The Best Assisted Living in Seattle

taylor shuman Taylor Shuman Senior Tech Expert & Editor

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From its rich arts culture to its shopping, Seattle is a bustling city that’s a fantastic place to live. The Emerald City is appealing to older adults who want to live an active lifestyle or simply remain in the city they call home.

There are dozens of assisted living communities in Seattle, so older adults can get the support and care they need. But choosing between those communities can be a challenge. The right assisted living community for you should fit your budget, offer the types of care you need, and be a good fit for your lifestyle.

To help narrow down your options, our senior housing experts spent over 50 hours researching assisted living communities in Seattle and identifying the best options. We’ve included essential details about each facility, along with some facts about senior living in Washington. There are also plenty of tips to help you determine which community is the best fit for you.

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Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Seattle

Since Seattle is home to dozens of great assisted living communities, we used a detailed process to select the very best. As previously mentioned, we spent over 50 hours researching and evaluating Seattle communities. We compared them using these criteria:

  • Cost: Since cost can vary so much, we focused on the value that each community offers for its cost. We also evaluated what services are included in resident fees, as well as any extra costs, like enrollment fees, that residents need to be aware of. Any prices listed in this guide come from facility websites or conversations with staff.
  • Care offerings: We also considered the types of care that each community offers. We looked for communities that have enough care options to support varying resident needs, along with features like emergency call systems for resident safety.
  • Amenities: Our team evaluated the amenities that each community offers. We gave bonus points for amenities like fitness rooms and pools, which can help improve resident health and wellness.
  • Location: A community’s location can have a significant impact on residents’ access to care and their quality of life. We considered what benefits and potential limitations each community’s location offered to residents.
  • Staff: Staff members play a key role in resident health and safety at a senior care facility. We looked for communities that hire talented staff and maintain adequate staff-to-resident ratios to deliver quality care.
  • Reviews: We read dozens of community reviews to get an insider’s perspective on life at each community. When reading reviews, we looked for common themes and shared those in our summaries.
  • 1. Northgate Plaza

    Technology to Support Wellness and More

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    11030 5th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Northgate Plaza

    Source: Northgate Plaza

    Highlights

    • Many apartments feature private patios or balconies
    • Amenities include a beauty salon and barbershop, library, and bistro
    • Pet-friendly community with nearby dog parks
    • Activities include groups and programs, lectures, and more
    • Every apartment features an emergency alert system for resident safety
    • Transportation services available seven days a week
    • Innovative use of technology to support residents

    Overview

    Northgate Plaza features beautiful grounds, and residents can access nearby parks and dog parks. Restaurant-style dining is available in an elegant dining room, while snacks are available at a casual bistro. There are also plenty of other amenities, including a beauty salon and barbershop, as well as a library. Residents can choose from studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, and activities like lectures, events, and groups support an active lifestyle.

    » Related Reading: Activities for seniors

    This community stands out for its use of technology to support residents. Northgate Plaza has established partnerships with technology providers to support wellness and more. Residents can access the community’s Mind+Body Wellness calendar, photos, dining menus, and more using the Connected Living online portal. Residents with hearing loss can use Eversound, a wireless listening system. The community features iN2L, an engagement program that helps connect residents with interests. Northgate Plaza also has Joy for All companion pets, which are robo-pets that help relieve loneliness and social isolation. Residents can also use Rendever’s virtual reality experiences to enjoy shared experiences and also help relieve loneliness.

    All of these initiatives help prevent isolation and keep residents engaged. We are big fans of technology that helps enrich seniors’ lives!

    Learn More:

    Learn More: Technology can help older adults in many ways, and technology’s role in senior living is constantly expanding with new advancements. Learn more about technology for seniors.

    Types of Care

    Northgate Plaza offers assisted living and short-term stays. Assisted living residents can receive support with activities of daily living, and professional staff members are on-site 24/7. The community also uses in-apartment emergency alert systems to help ensure that residents stay safe. Because a senior suffers from a fall every second in the U.S., these emergency alert systems are essential.1

    Northgate is a great option for technology-enriched assisted living. However, if you’re looking for more specialized health care, such as rehabilitation services or memory care, you may want to consider a community like Murano Senior Living.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Northgate Plaza has received very positive reviews. Many reviews describe the community as being warm and welcoming, and several state that staff members have gone above and beyond in caring for their loved ones. The few negative reviews that we found were left by people who had applied for positions at the community and were frustrated with the hiring process.

