Iowa 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Iowa, located in the heart of the Midwest, offers a peaceful and attractive setting for active adults considering retirement. The state's two largest cities, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, provide diverse living options: Des Moines, the capital, combines urban amenities with a strong sense of community, and is known for its cultural events and dining scene; Cedar Rapids, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed pace of life amidst a growing city with a rich history and access to the Cedar River. Iowa's scenic landscapes, including rolling countryside and picturesque rivers, coupled with a lower cost of living, make it a compelling choice for those contemplating retirement, where a tranquil lifestyle meets the comforts of city living.

Iowa, located in the heart of the Midwest, offers a peaceful and attractive setting for active adults considering retirement. The state's two largest cities, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, provide diverse living options: Des Moines, the capital, combines urban amenities with a strong sense of community, and is known for its cultural events and dining scene; Cedar Rapids, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed pace of life amidst a growing city with a rich history and access to the Cedar River. Iowa's scenic landscapes, including rolling countryside and picturesque rivers, coupled with a lower cost of living, make it a compelling choice for those contemplating retirement, where a tranquil lifestyle meets the comforts of city living.

Iowa Geography and Climate

Iowa lies on a humid continental zone and generally has hot summers, cold winters, and wet springs. Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures in the 60s, but this can vary from region to region.

The state consists of mostly flat land, with rolling hills, valleys, dense forests, and wetlands. Southern Iowa is where residents will find forests and grasslands. Northern Iowa is the drier part of the state, with less precipitation throughout the year. This area is considered to be a part of the Great Plains. Bordered by the Mississippi River, Iowa is also home to many river valleys and large bodies of water. Iowa is also the only state whose east and west borders are formed entirely by rivers.

Recreation, Culture, and Entertainment in Iowa

Iowa’s amenities can be divided by its different regions. Central and Eastern Iowa is home to the largest metropolitan cities in the state, Des Moines, and Iowa City. Western and Northern Iowa is where residents can find more scenery, state parks, forest preserves, historic landmarks, and plenty more outdoor attractions. 

Residents love to visit University of Iowa and take advantage of all the activities the college town has to offer, including continuing education opportunities, sports games, and cultural events. Iowa boasts a number of cultural sites, including Amana Colonies, the Lewis and Clark Monument, Herbert Hoover National Historic site, and many more. Residents looking for outdoor activities can visit Iowa’s botanical gardens, waterparks, and farmers markets.

Iowa Cost of Living

The cost of living in Iowa is lower than the national average. The housing cost is also significantly lower when compared nationwide. Other costs such as transportation, utilities, and groceries are less than the national averages.

Iowa does have an income tax but retirees qualify to exclude some of their earnings from that rate, with even more exemptions for those that have a lower income. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and older adults are eligible for exemptions on their pension and retirement benefits. Iowa has a statewide sales tax of 6 percent, and cities can add as much as a 1 percent tax on that rate. The average combined rate in Iowa is 6.82 percent.

Health Care in Iowa

Iowa generally ranks among the top states in Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

The highest ranking hospitals by U.S News can be found in Iowa’s larger metropolitan areas, including Iowa City, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. These hospitals are University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, MercyOne Des Moines Medical, and UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is nationally ranked in six adult specialties and rated high performing in two adult specialties and four procedures.


Communities Near Iowa
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7 communities near Iowa

0 Homes for Sale

Courtyards at Rock Creek

For Sale
  • Mid $300ks - Mid $500ks
  • 83 Homes
  • No Age Restrictions
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2016 - 2021
  • 2 reviews
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The Courtyards at Shadow Creek

For Sale
  • Mid $300ks - Mid $400ks
  • 91 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2017 - 2021
  • No Reviews
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The Courtyards at King’s Landing

For Sale
  • High $300ks - Mid $600ks
  • 79 Homes
  • No Age Restrictions
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2019 - Present
  • No Reviews
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Maplewood Village

For Sale
  • Below $100k - Mid $100ks
  • 173 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Resale Homes Only
  • No Reviews
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Aventura

For Sale
  • Mid $200ks - Mid $400ks
  • 62 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • New Homes Only
  • 2019 - Present
  • No Reviews
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The Vineyard

For Sale
  • High $300ks - Mid $500ks
  • 43 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • New Homes Only
  • 2018 - Present
  • No Reviews
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Bella Vista

For Sale
  • High $200ks - High $300ks
  • 24 Homes
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2014 - 2020
  • No Reviews
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$369,000

1056 Southern Hills Drive, Banning, CA

Meadow Ranch Community

  • 3 bed
  • |
  • 3 bath
  • |
  • 2320 SqFt
MLS CV23099287
Call Us: (800) 928-2055

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