Traverse City is located in Michigan’s Great Lakes region and is home to over 15,500 residents, approximately 22% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older. Retirees who reside in this charming small town have access to a variety of benefits, such as outdoor attractions, a low cost of living and affordable health care. Munson Healthcare, the state’s largest and most extensive health care system, has heart, cancer and orthopedic specialists who offer home visits in communities throughout northern Michigan.
Assisted living facilities offer seniors safety and comfort in a homelike environment. These caring communities are perfect for independent seniors who require assistance with daily personal care but don’t need skilled nursing services. Traverse City seniors pay $4,460 per month for assisted living care.
This guide provides information about assisted living in Traverse City, including how local assisted living costs compare to rates in nearby cities. It also includes a list of local agencies and programs that serve area seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Traverse City, MI
1400 Brigadoon Court , Traverse City, MI, 49686
I think Boardman Lake Glens assisted living is wonderful and the care is wonderful. The only problem we had is that my mom needed a step up in the care and there was a drastic miscommunication between
… (read more)
I think Boardman Lake Glens assisted living is wonderful and the care is wonderful. The only problem we had is that my mom needed a step up in the care and there was a drastic miscommunication between the nurse that was on the floor and the manager of the whole unit. That was all resolved and it’s going just beautifully right now again.
Their rooms are gorgeous. Her room overlooks a lake. She has her bedroom, own bathroom, living room, and a little kitchenette. It couldn’t be nicer for her. We’re so pleased that we were able to find that place so we were upset at the thought of having her leave.
The food is delicious. She loves it. They have bingo and exercise. They had a person there when we were visiting her this summer and she brought in cups of ice cream for everyone. Another time she had little things, like little treats for them because it was a holiday. Mother had some art projects that she’s worked on in her room too. The staff is very caring and they meet all of her needs.
(read less)
I think Boardman Lake Glens assisted living is wonderful and the care is wonderful. The only problem we had is that my mom needed a step up in the care and there was a drastic miscommunication between
… (read more)
I think Boardman Lake Glens assisted living is wonderful and the care is wonderful. The only problem we had is that my mom needed a step up in the care and there was a drastic miscommunication between the nurse that was on the floor and the manager of the whole unit. That was all resolved and it’s going just beautifully right now again.
Their rooms are gorgeous. Her room overlooks a lake. She has her bedroom, own bathroom, living room, and a little kitchenette. It couldn’t be nicer for her. We’re so pleased that we were able to find that place so we were upset at the thought of having her leave.
The food is delicious. She loves it. They have bingo and exercise. They had a person there when we were visiting her this summer and she brought in cups of ice cream for everyone. Another time she had little things, like little treats for them because it was a holiday. Mother had some art projects that she’s worked on in her room too. The staff is very caring and they meet all of her needs.
(read less)
3825 Scenic Ridge Road, Traverse City, MI, 49684
Bay Ridge was nice. It’s very big; probably the biggest I’ve seen. I got the feeling that the rooms were small, but we have lots of friends there, and they say it’s really nice and enjoy it. You c
… (read more)
Bay Ridge was nice. It’s very big; probably the biggest I’ve seen. I got the feeling that the rooms were small, but we have lots of friends there, and they say it’s really nice and enjoy it. You can sit out in the backyard and watch the buffalo go by. There’s a buffalo farm right across the creek, and it’s very interesting to watch them.
(read less)
Bay Ridge was nice. It’s very big; probably the biggest I’ve seen. I got the feeling that the rooms were small, but we have lots of friends there, and they say it’s really nice and enjoy it. You c
… (read more)
Bay Ridge was nice. It’s very big; probably the biggest I’ve seen. I got the feeling that the rooms were small, but we have lots of friends there, and they say it’s really nice and enjoy it. You can sit out in the backyard and watch the buffalo go by. There’s a buffalo farm right across the creek, and it’s very interesting to watch them.
(read less)
![]()
908 West Seventh Street, Traverse City, MI, 49684
We visited French Manor South. It’s immaculate and very nice. It is new. The staff is very nice. The room we looked at had just been vacated and it was freshly painted. It was very nice. They had a li
… (read more)
We visited French Manor South. It’s immaculate and very nice. It is new. The staff is very nice. The room we looked at had just been vacated and it was freshly painted. It was very nice. They had a little sitting area, but everybody had their apartment, and they had a nice dining room. It’s a small facility, so there’s not a ton of people there. They have people come in, and they have entertainment, they just have activities for them. They have a very nice kitchen. They have a chef, and he’s been in the restaurant business for a long time, so he is their chef there and he fixes all the food. What I liked about it is they eat breakfast and then they have their dinner at like 1:00, and then at 5:00 or 6:00, they have snacks. It’s like lunch, but not a heavy dinner, and they find that the people that live there like that better.
