Des Moines Assisted Living

Des Moines regularly makes the lists: "Most Livable City," "Quality of Life," "All-America City," and "Cheapest Cities." To this list should be added "Cheapest Assisted Living," because this city along the Des Moines River is a bargain.

The overall cost of living in Des Moines is 10% below the national average. In Iowa, single retirees can exclude up to up to $6,000 ($12,000 for married couples) of retirement-plan distributions from state income taxes. The state and local tax burden is 9.5%. Inheritance taxes range from 1% to 15%.

While the Hawkeye State isn't the most tax-friendly place to live, its long-term care prices are dirt cheap. A private, one-bedroom in a Des Moines assisted living facility averages $2,808 a month, according to a recent Genworth Financial survey on long-term care. The national average is $3,261. A private room in a nursing home averages $159 a day on average--a semi-private averages $155. These nursing home costs put Des Moines at 25% below the national average.

The Health Facilities Division of the Department of Inspections and Appeals regulates Iowa's assisted living and other senior care facilities such as nursing homes. At their website, you'll find inspection reports and findings of complaint investigations for all licensed facilities in the state.

To receive all those previously mentioned accolades, Des Moines must have pretty impressive amenities. Here's a partial list: the 110,000-square-foot Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater; the Des Moines Botanical Center with its 15,000 exotic plants; the Blank Park Zoo; the annual Des Moines Arts Festival in June, Iowa State Fair in August, and the World Food Festival in October. May through October, visit Downtown Farmers' Market.

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