About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Home Care Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home. Complete guide to home careBest of 2024 Home Care Winners
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Polk County, IA
The cost of independent living in Polk County is about $3,080 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 68 options. Read 591 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.
As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Des Moines, West Des Moines and Ankeny.
Polk County Independent Living Facilities | 591 Reviews
Showing 54 communities
Last Updated: 12/20/24
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Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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My husband and I have lived here for over three and a half years. We have a very clean and comfortable surroundings. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure The Village stay safe and clean.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
1919 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Our free advisors can help
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Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Walden Point promotes choice, dignity and independence by providing a quality affordable assisted living housing option for persons age 65 and older. Walden Point offers private full sized apartments paired with the support of 24 hour on-site staff. Some of the amenities available at Walden Point...
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Corinthian GardensCorinthian Gardens is an affordable, safe senior housing community located in friendly Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. You’ll never run out of things to do here. You can visit the farmers market, spend an afternoon in Des Moines’ lush botanical gardens, or take a walking tour of...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
About The Rose of Des Moines The Rose of Des Moines offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom affordable assisted living in spacious private apartments with 24-hour monitoring and assisted living services available on-site and social programming in beautifully appointed community areas, including...
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Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Located in the heart of the East Village, Prime Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 44-bed skilled facility with views of the Des Moines skyline, capital and our private courtyard. We offer private and semi-private rooms with each room averaging 200 square feet. We have nursing staff onsite 24/7...
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
2424 Photos available
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
55 + Community in Beaverdale!Gorgeous community and homes located in the best area of Des Moines!We offer 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes with all kitchen appliances included. ElevatorStackable Washer and dryer connections in most units.Community Room hosts many resident activities.Fitness space and...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Ligutti TowerLigutti Tower is located in Des Moines, the capital city of the state of Iowa. The most populous city of the state, it is also the county seat of Polk County. You will find Ligutti Tower in the heart of downtown, close to fantastic dining, theaters, shopping, transportation and more....
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Elsie Mason Manor is a senior housing community that is located in the city of Des Moines Iowa. Our community is located in Polk County, which is an urban county. That is a beautiful city that is ideal for a getaway for the family and friends of the residents in our community. There are many...
Provides: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Starting at $X,XXX+ monthly
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Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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My parents are at Senior Suites and I’ve known other people that Have lived there for years and it’s very caring ..wonderful place ..the food is great it’s always clean ...friendly ..we love it
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Senior Suites of Urbandale is located in a quiet residential Urbandale neighborhood (northwest suburb of Des Moines). The Suites is our assisted living community, while the Veranda is our licensed memory loss center in a residential care setting. Available to you are many living...
Cost of independent living in Polk County, IA
The average cost of senior living in Polk County is $3,080 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Valeria, IA with an average of $2,804 per month.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Polk County, IA vs. nearby counties
Polk County, IA
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Polk County, IA vs. the state and national average
Polk County, IA
U.S. national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Polk County vs. other types of senior living
Independent Living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Polk County, IA by room type
Semi-Private
Studio
1 Bedroom
2 Bedroom
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
Average cost of Independent Living in Polk County over time
Polk County, IAIA stateNational
Discover the many ways to pay for senior living
Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.
Your Guide to Paying for Care
Plan for and know your options for how to cover long-term care expenses.
Your Guide to VA Benefits
The VA provides two veterans benefits that can be used to offset the costs of long-term care.
Medicare and Medicaid
Understand the difference between these two public pay options, and what they cover.
What families are saying about independent living in Polk County
Recent reviews for independent living in Polk County
Elite Lodge of Ashworth in West Des Moines, IA
3.8
We chose The Lodge of Ashworth Inc. because during the tour we were impressed with how clean it was and they had availability at the perfect time. They also remodeled her apartment before she moved in so she was able to pick things like her paint colors. The best part about the community is that ...
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Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA
5.0
Fun, vibrant, safe and clean. The staff treat your parent/family member with respect and kindness. Not a cold sterile old folks home. A place they can still be adults and not just another number.
Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny, IA
5.0
I would recommend this facility to others. All interactions that I have had with all of the staff have been great. Also, my mother has not had a complaint that she has told me about. So everything good. I can't rate the meals or activities as I haven't personally been involved with those.
Polk County independent living services and amenities
These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Polk County independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Polk County, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Polk County independent living
Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Polk County partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Polk County, IANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
13%
20.1%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
25.9%
33.5%
No sugar
No sugar
24.1%
30.2%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
22.2%
32.8%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
5.6%
8.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Availability of select dining options in Polk County independent living
Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Polk County communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Polk County, IANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
24.1%
35.7%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
31.5%
42.7%
Room service
Room service
31.5%
36.2%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
16.7%
17%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Availability of select programs and activities in Polk County independent living
Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Polk County offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Polk County, IANational
Activity director
Activity director
38.9%
44.2%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
20.4%
27.8%
Community service programs
Community service programs
24.1%
32.2%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
42.6%
47.2%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
42.6%
48.3%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
46.3%
53.5%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
35.2%
42.1%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
27.8%
37.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
31.5%
40.7%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
40.7%
46.5%
Live performances
Live performances
35.2%
46.2%
Dances
Dances
25.9%
31.9%
Fitness center
Fitness center
42.6%
39.2%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
37%
45.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
Frequently Asked Questions
Glen Meadows Retirement, Attivo Trail Waukee and Holiday Illahee Hills are the top-rated independent living facilities near Polk County, Iowa. See full list of communities.
There are 68 independent living facilities near Polk County, Iowa. See the full list.
The best independent living facilities near you in Polk County, Iowa are Independence Village of Waukee, Independence Village of Ames and Independence Village of Ankeny. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
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Independent Living in Cities Near Polk County
More options near Polk County, Iowa
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