(read less)
We visited French Manor South. It’s immaculate and very nice. It is new. The staff is very nice. The room we looked at had just been vacated and it was freshly painted. It was very nice. They had a li
… (read more)
We visited French Manor South. It’s immaculate and very nice. It is new. The staff is very nice. The room we looked at had just been vacated and it was freshly painted. It was very nice. They had a little sitting area, but everybody had their apartment, and they had a nice dining room. It’s a small facility, so there’s not a ton of people there. They have people come in, and they have entertainment, they just have activities for them. They have a very nice kitchen. They have a chef, and he’s been in the restaurant business for a long time, so he is their chef there and he fixes all the food. What I liked about it is they eat breakfast and then they have their dinner at like 1:00, and then at 5:00 or 6:00, they have snacks. It’s like lunch, but not a heavy dinner, and they find that the people that live there like that better.
(read less)
7438 N Long Lake Road, Traverse City, MI, 49685
The staff let my grandmother "help out" with chores like dishes and laundry. This flexibility on the part of the staff help her feel worth while and useful. Instead of sitting around wasting away she
… (read more)
The staff let my grandmother "help out" with chores like dishes and laundry. This flexibility on the part of the staff help her feel worth while and useful. Instead of sitting around wasting away she got to engage her mind and body. I feel grateful to the staff for being so accommodating.
(read less)
The staff let my grandmother "help out" with chores like dishes and laundry. This flexibility on the part of the staff help her feel worth while and useful. Instead of sitting around wasting away she
… (read more)
The staff let my grandmother "help out" with chores like dishes and laundry. This flexibility on the part of the staff help her feel worth while and useful. Instead of sitting around wasting away she got to engage her mind and body. I feel grateful to the staff for being so accommodating.
(read less)
![]()
9715 East Cherry Bend Road, Traverse City, MI, 49684
My father is in Orchard Creek Senior Living and Health Care. He was in assisted living and then he ended up in the rehab center (right next door), which is wonderful because they could just take him n
… (read more)
My father is in Orchard Creek Senior Living and Health Care. He was in assisted living and then he ended up in the rehab center (right next door), which is wonderful because they could just take him next door. He’s now finished with rehab and he will go back to his regular room. They have good staff. We like the people. Each wing is quite small, so they’re able to care for their patients more easily than if it were a huge facility. However, my dad ended up sitting in the ER for 14-15 hours and they sent him to the hospital, and they never called any of his daughters, so that part I didn’t like. On the whole, they’re pretty good. When I was there helping, the staff was very helpful and very kind. He loves the food; he said it’s good. They just don’t have enough help to keep the facility the way it really should be. He loves the activities. There are lots of card games, and bingo, but not too many outdoor things yet, but hopefully, that will change. They are not allowed to have appliances for safety reasons.
(read less)
My father is in Orchard Creek Senior Living and Health Care. He was in assisted living and then he ended up in the rehab center (right next door), which is wonderful because they could just take him n
… (read more)
My father is in Orchard Creek Senior Living and Health Care. He was in assisted living and then he ended up in the rehab center (right next door), which is wonderful because they could just take him next door. He’s now finished with rehab and he will go back to his regular room. They have good staff. We like the people. Each wing is quite small, so they’re able to care for their patients more easily than if it were a huge facility. However, my dad ended up sitting in the ER for 14-15 hours and they sent him to the hospital, and they never called any of his daughters, so that part I didn’t like. On the whole, they’re pretty good. When I was there helping, the staff was very helpful and very kind. He loves the food; he said it’s good. They just don’t have enough help to keep the facility the way it really should be. He loves the activities. There are lots of card games, and bingo, but not too many outdoor things yet, but hopefully, that will change. They are not allowed to have appliances for safety reasons.
(read less)
1661 N. West Silver Lake Road, Traverse City, MI, 49685
I was so glad when I heard Culver Meadows had a space available for our Dad. Their peaceful setting and convenient location means that Dad is safe and also in a home-like setting, where he is treated
… (read more)
I was so glad when I heard Culver Meadows had a space available for our Dad. Their peaceful setting and convenient location means that Dad is safe and also in a home-like setting, where he is treated just like family. Both Dad’s individual room and the common areas are spotlessly clean, spacious and well laid out. I can’t imagine our Dad anywhere else at this stage. – Laura K.
