The Best Independent Living Communities in Polk County, IA

Edencrest at Timberline, located at 14001 Douglas Parkway in Urbandale, Iowa, offers a comprehensive range of senior living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care. This vibrant community is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where residents can thrive, supported by a team committed to personalized care. As part of the Edencrest family, Timberline upholds a standard of excellence in senior living. Residents at Edencrest at Timberline enjoy a variety of amenities designed to enhance their quality of life. The community features a beauty and barber shop, spa, fitness room, and beautifully landscaped gardens and patios for relaxation and socialization. For those who enjoy staying active, there are opportunities for gardening, yoga, music, games, book clubs, arts and crafts, and off-site excursions. Dining options are diverse, with in-room kitchens and kitchenettes, a communal dining room offering shared meals, room service, and accommodations for special diets such as diabetic, kosher, and vegetarian. Residents also benefit from housekeeping and maid services, laundry facilities for linens and clothing, and both resident and guest parking. Transportation services are available for appointments and outings, ensuring residents maintain their independence and connection to the broader community. Edencrest at Timberline is proud to offer a 5% lifetime discount to veterans, retired firefighters, EMTs, and police officers, recognizing their service and commitment. The community is conveniently located just half a mile west of Des Moines Christian School, providing easy access to local attractions and amenities. With a focus on creating a secure, homelike environment, Edencrest at Timberline ensures that each resident's needs are met with compassion and professionalism, fostering a sense of belonging and peace of mind for both residents and their families. To learn more about this provider’s license and review other available state reports, please visit: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Health Facility Database

Glen Meadows Retirement is West Des Moines, Iowa’s premier independent living community. The community comprises 119 apartments for adults 55 and over — including studio apartments, one, two, and three-bedroom suites, and a variety of floor plans. Glen Meadows Retirement is all-inclusive, providing five-star services on a month-to-month basis. A single monthly charge includes all services, utilities, phone, cable, and internet. Spacious common areas feature a 150-seat state-of-the-art theater, library, billiards and game room, conversation areas with fireplaces, concierge lounge with bar, flat-screen TV, game tables, superb fitness and exercise room facilities, spa area, laundry facility, and business center. Residents savor the variety found in an industry-first all-inclusive Freedom Dining Program. With three fresh chef-prepared meals daily, residents can choose from a variety of menu options and dining experiences with flexible hours. Coffee, juice, ice cream, and snacks are available all day. Weekly housekeeping service is provided, along with transportation to and from appointments and shopping trips. Numerous planned activities, social events, and travel opportunities abound. Live-in managers and concierge and valet services are available 24/7, ensuring resident safety. Every resident receives an emergency alert pendant, guaranteeing peace of mind to friends and family that their loved ones are protected during emergencies. Pets are warmly welcome at Glen Meadows Retirement, with no additional pet deposit. A guest suite is available for residents’ family members to reserve for visits. A travel program whisks residents to any of Resort Lifestyle Communities’ other properties, where they can reserve a guest suite free for one week — meals included. Fitness and wellness programs including aerobics, weight lifting, yoga, walking clubs, sittercises, and many more boost resident wellness. A beauty salon/barber shop is close on the property. Residents can participate in a book club, bridge and poker games, or go on excursions to museums, cultural events, and casinos. Residents often say they wish they would have made the move sooner—those who make the move while they are still healthy tend to retain, or even improve, their health living in an independent retirement community like Glen Meadows. Socialization, security, and peace of mind are vital benefits provided to all residents. Socializing not only contributes to a longer, happier life, but also improves cognitive performance. Building a circle of support with new friends at Glen Meadows will enrich your life in countless ways. Visit Glen Meadows soon!

"3801 Grand is in the same neighborhood that I would like to be in. It isn't as large as a community. It has 38 residents so it seemed like a very friendly community. The input that I was getting from talking to the administrator was very receptive and very proactive. She called right away and she listened to what I would like, and then made arrangements for my son and myself to have separate apartments within the same floor. They have the evening meal available and some house cleaning services. I will not have any extra bills to consider. As far as utilities and everything, it would all be covered, except for my phone. They did great follow ups. The person I interacted with was excellent. When I went there, the receptionist seemed welcoming. The staff person I've been working with is the marketing staff. She just informed me that she's going to be out of town, and who I could reach in the meantime, so I appreciate that. The place is well maintained. They had activities. I was interested in their underground covered garage. They didn't have an entrance fee. You just have to pay a deposit, and I understand it's refundable if you want to leave. They had some activities that I thought I would be interested in. They have a gym and a full kitchen in the apartment."

"Mom is in Holland Farms Senior Living. It's a very, very nice place. It's very modern, beautifully decorated, very clean, and well maintained, and they've got a very nice staff. They have a very nice dining area. They had a Christmas party on Tuesday night. My mom likes to walk and there's a place there for her to walk and she enjoys that. The food is excellent. I haven't eaten anything, but I've looked at the menus and it looked like they would be very good. The activities are excellent too. They take them on rides and they have church activities and things like that. They have a lot of things and they keep it very interesting for them. Comparatively, their pricing is very competitive."

"All the rooms have large windows with nice views. The staff here are very friendly and are involved with all the residents every day. We have 3 choice’s every day at the noon meal. Fun entertainment every week. I think this is the best retirement community around! JP"

"I toured Edencrest at Pleasant Hill. It's new, and the administrator who took me on the tour seemed like she knew what she was doing and had things in mind to do as far as the future goes. She had some good ideas. The rooms were very nice and comparable to any other room I've seen. They're about the same size and have a nice, roomy bathroom. They just showed me a model. She told me that they just got a new chef and that he was good."

