10 Best Independent Living Communities in Cherokee, IA

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities provide individuals with a handy equilibrium between an independent lifestyle and not having to worry about housekeeping. Basic chores such as meal preparation and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and social activities is provided, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they wish, free from daily responsibilities. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to live among peers, surrounded by others of similar ages and backgrounds. Typically comprised of a private living space and a full kitchen, these communities offer homes with many of the amenities of apartment life but without the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and there will be more time to spend with them with the basic maintenance of daily chores out of the way. While policies differ between locations, many residences allow cats and dogs as well. Nursing and health care services can always be arranged for with independent care providers as desired. There are a variety of advantages and expenditures to keep in mind while determining an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these amenities are covered in your plan: utilities, initial assessment fee, meals, laundry, Waiting list deposit, field trips, internet access, and private phone. The luxuries associated with independent living include security guards, beauty salon & barber shop, community activities, transportation, restaurant-style dining hall, laundry service, private rental hall, and fitness center & swimming pool.

Demographics and Values

Out of the total population of Cherokee, 7.4% do not have health insurance, 16.0% have some form of disability, 11.3% are widowed, and 18.2% live in poverty. Racially, the population of Cherokee is 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.6% Native American, 1.7% black, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% other or not specified, 96.5% white, 0.3% mixed race, and 4.0% Hispanic. In Cherokee, 10.0% of the population are veterans of the United States armed forces. Currently, the population of Cherokee consists of 4,353 people and in total the Cherokee metro area has a population of 4,905. Cherokee has a population density of 289 people per square mile. Of the population of Cherokee 6.2% have a graduate degree, 33.3% have a high-school diploma, and 18.9% have a college degree. Out of the total city population, 47.1% are male and 52.9% are female. The median age of Cherokee is 41 years old.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living can be the major influence in choosing which community is best for your family. Per month, the median rent in Cherokee is $551 per month and the median home value in Cherokee is about $82,075. The rent burden for Cherokee is about 12.2% of the average monthly income.

State Information

An overview of Iowa

There are 120 general hospitals and 75 health centers that provide care for 3,168,703 Iowa residents. The three highest ranked hospitals in Iowa are Mercy Hospital, St. Lukes Hospital, and And Mercy Medical Center – Cedar Rapids. Out of a national average of 100, Iowa has a cost of living index rating of 92, a grocery index rating of 96, and a housing index rating of 80. Based on natural beauty, Iowa ranks 32nd in the nation. In terms of personal well-being, Iowa ranks 20th in healthcare and 14th in quality of life compared to other states.

Social demographics of the state

The state has a median age of 38 and 30% of its population being over the age of 55. During the latest presidential election, 51% voted for the Republican candidate while 42% voted for the Democratic candidate. In terms of diversity, Iowa ranks 43rd in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly. In terms of religion, 36% of Iowa residents attend religious services among the 5,107 different congregations that are available in the state. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-28%, Mainline Protestant-30%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. In Iowa there are 289 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

Iowa experiences an average humidity rating of about 72%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of December at around 78%. During the summer, the average temperature in Iowa is around 72F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 88F during the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 55F during the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 22F. The average high winter temperature is around 40F in the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 4F in the month of January. The most precipitation occurs in July with an average of 6.46 inches of precipitation a month. The average monthly precipitation for the state of Iowa is around 2.93 inches. On average, Iowa has an air quality index rating of around 41.2 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 53.8 AQI. While residents of Iowa mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Iowa can include floods and earthquakes (high).

Wildlife to be found in Iowa

The state of Iowa has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of twinleaf, dryflower, tumblegrass, and pink lady’s slipper. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the porcupine, the black wolf, the bison, or the lynx. The state animal of Iowa is the eastern goldfinch.