  • 2. Murano Senior Living

    7 Customizable Care Levels

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    620 Terry Ave., Seattle, WA 98104

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Murano Senior Living

    Source: Murano Senior Living

    Highlights

    • 24-story community means apartments have fantastic views
    • Amenities include secure parking in a parking garage, surround-sound theater, game room, technology lounge, golf simulator, and more
    • Wellness suite includes a spa and salon, barbershop, massage therapy, visiting physicians, physical and occupational services, and telehealth services
    • Scheduled and personal transportation services available
    • Pet-friendly community
    • Multiple dining venues, including regular happy hours and educational culinary events

    Overview

    Located in downtown Seattle, Murano Senior Living is a 24-story community, meaning residents can enjoy fantastic views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, and downtown Seattle from their apartment. Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments are available, and built-in emergency communication systems help keep residents safe.

    One of the benefits of such a large community is that residents have access to an array of amenities. The community features a surround-sound theater, game room, golf simulator, and technology lounge. Through the wellness suite, residents can access massage therapy, physical and occupational services, and appointments from visiting physicians. This is excellent for those who don’t want to leave the facility regularly for medical appointments.

    There are also multiple dining venues within the community, including Hue, a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the Mood Bar, which offers a full menu and a full bar with fine wines; and Mosaic, specializing in northwestern-inspired entrees. We’ve noticed that food is always a major theme in community reviews, so we love that Murano provides many different options for fine dining.

    » Learn About: Senior living amenities

    While such a large community can come with these desirable amenities, you might prefer a smaller community with more of a close-knit feel. If so, a community like Brookdale Admiral Heights might be a better fit.

    Types of Care

    Murano Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. The community provides seven customizable care levels to meet assisted living residents’ needs. Just a few of the services available include medication management, personal appearance and hygiene services, mobility assistance, and more. Residents can add on these services at any time, no matter what apartment they live in. Plus, physical and occupational therapy is available for residents who need it.

    » Learn More: Physical therapy for seniors

    Feedback and Reviews

    Murano Senior Living has received many highly positive reviews praising the community’s beauty, the apartment views, and the quality of the care residents receive. Many reviews describe the staff as being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. A former staff member left a negative review, and another review described a negative experience with one staff member. However, these negative reviews were much less common.

  • 3. Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park

    Offering Light Assisted Living and Assisted Living

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    2900 3rd Ave. West, Seattle, WA 98119

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park

    Source: Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park

    Highlights

    • More than 200 activities every month including journaling, Bingo, pingpong, movies, art history, community service, and more
    • Private dining room available for special occasions and visiting family and friends
    • Transportation is available to local appointments
    • Residents enjoy weekly housekeeping, laundry services, and concierge services
    • On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapies available, as well as visiting community physicians

    Overview

    At Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park, residents can access a great selection of health care services. Thanks to visiting community physicians, residents can receive care without having to leave the community. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are also available on site. Fitness classes and personal training support resident wellness, and emergency alert pendants with fall detection help keep residents safe. This focus on fall detection is particularly important, since emergency departments recorded 3 million older adult fall visits in 2020 alone.2

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: A medical alert system can provide help if you fall while you’re alone. Learn about the best medical alert systems.

    Queen Anne Rodgers Park also stands out from other communities because it offers both light assisted living and assisted living services. Light assisted living gives residents support with daily tasks while letting them maintain their independence. It’s suitable for residents who don’t require extensive care. If needs change, residents can enroll in assisted living, which provides more support. The availability of these multiple assisted living options allows residents to access a level of care that’s the right fit for their needs. Plus, since the community is pet friendly, residents can bring furry friends along with them.

    Love pets but don’t have one of your own? Northgate Plaza, another community on our list, has a robo-pet program that can still give you the companionship of having a pet.