"I like that everything is very modern and up to date at Edencrest Kettlestone. The staff is very good. My dad says the food is pretty good, too. The place is very clean. They have a library, a courtyard, an outdoor space, a weight room and an activity room. Overall, we chose this community for my dad because of its price, cleanliness and proximity to where I live."

"We toured Edencrest at Tuscany for my in-laws. Our overall experience was just what we expected. We met with Kevin, and he explained and showed us what it was all about. He also showed us two options that were available and told us about the 2-bedrooms. Both options were wonderful. It was a nice facility, brand new. I liked all of the services that they were going to provide. It made me feel like they would be safe. Even though they were in independent living, they would provide the call button if they needed something right away. It was not free of charge. But, in the end, that made me feel secure, even though they were going to be independent living. The rooms had lots of light. They had a beautiful balcony off of the living room and sliders that led to the balcony. The kitchen was very roomy and would be easy for them to navigate around even for those with issues with walking or a walker. Their kitchen was just about as big as my kitchen in our current home, so, it was very nice. The closet space was roomy with plenty of room for their personal items. It had an in-service laundry room that was right above the kitchen. It was like the brochure says, beautiful."

Edencrest at Adel is a vibrant senior living community located at 621 302nd Place in the welcoming town of Adel, Iowa. This thoughtfully designed community offers Independent Living, and both Assisted Living and Memory Care, creating a supportive and enriching environment for residents at varying stages of independence. With 44 Independent/Assisted Living apartments and 26 Memory Care studio apartments, Edencrest at Adel provides a range of living options in a setting that blends comfort with convenience. Residents at Edencrest at Adel enjoy a wealth of amenities and services that promote a fulfilling lifestyle. Daily life includes access to a beauty and barber shop, a fitness room, and a serene garden and patio area perfect for relaxation or socializing. Residents benefit from housekeeping, linen and personal laundry services, and transportation options that make errands and outings easy. From arts and crafts and yoga to book clubs and offsite excursions, the calendar is packed with activities that nurture mind, body, and spirit. In-room kitchenettes offer independence, while shared meals and the option for room service ensure flexibility and comfort. Family and friends are always welcome to join for meals, reinforcing the warm, communal feel. What truly sets Edencrest at Adel apart is its combination of personalized care and small-town charm. The community’s dedicated staff offers round-the-clock support, including specialized care for residents in the secure Memory Care neighborhood. Located near parks, local shops, and downtown Adel, residents have easy access to everything from scenic walks to cultural attractions. Whether enjoying the tranquility of the landscaped courtyard or participating in engaging programs, residents at Edencrest at Adel are empowered to live each day with purpose and peace of mind. To learn more about this provider’s license and review other available state reports, please visit: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Health Facility Database

"I had visited several times over the years. The place was always spotless. It had a very clean and neat rooms. Very large hallways, which was great. You would always see some elderly around. Wither it be playing cards, solving puzzles, or watching a group movie there always seemed to be something going on which is fantastic. I imagine it must get terrible boring without activates running all the time. The rooms where my grandparents stayed were huge. The also provided extremely large bathrooms which is always nice. The staff was always friendly. Every time I went they always seemed so happy to help out. (Of course they are paid to do this, but it was nice nonetheless) Overall the place was great. I always enjoyed visiting and when I end up retiring I would love to live in a place like that. "

"My husband and I live at Scottish Rite Park. We have been here for 10 years, so this is home for us. We are in an independent living situation, but adjacent to us in the building, we have health care, memory care, and assisted living. So it's a full continuum of care. The community is well organized. They're sensitive to elderly needs. Good communication, good food. It's an excellent community. We've been very, very thankful to be here. It was where we would have wanted my brother to be initially, but they have only a limited assisted living unit. But it has priority to those who come from their independent living units, so there's quite a waiting list for assisted living, so my brother was not able to come here. The food is excellent. They have a good chef. There's variety and adaptation to people's needs. The building was built in the 1970s, but they are constantly updating. Right now, they're updating our water system so that we have a more balanced water system in regard to the heat and cold and so forth of the water. They're constantly working. It was built by the Masonic Group of Des Moines. You don't have to be a masonic member to live here, but it was established in the 1970s by the Masons and they've done a good job of keeping the facility in beautiful condition."

"The rooms at Sage Independence were nice. The place was neat and the people were friendly. We didn't try any of their food or anything like that, but the facilities were very nice, and the location was very good. Connie, our representative, was very nice. My wife liked the location because it was close to a lot of things that she was interested in. It was a five also for the cleanliness part. Any time you wanted a ride anywhere, say to the grocery store, the doctor's office, or the movie theater, they would provide transportation to and from them. That was one good thing about Sage that some of the others don't offer."

Upside is truly an exclusive opportunity to live independently on your own terms. We offer luxury living options with over 2,500+ apartments in our network across the country alongside a dedicated and experienced personal concierge support system. Upside is a uniquely designed senior living alternative to help you live completely independently. The Upside team helps you find a luxury-style apartment living option and provide you with extra layers of care and assistance, whenever and however you need it. Once you're settled in your new home, we connect you to your personal concierge and expert on all things aging. The Upside concierge is available to help arrange meal and grocery deliveries, transportation services, schedule appointments, assist with technology, and so much more! Anything you need, Upside is just a quick phone call or text away.

"We toured The Arbordale. All the rooms have been redone. They spend a lot of money on the whole place. The common area and the rooms were excellent and they're big. They're a nice size. We had been there so many times, a kind of a first name basis with them, but anybody we met has always been friendly. They've had a couple of open houses. We've been through just friendly all the way through. It's good food, nothing exceptional."