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 Rank #313 / 366Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 313th out of 366 homes in Washington. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Washington SNFs. 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
Walk Score: 88 / 100 Rank #49 / 628Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 49th out of 628 homes in Washington. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Washington SNFs. 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.
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 #163 / 310Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 163rd out of 310 homes in Washington. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Washington average, with its Statewide rank out of 310. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.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

ContactCheyenne Rice

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
Overall vs. WA average 0 Worse No metrics in this bucket. 2 Better Metrics better than Washington average:
• Total deficiencies (13% below)
• Deficiencies per year (13% below)
Latest Inspection July 10, 2025 Follow Up

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
Deficiencies per year Info Average deficiencies per year since 2023. 910.3 This facility has 13% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Washington assisted living residence (9 vs. WA avg 10.3).↓ 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.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
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Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 525 / 770 / 930 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
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Building Type: 3-story

Transportation services icon
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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

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

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)

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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

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
Facility 115
WA AVG 81
Rank #60 / 366
Yes
93
Facility 93
WA AVG 51
Rank #24 / 628
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
WA AVG 74.4%
Rank #1 / 285
12
5
Facility 5
WA AVG 8
Rank #245 / 284
68
Facility 68
WA AVG 31
Rank #263 / 284
5.7
Facility 5.7
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #213 / 284
Truewood by Merrill, First Hill
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 (Downtown Seattle)
75
Facility 75
WA AVG 81
Rank #191 / 366
Yes
99
Facility 99
WA AVG 51
Rank #1 / 628
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
45.3%
Facility 45.3%
WA AVG 74.4%
Rank #268 / 285
4
1
Facility 1
WA AVG 8
Rank #119 / 284
16
Facility 16
WA AVG 31
Rank #87 / 284
4.0
Facility 4.0
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #131 / 284
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
Facility 60
WA AVG 81
Rank #246 / 366
Yes
87
Facility 87
WA AVG 51
Rank #54 / 628
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
58.3%
Facility 58.3%
WA AVG 74.4%
Rank #245 / 285
6
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 8
Rank #1 / 284
44
Facility 44
WA AVG 31
Rank #218 / 284
7.3
Facility 7.3
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #253 / 284
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 81
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 / 284
14
Facility 14
WA AVG 31
Rank #77 / 284
4.7
Facility 4.7
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #167 / 284
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
Facility 45
WA AVG 81
Rank #313 / 366
Yes
88
Facility 88
WA AVG 51
Rank #49 / 628
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
73.3%
Facility 73.3%
WA AVG 74.4%
Rank #159 / 285
5
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 8
Rank #1 / 284
27
Facility 27
WA AVG 31
Rank #155 / 284
5.4
Facility 5.4
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #209 / 284

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.

Are there photos of Merrill Gardens at The University?

Yes — there are 4 photos of Merrill Gardens at The University in the photo gallery on this page.

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