(read less)
I was so glad when I heard Culver Meadows had a space available for our Dad. Their peaceful setting and convenient location means that Dad is safe and also in a home-like setting, where he is treated
… (read more)
I was so glad when I heard Culver Meadows had a space available for our Dad. Their peaceful setting and convenient location means that Dad is safe and also in a home-like setting, where he is treated just like family. Both Dad’s individual room and the common areas are spotlessly clean, spacious and well laid out. I can’t imagine our Dad anywhere else at this stage. – Laura K.
(read less)
1899 Dracka Road, Traverse City, MI, 49684
Mom is moving to Traverse Manor in November. They had a continuity of care. They would start her out in an independent senior apartment and then as need be, move her to the proper areas as she progres
… (read more)
Mom is moving to Traverse Manor in November. They had a continuity of care. They would start her out in an independent senior apartment and then as need be, move her to the proper areas as she progresses. I felt very confident. They were very graceful, very comforting, and accommodating. In the senior apartment, the bathroom is very close by which is a good thing.
(read less)
Mom is moving to Traverse Manor in November. They had a continuity of care. They would start her out in an independent senior apartment and then as need be, move her to the proper areas as she progres
… (read more)
Mom is moving to Traverse Manor in November. They had a continuity of care. They would start her out in an independent senior apartment and then as need be, move her to the proper areas as she progresses. I felt very confident. They were very graceful, very comforting, and accommodating. In the senior apartment, the bathroom is very close by which is a good thing.
(read less)
3020 La Franier Road, Traverse City, MI, 49686
I had a family
Members living here..completely disappointed. Dirty briefs laying in the halls. The smell of urine as soon as you walk in…I moved my family member as soon as the new administration g
… (read more)
I had a family
Members living here..completely disappointed. Dirty briefs laying in the halls. The smell of urine as soon as you walk in…I moved my family member as soon as the new administration got there. The last administrator Virginia new her stuff. This new lady? Really couldnt care less. If you love your family members, do not take them here.
(read less)
I had a family
Members living here..completely disappointed. Dirty briefs laying in the halls. The smell of urine as soon as you walk in…I moved my family member as soon as the new administration g
… (read more)
I had a family
Members living here..completely disappointed. Dirty briefs laying in the halls. The smell of urine as soon as you walk in…I moved my family member as soon as the new administration got there. The last administrator Virginia new her stuff. This new lady? Really couldnt care less. If you love your family members, do not take them here.
(read less)
461 Munson Avenue, Traverse City, MI, 49686
I visited Northern Star Assisted Living. The rooms were small, the rooms were dirty, and when you walked in, the first thing you see was a really dirty office. It was just awful, I wouldn’t put my dog
… (read more)
I visited Northern Star Assisted Living. The rooms were small, the rooms were dirty, and when you walked in, the first thing you see was a really dirty office. It was just awful, I wouldn’t put my dog there. We spoke with the office manager and she was a nice lady. We didn’t see any activities, there was no room, and the only big room they have was the dining room. They have a place where they can sit outside, but there’s just one picnic table. They also provide meals there. The outside was very pretty, very deceiving. They have a circular driveway, and there are nice plants out there. The building is painted yellow and white, it looks very Victorian, and it’s very pretty outside.
(read less)
I visited Northern Star Assisted Living. The rooms were small, the rooms were dirty, and when you walked in, the first thing you see was a really dirty office. It was just awful, I wouldn’t put my dog
… (read more)
I visited Northern Star Assisted Living. The rooms were small, the rooms were dirty, and when you walked in, the first thing you see was a really dirty office. It was just awful, I wouldn’t put my dog there. We spoke with the office manager and she was a nice lady. We didn’t see any activities, there was no room, and the only big room they have was the dining room. They have a place where they can sit outside, but there’s just one picnic table. They also provide meals there. The outside was very pretty, very deceiving. They have a circular driveway, and there are nice plants out there. The building is painted yellow and white, it looks very Victorian, and it’s very pretty outside.