    Types of Care

    At Queen Anne Rodgers Park, residents can access light assisted living, assisted living, memory care, respite care, transitional care, and end-of-life care. That full suite of services means this community is uniquely positioned to support residents with a wide range of needs. It also means that residents don’t have to move to a new home if their needs change over time.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Your care needs can change over time, so consider whether a community can meet those evolving needs. Learn more about changing health care needs.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Reviews of Queen Anne Rodgers Park are highly positive, often describing the staff members as genuinely caring about residents. Several reviewers state that their parents are thriving and enjoying a high quality of life in the community. Testimonials often mention the robust activity calendar that keeps residents engaged. One negative review posted by a former employee described issues with other staff members and management.

  • 4. Brookdale Admiral Heights

    Personal Solutions Program for Easy Item Delivery

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,705 per month

    ADDRESS

    2326 California Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Brookdale Admiral Heights

    Source: Brookdale Admiral Heights

    Highlights

    • Pet-friendly community with visiting pet therapy sessions
    • Busy activities calendar including fitness classes, movie nights, Bingo, karaoke, book club, and more
    • Amenities include a beauty salon and barbershop, library, theater, general store, and therapy room
    • Communal spots like the courtyard, pub and sports bar, chapel, fireside living rooms, and sunrooms provide opportunities for socialization
    • Personal Solutions program for convenient personal item delivery to residents’ front doors

    Overview

    Brookdale Admiral Heights features a robust activities calendar, along with amenities like a library, theater, and general store. There are also plenty of communal spaces available where residents can socialize and build relationships. Since the community is pet friendly, residents don’t have to worry about leaving a beloved pet behind. Additionally, visiting pet therapy sessions may provide residents with many benefits, such as reduced confusion, frustration, and depression.3

    » Related Reading: Pet-friendly senior living

    In addition to concierge services to help residents with any special needs or requests, Brookdale Admiral Heights offers a unique Personal Solutions program. Residents and their family members can buy personal care items like toothpaste, hand soap, hearing aid batteries, paper towels, and more through the program. Orders can be placed through email, and the item’s cost is added onto a resident’s monthly bill. Delivery is free, and items are delivered to residents’ doors in discreet packaging. This program is a highly convenient way to make sure that residents always have access to the products they need.

    Types of Care

    This community offers independent living and assisted living services. Daily check-ins and the use of an emergency alert system help to maximize resident safety. Since this community doesn’t offer more specialized services, like memory care, a community like Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park might be a better choice if you anticipate needing more intensive care. However, if you don’t anticipate needing higher levels of care in the future, Admiral Heights is a great option.

    » Learn About: Brookdale Senior Living

    Feedback and Reviews

    As of this guide’s writing, Brookdale Admiral Heights had a perfect five-star Google rating, based on about a dozen reviews. Reviews often praised the calendar of activities available to residents, professional and respectful caregivers, and the COVID-19 protocols the community instituted. The number of reviews is small, but it’s worth noting that it was difficult to find any negative feedback.

  • 5. Bayview

    A Prime Location for Walking

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    11 West Aloha St., Seattle, WA 98119

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Bayview

    Source: Bayview

    Highlights

    • Fitness center includes a warm water saline pool, pneumatic exercise equipment, and more than 22 weekly exercise classes
    • No entrance or community fees
    • Rehabilitation team is on site
    • Dining amenities include a terrace view dining room, bistro, and cloud room with 360-degree views
    • Two on-site massage therapists are available to support residents with relaxation or healing

    Overview

    Thanks to its location in Queen Anne Hill, Bayview provides desirable walking opportunities for residents. Shops, parks, grocery stores, cafes, theaters, and restaurants are just blocks away, and there is also reliable public transit. This location encourages residents to get some fresh air, socialize, and keep moving. Additionally, hospitals like Virginia Mason, Harborview, and Swedish are nearby for specialty or emergency care.

    There are plenty of on-site amenities, too. Three dining locations, including the cloud room with 360-degree views of Seattle, mean residents have numerous dining choices. We love this unique dining experience with a view! There are also two on-site massage therapists available for resident appointments, as well as an on-site rehabilitation team. The fitness center features a warm water saline pool. And, with more than 22 weekly exercise classes, residents have plenty of opportunities to work on their strength and fitness. We appreciate the variety of amenities and classes that help residents stay active.

