Des Moines is a safe, fun, inclusive city with outdoor attractions, a vibrant art scene, a variety of cuisines, and plenty of cultural events. With its array of assisted living options and various indoor and outdoor events throughout the city, it’s the perfect place for older adults to call home.
Whether you’re considering your first move to Des Moines or you’re a lifelong resident of the city, assisted living in Des Moines involves living independently — experiencing the financial, social, artistic, cultural, and outdoor benefits the city has to offer with just the right amount of assistance.
Ready to learn more? Read on!
The Benefits of Living in Des Moines
Des Moines is a dynamic city with a growing population, historic neighborhoods, a relatively low cost of living, cultural amenities, and bountiful outdoor events.
Although the list of benefits is long, here are some highlights:
A “Best Place to Live” in the U.S.
According to U.S. News, Des Moines ranks in the top 10% of best places to live in the country for 2022-23. Reasons include:
- Lower housing costs than the national average.
- Financial benefits, such as no Social Security tax.
- A friendly, know-your-neighbor feeling.
Des Moines is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, due in part to jobs created by businesses and industries that are new to the area.
Cultural and Outdoor Amenities
Des Moines is known for its high-end cultural amenities, often at a lower cost than you’ll find in larger cities. It’s great for an evening or weekend excursion to one of its many parks, walking trails, or entertainment venues.
For example, Des Moines takes its performing arts and sports seriously. Catch world-class theater and musical acts at the Civic Center, enjoy Iowa Cubs minor league baseball at Principal Park, or hockey and basketball at the Wells Fargo Arena.
The city also offers hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails for those who like to explore during the warmer months. Residents especially enjoy the nearby Brown’s Woods, Chichaqua Valley Trail, and High Trestle Trail.
Community Action for Accessibility
In 2020, Des Moines joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. About 13% of Greater Des Moines residents are 65 or older, so this engagement has resulted in plans to build more accessible homes, expand public transportation, and create community engagement.
WesleyLife Assisted Living in Des Moines
Assisted living in one of WesleyLife’s Metro communities offers the best of both worlds: the benefits of living in the Des Moines area coupled with world-class hospitality and amenities provided by the region’s non-profit leader in community living.
Our approach to assisted living is simple: We provide the right amount of care to meet your needs and help you maintain an independent lifestyle. You can benefit from:
- Physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual programming.
- Assistance with activities of daily living, such as managing medications, preparing for the day or for bed, exercising, and anything else that will make your life easier.
- On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
- A variety of dining options.
These Communities for Healthy Living are located in or near Des Moines:
Edgewater | West Des Moines
At Edgewater, you’ll enjoy concierge service and a variety of dining options. Meet new friends for drinks, dance to the music of a visiting band, enjoy a lecture from a local historian, stroll the beautiful grounds and walking paths, and so much more.
“Moving to Edgewater was one of the best decisions we ever made!” Edgewater resident Barbara Henning said. “Team members are constantly working on, refining, or instituting new ways to better care for us. And there is so much for us to do! Food and Beverage makes a concerted effort to provide us with tasty, healthy food. Exercise classes are excellent. We feel we are part of a community.”
Brio of Johnston | Johnston
As a resident of the close-knit Brio of Johnston, you’ll live under the same roof as friends who save you a spot for dinner and neighbors who know your name. The community’s smaller size helps residents feel like family.
The Village | Indianola
As a resident of The Village, you’ll live in an engaging, empowering, and collaborative environment. In addition to many benefits provided by this Community for Healthy Living, you’ll enjoy our unique relationship with nearby Simpson College, where you’ll be able to audit classes and attend cultural events on campus.
Wesley Acres | Des Moines
Wesley Acres is currently undergoing redevelopment to enhance the quality of life for all who make it their home. A few of the many projects underway include redesigning the community’s entrance, renovating and redeveloping the Chamberlain Mansion, creating and enhancing amenities, and updating the culinary spaces.
“The care is great because team members feel empowered to go above and beyond,” Bob Darr, a family member of a Wesley Acres resident, said. “Never short-staffed. Beautiful campus that is very well maintained.”
Learn More About Assisted Living in Des Moines With WesleyLife
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the benefits of assisted living in Des Moines, reading firsthand experiences from our current residents, and discovering how assisted living with WesleyLife is about living an engaged, independent life with access to assistance when needed.
Take the next step and explore assisted living!
