
Merrill Gardens at Ballard
Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care · Seattle, WA
Merrill Gardens at Ballard
Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care · Seattle, WA
Experience quality senior living at Merrill Gardens at Ballard, an exceptional senior living community in Seattle, WA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents can choose from 101 studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, memory care options, and enjoy access to concierge services, scheduled transportation, 24-hour monitoring, and weekly housekeeping. Close to the downtown core, the community is an urban paradise with eclectic shops and restaurants, with close proximity to landmarks such as Salmon Bay and the famous Ballard Locks and Gardens.
Designed to promote independence, the community provides plenty of opportunities for exploring passions or discovering new hobbies with their wide array of activities and programs. Merrill Gardens at Ballard is modern yet intimate with a ton of amenities including a theater, library, bistro, and large private apartments with a washer/dryer and full kitchen. Residents stay nourished with restaurant-style meals served 7 days a week. With its comprehensive services, and stimulating activities and programs, Merrill Gardens at Ballard encourages a fulfilling and well-supported lifestyle.
50-bed community Rank #293 / 366Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 293rd out of 366 homes in Washington. 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.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: 97 / 100 Rank #12 / 628Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 12th out of 628 homes in Washington. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Washington facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.
About this community
AwardsSensight Resident Satisfaction Award 2025, Great Place to Work 2024-2025, 2017 Gold Nugget Award, 2017 Argentum Award
Facility TypeBoarding Home
StatusOperating
ExpirationDecember 31, 2026
CountyKing
License Number2507
Safety FeaturesResident Call System
Staffing
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
ContactPalm, Lisa L.
Licensed Nurses/CNAs
24-Hour Staffing
HousekeepingYes
Transportation Options
Anytime Dining
On-Site Maintenance
Weekly Housekeeping
Fitness Center
Pets Welcome
Wellness Program
Starting Price$3,995 per month
Food DescriptionAnytime Dining program with fresh restaurant-style meals served throughout the day, seven days a week.
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 2022 · 4 years of data
14 deficiencies
Inspection Scorecard
This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, 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 2022 vs. Washington state average
Overall vs. WA average
0 Worse
No metrics in this bucket.
2 Better
Metrics better than Washington average:
• Total deficiencies (55% below)
• Deficiencies per year (55% below)
• Total deficiencies (55% below)
• Deficiencies per year (55% below)
Latest Inspection
March 20, 2025
Annual Inspection
Deficiencies
| This Facility | WA Average | vs. WA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
| 14 | 31 | This facility has 55% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Washington assisted living residence (14 vs. WA avg 31).↓ 55% better |
|
Deficiencies per year
| 3.5 | 7.8 | This facility has 55% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Washington assisted living residence (3.5 vs. WA avg 7.8).↓ 55% better |
Inspection Reports Summary
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
- The March 20, 2025 annual inspection found no deficiencies in the facility.
- The October 12, 2022 fire marshal inspection cited 14 deficiencies, including missing fire drill records, fire wall penetrations, and lack of sprinkler and alarm system documentation.
- The December 1, 2023 follow-up inspection found no deficiencies, confirming all prior fire safety issues were corrected.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 458 / 675 / 1049 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: Mid-rise
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Ballard
5.8 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Seattle's city center to Merrill Gardens at Ballard's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 0.44 miles to nearest hospital (Swedish Cancer Institute Medical Oncology - Ballard)
Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Ballard
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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Washington
Merrill Gardens at Ballard is located in Seattle, Washington.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Washington.
Compare Assisted Living around Seattle
The information below is reported by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services.
| Aegis Living Madison |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.
RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision. | Seattle (Miller Park) | 96
Facility
96
WA AVG
82
Rank
#117 / 366 | Yes |
90
Facility
90
WA AVG
51
Rank
#40 / 628 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
87.5%
Facility
87.5%
WA AVG
74.4%
Rank
#60 / 285 | C+ | 13 | 5
Facility
5
WA AVG
8
Rank
#245 / 285 | 48
Facility
48
WA AVG
31
Rank
#227 / 285 | 3.7
Facility
3.7
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#125 / 285 |
| Aegis Living West Seattle |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.
RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision. | Seattle (North Admiral) | 84
Facility
84
WA AVG
82
Rank
#160 / 366 | Yes |
76
Facility
76
WA AVG
51
Rank
#107 / 628 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
81.0%
Facility
81.0%
WA AVG
74.4%
Rank
#111 / 285 | C+ | 10 | 3
Facility
3
WA AVG
8
Rank
#205 / 285 | 41
Facility
41
WA AVG
31
Rank
#203 / 285 | 4.1
Facility
4.1
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#141 / 285 |
| Mirabella Seattle |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). | Seattle (South Lake Union) | 63
Facility
63
WA AVG
82
Rank
#237 / 366 | No |
99
Facility
99
WA AVG
51
Rank
#1 / 628 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
46.0%
Facility
46.0%
WA AVG
74.4%
Rank
#266 / 285 | A+ | 6 | 2
Facility
2
WA AVG
8
Rank
#166 / 285 | 43
Facility
43
WA AVG
31
Rank
#212 / 285 | 7.2
Facility
7.2
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#251 / 285 |
| GenCare Lifestyle Seattle at Ballard Landmark |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision. | Seattle (Adams) | 63
Facility
63
WA AVG
82
Rank
#237 / 366 | Yes |
96
Facility
96
WA AVG
51
Rank
#15 / 628 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
76.2%
Facility
76.2%
WA AVG
74.4%
Rank
#142 / 285 | A+ | 7 | 3
Facility
3
WA AVG
8
Rank
#205 / 285 | 64
Facility
64
WA AVG
31
Rank
#255 / 285 | 9.1
Facility
9.1
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#269 / 285 |
| Merrill Gardens at Ballard |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Seattle (Adams) | 50
Facility
50
WA AVG
82
Rank
#293 / 366 | Yes |
97
Facility
97
WA AVG
51
Rank
#12 / 628 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - | - | 3 | 0
Facility
0
WA AVG
8
Rank
#1 / 285 | 14
Facility
14
WA AVG
31
Rank
#77 / 285 | 4.7
Facility
4.7
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#167 / 285 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill Gardens at Ballard
What neighborhood is Merrill Gardens at Ballard in?
Merrill Gardens at Ballard is in the Adams neighborhood of Seattle.
Is Merrill Gardens at Ballard in a walkable area?
Merrill Gardens at Ballard has a walk score of 97. Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.
What is the license number of Merrill Gardens at Ballard?
According to WA state health department records, Merrill Gardens at Ballard's license number is 2507.
When does Merrill Gardens at Ballard's license expire?
According to WA state health department records, Merrill Gardens at Ballard's license expires on December 31, 2026.
How many beds does Merrill Gardens at Ballard have?
Merrill Gardens at Ballard has 50 beds.
Are there photos of Merrill Gardens at Ballard?
Yes — there are 4 photos of Merrill Gardens at Ballard in the photo gallery on this page.
What is the address of Merrill Gardens at Ballard?
Merrill Gardens at Ballard is located at 2418 NW 56th St, Seattle, WA 98107.
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