easily get to the downtown or popular locations on foot.
Of course, if you are without private transportation, you do have some other options for getting around the city. For instance, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority has a few service choices, including bus lines that run throughout the day and around popular communities. These buses include the Paratransit Bus Plus service, which is a door-to-door solution for individuals who are disabled and can’t use regular buses. If you are considered low-income and are disabled, you may be able to obtain free Paratransit through a partnership with Polk County. To learn more, call their offices at (515) 286-3484 during normal business hours.
Are you interested in other means of non-emergency transportation suitable for seniors living in Des Moines? Compassionate Care Transportation LLC can arrange many types of transport, such as to shopping malls, grocery stores, and pre-scheduled doctor’s appointments. The company also is available to help arrange group outings.
Below are the Walk Score numbers on a scale of 1 to 100 for how well Des Moines is rated for public transportation, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Des Moines
Like most large cities, Des Moines is a place where there’s always something to do. Seniors who live in this region of Iowa have plenty of choices when it comes to entertainment, shopping, and general recreation. Plus, senior centers are dotted throughout the county to help bring retirement-age adults together for fitness, fun, and more.
Athletic and cultural events and experiences
Making memories isn’t difficult in Des Moines, thanks to ongoing events and happenings at places like Principal Park. Principal Park is the home to the Iowa Cubs, a minor-league baseball team. The Park doesn’t just feature baseball, however. Throughout the year, it’s the go-to location for concerts and themed events like a July Fourth celebration.
Two other ways to enjoy eclectic events any season of the year are at the Des Moines Civic Center and the Des Moines Symphony. The Civic Center, a premier performing arts hub, features accessibility for all patrons. Plus, it routinely engages in community ticket programs that enable low-income individuals to see high-quality live performances. Likewise, the Des Moines Symphony aims to enrich all members of the public through orchestral music experiences.
Museums and places to tour
A visit to the State Historical Museum can help you get a deeper sense of Iowan culture, heritage, and life (past and present). The museum is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchairs available for patrons.
Another popular museum that’s free is the Des Moines Arts Center. There, works and structures from artists and architects, including Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keefe, and I.M. Pei are on display. Afterward, consider taking a visit to the celebrated outdoor Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The Park is a safe, walkable way to indulge in some of the Des Moines Arts Center’s most notable art donations.
Parks, nature preserves, and zoos
During temperate weather, plan to explore the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Seniors receive discounted admissions to this expansive 14-acre tribute to both indigenous and exotic plants, herbs, trees, and flowers.
The Blank Park Zoo is another place to get lowered admission if you’re age 65+. Known for housing many animals from countries like Africa and Australia, Blank Park Zoo is an ideal place for both guided and self-guided tours. It’s extremely family-friendly, earning kudos for being a solid to-do item if younger relatives are visiting for a day, weekend, week, or longer.
Fitness enthusiasts who appreciate kayaking, walking, biking, and paddle boarding will want to take a trip to Gray’s Lake Park. It’s within walking distance of other landmarks including the Botanical Garden and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Feasting and other fun
Iowa cuisine spans all cultures, meaning you can find your preferred type of meal within the city. For foodies, a trip to the Downtown Farmers Market is a great way to get a little exercise and engage with local bakers, agribusinesses, and other creators. Seniors who want to taste-test homemade beer can head to the Iowa guided brewery tour that includes lunch or dinner. Tours include a deep look into the craft beer scene and VIP access to breweries in the Des Moines area.
Senior gathering places
Seniors who want to meet others their age can find peers at the Des Moines Senior Activity Center. As with most Senior Centers, the mission of this activity center is to create community experiences for older adults. In many cases, the events offered by the center can be enjoyed by seniors’ family members, such as children and grandchildren. From pickleball and golf to yoga and tai chi, the activity center is a centralized location for seniors to unwind.
Because of Des Moines’ size, there are three activity center buildings:
- East Side Senior Services: 1213 E. 26th St., Des Moines, IA, 50317
- North Side Senior Services: 3010 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50313
- South Side Senior Services: 100 Payton Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50315
Two other locations offering a year-round senior-specific event calendar are the Polk County Central Senior Center and the Polk County West Side Senior Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thomas Place at Waukee, Southview SR and Corinthian Gardens are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Des Moines, IA. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Des Moines is $1,262 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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