8 Best Independent Living Communities in Newton, IA

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities provide seniors with a balance between an independent lifestyle and not having to worry about housekeeping. Basic needs such as meal planning and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is maintained, allowing residents the autonomy to use their time as they see fit, free from daily responsibilities. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and interests. Typically comprised of a private living area and a full kitchen, these communities offer residences with many of the amenities of apartment life but with none of the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and more time can be spent with them with the basic maintenance of daily tasks out of the way. While policies differ between communities, a number of residences allow pets as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private health care professionalls. There are an assortment of expenditures and advantages to consider while selecting an independent living community. It is important to determine if these services are covered in the care plan: wellness program, meals, utilities, internet access, initial assessment fee, transportation, field trips, and private phone. The amenities that pertain to independent living include restaurant-style dining hall, private rental hall, transportation, security guards, concierge services, beauty salon & barber shop, laundry service, and game/TV room.

Demographics and Values

Newton has a population density of 518 people per square mile. Out of the total population of Newton, 8.4% are widowed, 17.2% have some form of disability, 62.2% participate in the labor force, and 6.5% do not have health insurance. Racially, the population of Newton is 0.3% Native American, 95.6% white, 1.7% black, 0.5% Asian, 2.1% Hispanic, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% other or not specified, and 1.9% mixed race. In Newton, 9.0% of the population are veterans of the United States armed forces. Of the population of Newton 3.2% have a graduate degree, 15.4% have a college degree, and 43.4% have a high-school diploma. Out of the total city population, 49.7% are male and 50.3% are female. The median age of Newton is 41 years old.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living can be a major factor when selecting which location is best for you or your loved one. Monthly, the median rent in Newton is about $806 and the median home value for Newton costs around $97,684. The rent burden for Newton is about 16.4% of the average monthly income.

State Information

An overview of Iowa

Residents of Iowa enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 32nd in the United States. Iowa is ranked 14th in quality of life and 20th in healthcare. There are 120 hospitals and 75 health centers that service a population of 3,168,703. 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.

Social demographics of the state

During the latest presidential election, 51% voted for the Republican candidate while 42% voted for the Democratic candidate. The median age in the state is 38, and 30% of the population is over the age of 55. In terms of diversity, Iowa ranks 43rd in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly. Thirty-six percent of Iowa residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 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.

State-wide weather information

The average humidity across the state is 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. The average low summer temperature is around 55F in the month of June. During the winter, the average temperature in Iowa drops 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 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. 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. 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 Arrowgrass, pink lady’s slipper, prickly pear cactus, and cinnamon ferns. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the bear, the porcupine, the gray wolf, or the lynx. The state animal of Iowa is the eastern goldfinch.