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Merrill Gardens at The University
Assisted Living & Independent Living · Seattle, WA
Entrance of Merrill Gardens senior living facility Cozy common area with bookshelves and a fireplace Fountain in a landscaped outdoor space with seating Dining area with table settings and drink options

Merrill Gardens at The University

Assisted Living & Independent Living · Seattle, WA
5300 24Th Ave Ne, Seattle, WA 98105 View map Calculator: See prices in your area
Merrill Gardens at The University accepts Medicaid.
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Merrill Gardens at The University accepts Medicaid.

Overview of Merrill Gardens at the University

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Enjoy being close to a variety of stores, entertainment options and all things University of Washington at Merrill Gardens at the University, a remarkable senior living community in Seattle, WA. The community offers independent living and assisted living with 123 studio, one, and two bedroom private apartments. Here, residents enjoy various services for their convenience, including concierge services, scheduled transportation, 24-hour support, weekly housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining.

Residents here are guaranteed an active and vibrant lifestyle with a dedicated Active Living Program Director overseeing a packed calendar of enriching activities and various wellness programs. The community features an array of amenities designed for residents’ comfort and welfare, including a library, movie theater, fitness area, wine bar, salon, and a piano. The meeting spaces, cozy living areas, refreshing patios and courtyard provides a relaxing space for socializing.

Facility Direct Line (206) 487-3549
Facility Direct Line (206) 487-3549
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Bed community size
45-bed community Rank #302 / 355Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 302nd out of 355 homes in Washington for bed count. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Washington facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Washington that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 88 / 100 Rank #49 / 626Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 49th out of 626 homes in Washington for walk score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average walk score across Washington facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Washington that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
73%
Rank #157 / 282Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 157th out of 282 homes in Washington for occupancy. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Washington average, with its Statewide rank out of 282. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Washington that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Similar to the Washington average: 72.5%
Occupied beds
33 / 45
Average occupied beds in Washington homes 73 beds

License Details

Facility TypeBoarding Home
StatusOperating
ExpirationAugust 31, 2026
CountyKing
License Number2588

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Leadership

ContactRice, Cheyenne (per state records, record updated Jul 2026)

Contact Merrill Gardens at The University

Inspection History

In Washington, the Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services conducts unannounced inspections and issues reports on the quality of care in all licensed settings.

Since 2023 · 3 years of data 27 deficiencies

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Washington state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2023 vs. Washington state average
Overall vs. WA average 0 Worse No metrics in this bucket. 1 Better Metrics better than Washington average:
• Total deficiencies (13% below)

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityWA Averagevs. WA Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 2731 This facility has 13% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Washington assisted living residence (27 vs. WA avg 31).↓ 13% better

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • July 10, 2025 follow-up inspection found no deficiencies, confirming prior corrections in food sanitation, tuberculosis testing, and pet certification.
  • January 24, 2024 enforcement visit imposed a civil fine after the facility failed its fourth follow-up fire and life safety inspection.
  • February 27, 2024 complaint investigation substantiated repeated lack of documentation for fire and life safety inspections despite multiple citations.
Show Inspection Reports

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 525 / 770 / 930 sq. ft

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Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
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Building Type: 3-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for Merrill Gardens at The University

Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at The University

Address 5.4 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Seattle's city center to Merrill Gardens at The University's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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Compare Assisted Living around Seattle

