10 Best Independent Living Communities in Johnston, IA

Independent Living

An Independent Living Community allows residents the chance to continue to live an active life while assuring their fundamental needs have been fulfilled. Basic needs such as meal preparation and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and social activities is maintained, 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 the opportunity to be among peers, in a community with others of similar age groups and interests. Residents’ quarters consist of a private living space with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering opportunities to entertain guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies differ between communities, many residences allow cats and dogs as well. Nursing and health care services may always be arranged for with private care providers if desired. There are an assortment of costs and benefits to keep in mind when deciding on an independent living community. It is important to learn if these services are covered in your service plan: wellness program, cable TV, move-in fee, field trips, internet access, initial assessment fee, transportation, and laundry. The benefits associated with independent living include concierge services, transportation, restaurant-style dining hall, security guards, beauty salon & barber shop, golf course, community activities, and laundry service.

Cost of Living

The total cost of living can be a major influence when selecting which destination is the best fit for you or your loved one’s needs. The rent burden for Johnston is about 15.7% of the average monthly income. Per month, the median rent in Johnston is $1,518 and the median home value in Johnston is around $251,137.

Demographics and Values

The total population of Johnston consists of 21,562 people. Johnston has a population density of 496 people per square mile. In terms of education, 53.7% have a college degree, 19.6% have a graduate degree, and 15.8% have a high-school diploma. In Johnston, 4.1% consider themselves widows, 75.6% participate in the labor force, 7.9% have some form of disability, and 4.3% live in poverty. Racially, the population of Johnston is 1.3% Hispanic, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 91.6% white, 2.6% black, 4.4% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 0.1% other or not specified, and 1.2% mixed race. Based on gender, 52.4% are female and 47.6% are male. The median age of Johnston is 41 years old. In Johnston, 5.8% of the citizens are veterans of the United States military.

State Information

An overview of Iowa

Residents of Iowa enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 32nd in the United States. The quality of life enjoyed by the average Iowa citizen is ranked 14th nation-wide. Additionally, Iowa is ranked 20th by healthcare standards. The state of Iowa has a cost of living index of 91.8 where a score of 100 is the national average, and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The state has a grocery index rating of 95.9 and a housing index rating of 79.6. There are 120 general hospitals and 75 health centers that provide care for 3,168,703 Iowa residents. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Mercy Hospital, St. Lukes Hospital, and And Mercy Medical Center – Cedar Rapids.

Social demographics of the state

In Iowa, 30% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 38. In the last presidential election 42% of Iowa residents voted Democrat and 51% voted Republican. In terms of religious values, 36% of Iowa’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 5,107 different congregations. 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. In terms of diversity, Iowa ranks 43rd in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly.

State-wide weather information

On average, the state receives 2.93 inches of precipitation a month. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of July at around 6.46 inches. The average air quality index rating in Iowa is 41.2 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 53.8 AQI. On average, the humidity rating for Iowa is around 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. The average high summer temperature is around 88F in 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. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 40F during the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 4F in the month of January. 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 dryflower, pink lady’s slipper, prickly pear cactus, and twinleaf. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the porcupine, the bison, the elk, or the coyote. The state animal of Iowa is the eastern goldfinch.