(read less)
2585 Lafranier Drive, Traverse City, MI, 49686
668 S Airport, Traverse City, MI, 49686
3116 Sunset Lane, Traverse City, MI, 49684
1420 Terra Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49686
908 Seventh St, Traverse City, MI, 49684
3735 Yorkshire Drive, Traverse City, MI, 49686
919 Seventh St, Traverse City, MI, 49684
3090 Lafranier Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49686
415 S. Elmwood Ave., Traverse City, MI, 49684
![]()
4354 Mount Hope Rd, Williamsburg, MI, 49690
My mother-in-law has been in Samaritas Senior Living Traverse City since April. She gets 24/7 care. She is independent/assisted. She has a nice little apartment. They come and check on her every coupl
… (read more)
My mother-in-law has been in Samaritas Senior Living Traverse City since April. She gets 24/7 care. She is independent/assisted. She has a nice little apartment. They come and check on her every couple of hours and they help her with meals and medications. She’s free to go with family and visit. We check her out and check her back in. They have lots of activities for them, so they get to spend a lot of time interacting with others. There’s the opportunity for them to go on field trips and whatnot. We’re allowed to go in and out as we want to. She’s in a community with people, some are independent and don’t need a lot of care, some do and need more, but other than that, it’s worked out very well for her particular situation. She needs some memory care and whatnot, and they’re good with that. They let her know about things going on and whatnot. She’s in a pretty safe environment there. It’s a very nice community, well taken care of, and it is clean. We are always kept informed of any situations that occur or anything like that. No complaints. She likes it, too, and that’s the biggest thing. She seems happy there.
My mother-in-law’s room is like an apartment. It’s a one-bedroom-one-bath with a kitchen, a living room and a patio out front. Some of them who need more care they have usually just rooms like hospital type rooms, but furnished, but she has an actual apartment. They have a small library downstairs, a gym downstairs so they can go and workout, and a hair salon where somebody comes in and can make an appointment to have their hair done. They have an activities room, they show movies and whatnot, and they have resident meetings where they include the residents asking them questions like, what do you like to do, what activities maybe would you be interested in, hobbies and things like that. They offer everything from arts and crafts, crossword puzzles, bingo, hand eye activities with drumsticks to keep them moving and active. They’re really, really good there. So they offer all of that stuff. They have concerts out on the lawn in the summertime, and they get to go to places like field trip to farmers markets. They went to a butterfly house here a couple of weeks ago. They get to go shopping on Fridays if they want. It’s a pretty good variety of things available to them. If they can’t get out and shop, they fill out a shopping list and somebody can do it for them. It is a very nice place. They have been very good with her.
Some days when she doesn’t want to go to the dining room, they will deliver the meals to her room, and they’re good. It’s a good variety. She gets breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a good variety of food and it’s all healthy. She can have a little dessert if she wants. They can also fill out their own menu. They usually have a couple selections for lunch and then breakfast, they can have anything from toast, eggs, sausage, pancakes, coffee, juice, or cereal, whatever they want, they can pick, so she can actually do her own menu. At dinner, everybody gets the same thing, but lunch is a variety. What I have sampled, when she’s given me a bite of it, it’s very good. They also allow pets.
(read less)
My mother-in-law has been in Samaritas Senior Living Traverse City since April. She gets 24/7 care. She is independent/assisted. She has a nice little apartment. They come and check on her every coupl
… (read more)
My mother-in-law has been in Samaritas Senior Living Traverse City since April. She gets 24/7 care. She is independent/assisted. She has a nice little apartment. They come and check on her every couple of hours and they help her with meals and medications. She’s free to go with family and visit. We check her out and check her back in. They have lots of activities for them, so they get to spend a lot of time interacting with others. There’s the opportunity for them to go on field trips and whatnot. We’re allowed to go in and out as we want to. She’s in a community with people, some are independent and don’t need a lot of care, some do and need more, but other than that, it’s worked out very well for her particular situation. She needs some memory care and whatnot, and they’re good with that. They let her know about things going on and whatnot. She’s in a pretty safe environment there. It’s a very nice community, well taken care of, and it is clean. We are always kept informed of any situations that occur or anything like that. No complaints. She likes it, too, and that’s the biggest thing. She seems happy there.
My mother-in-law’s room is like an apartment. It’s a one-bedroom-one-bath with a kitchen, a living room and a patio out front. Some of them who need more care they have usually just rooms like hospital type rooms, but furnished, but she has an actual apartment. They have a small library downstairs, a gym downstairs so they can go and workout, and a hair salon where somebody comes in and can make an appointment to have their hair done. They have an activities room, they show movies and whatnot, and they have resident meetings where they include the residents asking them questions like, what do you like to do, what activities maybe would you be interested in, hobbies and things like that. They offer everything from arts and crafts, crossword puzzles, bingo, hand eye activities with drumsticks to keep them moving and active. They’re really, really good there. So they offer all of that stuff. They have concerts out on the lawn in the summertime, and they get to go to places like field trip to farmers markets. They went to a butterfly house here a couple of weeks ago. They get to go shopping on Fridays if they want. It’s a pretty good variety of things available to them. If they can’t get out and shop, they fill out a shopping list and somebody can do it for them. It is a very nice place. They have been very good with her.