Info below is compiled from the WA Dept. of Social & Health Services (DSHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Ida Culver House Broadview
AL
IL
MC
Seattle (Broadview)
104
Facility 104
WA AVG 81
Rank #83 / 355
No
58
Facility 58
WA AVG 51
Rank #271 / 626
Studio / Cottage / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed 82.7% -6
2
Facility 2
WA AVG 8
Rank #163 / 282
17
Facility 17
WA AVG 31
Rank #94 / 278
2.8
Facility 2.8
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #70 / 278
Empress Senior Living at Laurelhurst
AL
MC
Seattle (Hawthorne Hills)
73
Facility 73
WA AVG 81
Rank #191 / 355
Yes
78
Facility 78
WA AVG 51
Rank #90 / 626
Studio / 1 Bed 72.6% -5
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 8
Rank #1 / 282
19
Facility 19
WA AVG 31
Rank #110 / 278
3.8
Facility 3.8
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #122 / 278
Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle
AL
MC
Seattle (Junction)
66
Facility 66
WA AVG 81
Rank #211 / 355
No
97
Facility 97
WA AVG 51
Rank #12 / 626
330 / 369 / 372 / 376 / 446 / 480 sq. ft 86.4% -7
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 8
Rank #1 / 282
19
Facility 19
WA AVG 31
Rank #110 / 278
2.7
Facility 2.7
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #65 / 278
Mirabella Seattle
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Seattle (South Lake Union)
63
Facility 63
WA AVG 81
Rank #227 / 355
No
99
Facility 99
WA AVG 51
Rank #1 / 626
1 Bed / 2 Bed 46.0% A+6
2
Facility 2
WA AVG 8
Rank #163 / 282
43
Facility 43
WA AVG 31
Rank #206 / 278
7.2
Facility 7.2
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #245 / 278
Merrill Gardens at The University
AL
IL
Ne Seattle (University District)
45
Facility 45
WA AVG 81
Rank #302 / 355
Yes
88
Facility 88
WA AVG 51
Rank #49 / 626
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed 73.3% -5
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 8
Rank #1 / 282
27
Facility 27
WA AVG 31
Rank #151 / 278
5.4
Facility 5.4
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #204 / 278
View all Nearby Homes

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Washington

Merrill Gardens at The University is located in NE Seattle, Washington State.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Washington State.

Get Financial aid guidance

Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

WA Medicaid COPES

Age 65+ or disabled
General Washington resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
WA

High demand in urban areas (e.g., Seattle).

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($70/day) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.)

Washington Family Caregiver Support Program

WA NFCSP

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General Washington resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
WA

High urban demand; rural outreach.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$70/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Community First Choice (CFC)

Washington Community First Choice

Age 65+ (or disabled 18+)
General WA resident, Medicaid-eligible, need help with 2+ ADLs/IADLs.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month; QIT optional.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
WA

Broader than COPES; serves ~20,000; self-directed option.

Benefits
Personal care (4-6 hours/day) Respite (~240 hours/year) Assistive devices Training Transportation

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

Washington OAA Services

Age 60+
General WA resident; no income/asset limits.
Income Limits (2025) None; donations encouraged.
Asset Limits Not assessed.
WA

13 AAAs; includes Meals on Wheels; rural focus.

Benefits
Meals (~$5-$7/meal) Transportation Homemaker services (~4 hours/week) Respite (~5 days/year) Legal aid

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Washington Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General WA resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
WA

Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Washington VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General WA resident, wartime service, ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth
WA

High veteran use; supports rural/urban needs.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

Washington Senior Property Tax Exemption

Age 61+ or disabled retiree
General WA resident, homeowner, income-based.
Income Limits (2025) ~$45,000-$70,000/year varies by county, e.g., King: $70,000
Asset Limits Not assessed; home value cap varies ~$250,000-$400,000
WA

Saves ~$500-$1,500/year; offered statewide.

Benefits
Tax exemption (~$500-$1,500/year depending on county)

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Washington SFMNP

Age 60+
General WA resident, low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,322/month 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed.
WA

Vouchers (~$80/season); serves ~20,000 via AAAs.

Benefits
Vouchers (~$80/season) for produce at farmers’ markets

Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill Gardens at The University

What neighborhood is Merrill Gardens at The University in?

Merrill Gardens at The University is in the University District neighborhood of Seattle.

Is Merrill Gardens at The University in a walkable area?

Merrill Gardens at The University has a walk score of 88. Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

What is the license number of Merrill Gardens at The University?

According to WA state health department records, Merrill Gardens at The University's license number is 2588.

When does Merrill Gardens at The University's license expire?

According to WA state health department records, Merrill Gardens at The University's license expires on August 31, 2026.

What is the occupancy rate at Merrill Gardens at The University?

Merrill Gardens at The University's occupancy is 73%.

Are pets allowed at Merrill Gardens at The University?

Yes, Merrill Gardens at The University allows residents to bring their pets.

How many beds does Merrill Gardens at The University have?

Merrill Gardens at The University has 45 beds.

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