    » You Might Also Like: Workouts and exercises for seniors

    Types of Care

    Bayview offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and home care services. As of Feb. 3, 2024, the community is no longer offering skilled nursing services. If you’re looking for a community with more skilled and specialized services, including end-of-life care or skilled nursing, you may want to explore an option like Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Many reviews of Bayview are highly positive, often praising staff members for their attentiveness and excellent care. Reviews frequently state that the community is beautiful and well decorated, and that the food is delicious. A few negative reviews stated that the staff members were unresponsive and didn’t seem to genuinely care for the residents.

  • Northgate Plaza
  • Murano Senior Living
  • Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park
  • Brookdale Admiral Heights
  • Bayview

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

As you look for an assisted living community in Seattle, our top picks can give you a good starting point. But you’ll also need to decide which community is the perfect fit for you. Consider these tips as you start to narrow down your options.

  • Determine your care needs. Before you start looking at communities, carefully think about what your care needs are — both now and in the future. Choosing a community that can offer additional care as you age may mean that you’re able to stay at that community longer.
  • Describe your ideal atmosphere. Think about the type of atmosphere that you would most prefer in a community. Try to describe that atmosphere, such as whether it’s busy, quiet, pet friendly, or has other important characteristics.
  • Calculate your budget. Do a bit of math and determine your maximum monthly budget for assisted living, then look for a community with rates below that number so you can comfortably handle any future cost increases. Remember that Medicare usually won’t cover assisted living costs, so you will need to use Social Security benefits, long-term care insurance, and retirement savings to pay for care.
  • Consider location. Think about the ideal location for your needs, and consider whether it’s important to choose a community near your existing physicians. If you will have friends and family regularly visiting, think about how the location will impact their ability to get to the community.
  • Read reviews. Reviews can highlight some important information about each community, but don’t let a few bad reviews scare you away. Every community will have some bad reviews. So, instead of putting too much weight in any one review, look for common themes that multiple reviews mention.
  • Go visit. As you narrow down your options, start visiting each community. Visits give you the opportunity to talk to residents and staff. You can also ask any questions and get a sense of the community’s atmosphere. A visit can help you decide if a facility might be the right fit, so listen to your gut.

What Is Living in Seattle Like for Seniors?

Older adults can enjoy an active and fulfilling life in Seattle, making the city an attractive option. Here’s a look at what life is like for older adults living in Seattle:

  • Climate: Seattle experiences warm and dry summers, but the winters can be very cold and wet. While winters are wet, Seattle averages just under six inches of snow per year, which is less than many other areas of the country.4
  • Health care: Older adults can access health care through Seattle’s numerous hospital systems, including Comagine Health, Providence Health and Services, Pacific Medical Centers, Saint Joseph Health, and more.
  • Cost of living: As of the third quarter of 2023, Seattle had the ninth-highest cost of living in the U.S.5 Seattle’s housing is the most expensive category, with costs more than double the national average.
  • Activities: There is no shortage of things to do in Seattle. Older adults can visit Seattle’s museums, shop boutiques and designer stores, enjoy music and theater performances, dine at fantastic restaurants, and more.
  • Taxes: Washington does not have a personal income tax, but estate taxes are graduated rates that range from 10 to 20 percent.6 Older adults will want to consider those taxes during their estate planning process.
  • Crime rate: In 2020, Seattle’s crime rate was 1.7 times higher than the U.S. average. Additionally, homicides reached 52, which is an increase of 22 compared to homicides in 2019.7 Since Seattle has an unusually high crime rate, older adults should consider the security measures present in an assisted living community.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Seattle?

The estimated median cost of assisted living in Seattle is $7,880 per month, per Genworth.8 That’s considerably higher than the national median monthly cost of assisted living, which is $5,511 per month. While assisted living in Seattle can be expensive, several factors impact your costs, so there may be ways to keep your prices down.

The type and amount of care that you need directly affects your rates, and increases in your care will drive up your monthly payments. It’s best to find a community with a monthly rate that you can easily afford. That way, you have some room in your budget if your care requirements and care costs increase.

You can help keep costs down by choosing a smaller apartment, too. Studios tend to be the most affordable option, but you may be able to afford a larger space if you share a two-bedroom apartment with another resident.

Since there are numerous quality assisted living communities in Seattle, some of these communities have rates that are lower than these averages. Just be sure to watch out for any extra fees and add-on services that can increase your rates.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
Read About Our Panel of Experts
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
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