Merrill Gardens at The University
Assisted Living & Independent Living · Seattle, WA

Merrill Gardens at The University

Assisted Living & Independent Living · Seattle, WA

Overview of 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.

(206) 487-3549
Bed community size
45-bed community
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 88 / 100
Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
73%
Similar to the Washington average: 72.5%
Occupied beds
33 / 45
Average residents per home in Washington 73 per day

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

ContactCheyenne Rice

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
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Pets Allowed

Room sizes icon
Room sizes icon

Room Sizes: 525 / 770 / 930 sq. ft

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Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: 3-story

Transportation services icon
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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at The University

Assisted Living Independent Living

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, 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
Latest Inspection July 10, 2025 Follow Up

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

Metric This Facility WA Average vs. WA Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 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
Deficiencies per year Info Average deficiencies per year since 2023. 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 Info 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

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for Merrill Gardens at The University

Merrill Gardens At The University1 2
Merrill Gardens At The University2 2
Merrill Gardens At The University 3

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.

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

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. — 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.

Filter by care type
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 - - - -

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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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