Merrill Gardens at The University
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.
About this community
Occupancy
Staffing
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 525 / 770 / 930 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Types of Care at 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.
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 2023 vs. Washington state average
Deficiencies
Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.
| Metric | This Facility | WA Average | vs. WA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
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Total deficiencies
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27 | 31 | This facility has 13% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Washington assisted living residence (27 vs. WA avg 31). Click this badge to view the full Washington ranking.↓ 13% better |
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Deficiencies per year
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9 | 10.3 | This facility has 13% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Washington assisted living residence (9 vs. WA avg 10.3). Click this badge to view the full Washington ranking.↓ 13% better |
Inspection Reports Summary
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
The most recent inspection on July 10, 2025, found no deficiencies, indicating the facility met Assisted Living Facility licensing requirements. Earlier inspections showed recurring issues mainly with fire and life safety documentation and testing, as well as staff tuberculosis testing and food sanitation. A substantiated complaint led to citations related to missing fire safety inspection documentation, and the facility was fined following a January 24, 2024 enforcement visit for ongoing fire and life safety noncompliance. Prior deficiencies were corrected over time, as confirmed by follow-up inspections in February 2024 and July 2025. This pattern suggests improvement in addressing earlier cited issues, particularly in fire safety and staff health compliance.
Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.
Show Inspection Reports
Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Washington
Merrill Gardens at The University is located in Seattle, Washington.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Washington.
Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at The University
5.4 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Seattle's city center to Merrill Gardens at The University's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 0.95 miles to nearest hospital (Seattle Children's Heart Center)
Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at The University
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Compare Assisted Living around Seattle
The information below is reported by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services.
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| Cogir of Queen Anne |
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. |
Seattle (Uptown) | 115 | Yes | 93 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 100.0% | 12 | 5 | 68 |
| Brookdale West Seattle |
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).
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. |
Seattle (Fairmount Park) | 60 | Yes | 87 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 58.3% | 6 | - | 44 |
| Brookdale Admiral Heights |
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).
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. |
Seattle (North Admiral) | 55 | Yes | 87 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 92.7% | 4 | - | 25 |
| Merrill Gardens at The University |
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. |
Seattle (University District) | 45 | Yes | 88 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 73.3% | 5 | - | 27 |
| West Seattle Adult Family Home |
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. |
Seattle (South Park) | - | No | 71 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - | - | - | - |
Guides for Better Senior Living
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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%.
How many beds does Merrill Gardens at The University have?
Merrill Gardens at The University has 45 beds.
What is the address of Merrill Gardens at The University?
Merrill Gardens at The University is located at 5300 24th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105.
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