Some days when she doesn’t want to go to the dining room, they will deliver the meals to her room, and they’re good. It’s a good variety. She gets breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a good variety of food and it’s all healthy. She can have a little dessert if she wants. They can also fill out their own menu. They usually have a couple selections for lunch and then breakfast, they can have anything from toast, eggs, sausage, pancakes, coffee, juice, or cereal, whatever they want, they can pick, so she can actually do her own menu. At dinner, everybody gets the same thing, but lunch is a variety. What I have sampled, when she’s given me a bite of it, it’s very good. They also allow pets.
(read less)
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Traverse City
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in MI. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Traverse City
The Michigan Department of Human Services, Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing, oversees assisted living facilities throughout Michigan, including Traverse City. All facilities must abide by regulations regarding staffing ratios, patient care and accommodations, among others.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Traverse City
- The cost of living in Traverse City is 1.8% lower than the U.S. average and about 10% higher than the statewide median. However, health care, transportation and utility costs here are all lower than both the state and national averages, which may make the city more affordable for seniors in assisted living.
- The Traverse City area has 422 physicians per 100,000 people, which is almost double the national average of 210 and may lead to shorter wait times for care. Residents have access to world-class health care at the Munson Medical Center.
- The air quality in Traverse City is excellent, rating 76 on a 100-point scale, compared to the U.S. average of 58, which may make the area more appealing to seniors with chronic respiratory issues.
- June, July and August are the most comfortable months in Traverse City, and December and January are ranked as the most uncomfortable. The city experiences an average of 33 inches of rain annually, compared to the U.S. average of 38 inches. The area also gets 118 inches of snow each year, compared to the U.S. average of 28 inches. Fortunately, assisted living facilities provide indoor activities to keep residents busy, regardless of the weather.
- The violent crime rate in Traverse City is 26.5, which is above the national average of 22.7, while the property crime rate is 30.4 compared to 35.4 nationally. However, assisted living facilities have security systems, including alarms and surveillance cameras, to keep their residents safe.
- Seniors who no longer drive can take advantage of the Bayline, the Bay Area Transportation Authority’s free bus that runs every 15 minutes. It connects riders to Downtown Traverse City and operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Paying for Assisted Living in Traverse City
Assisted living facilities in Traverse City charge an average of $4,460 per month for services, although care costs may vary depending on a facility’s amenities and location.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
At $4,460 per month, assisted living costs in Traverse City are slightly lower than the national median of $4,500 and over $200 higher than the statewide average of $4,250. Costs in Traverse City are on par with assisted living rates in Gaylord, Cadillac and Petoskey, where seniors also pay $4,460. More affordable care can be found in Manistee, where facilities charge $4,013 per month for this level of care.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Fortunately, older adults in Traverse City have several senior care options available. The cheapest senior care option is adult day health care, which costs an average of $1,625. In-home care costs $5,148, and home health care, which includes light medical services, costs $5,339; however, seniors still have to pay for housing and groceries. Assisted living is affordable at $4,460, which includes room and board. Nursing homes are the most expensive senior care option in Traverse City at $8,821 per month.
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Traverse City
Eligible Traverse City seniors will find several federal and state programs to help them pay for assisted living. These include Healthy Michigan, MI Choice and Supplemental Security Income Category G.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Michigan page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Michigan page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Traverse City
In Traverse City, several nonprofit programs and agencies provide free and low-cost services to local seniors. These government and community-based services include senior center activities, as well as help with legal matters and applying for veteran benefits.
The Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program helps improve the quality of care and life for residents of residential long-term care communities, including assisted living facilities. The ombudsman advocates under strict confidentiality and can help seniors understand their long-term care options, as well as their rights.
The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan operates under the Federal Older Americans Act and the State’s Older Michiganians Act. The agency offers a variety of educational and wellness programs for seniors, including a healthy living webinar series, low-impact physical activities and Zoom workshops.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Traverse City Vet Center helps veterans, their spouses and their dependents get the state and federal benefits they're entitled to. Officers can assist veterans with applying for the Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits, which may help cover assisted living costs.
The Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network provides social, wellness and educational programs for seniors. Older adults can participate in tennis, shuffleboard and dancing from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The agency provides a free lunch, and membership isn't required.
This agency has programs available where seniors can volunteer to prepare office mailings or put baskets of goodies together and deliver them to seniors who are alone for the holidays. They can also sign up for the Senior Center Scam Alert system and visit The Senior Corner, an informational website for older adults.
Legal Services of Northern Michigan provides pro bono legal assistance to seniors aged 60 and older. It can help seniors understand their assisted living contracts and provide assistance with document preparation, powers of attorney and other civil law issues.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Traverse City
Traverse City Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in MI are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Michigan page for more information about these laws.
