Seattle’s downtown area is dense and busy, but the city is surrounded by beautiful Pacific Northwest neighborhoods. For seniors who enjoy outdoor scenery, the Emerald City’s diverse landscape offers easy access to beautiful ocean shores and views of snow-capped mountains. The City of Seattle is home to 737,015 residents, with 17% age 60 and over. However, the Seattle Metro area includes a population of 4,069,180 residents.

Assisted living facilities provide personal care assistance in a homelike community for seniors who can no longer reside at home alone. Staff members help residents with daily living needs, and housekeeping and transportation are included. The average cost per month for assisted living in Seattle is $6,750, higher than Washington state at $6,000 and much higher than the national average of $4,500.

This informative guide provides information about assisted living in Seattle and the costs. Also provided are the pros and cons of retiring in the city and a list of free resources for seniors living in the Seattle area.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Seattle, WA

Northgate Plaza

11030 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98125

Northgate Plaza is a senior living community located in the Northgate retail area of a Seattle neighborhood and close to Kindred Hospital, Group Health Clinic, UW Medicine and Pacific Medical Center. … (read more)
Northgate Plaza is a senior living community located in the Northgate retail area of a Seattle neighborhood and close to Kindred Hospital, Group Health Clinic, UW Medicine and Pacific Medical Center. … (read more)

Ballard Landmark

5433 Leary Avenue NW, Seattle, WA, 98107

We toured Ballard Landmark. The community seems nice. We were treated pretty well. The person giving the tour was pleasant. They have a swimming pool, a fitness center, and planned activities. Their d … (read more)
We toured Ballard Landmark. The community seems nice. We were treated pretty well. The person giving the tour was pleasant. They have a swimming pool, a fitness center, and planned activities. Their d … (read more)

Cogir of Queen Anne

805 4th Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109

We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. I like the common areas and the courtyard. It was very bright and very welcoming. The one-bedroom apartments are nice. They’re good. The staff who toured us was very fri … (read more)
We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. I like the common areas and the courtyard. It was very bright and very welcoming. The one-bedroom apartments are nice. They’re good. The staff who toured us was very fri … (read more)

Brookdale West Seattle

4611 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98126

Brookdale West Seattle was clean and modern, and the people were very nice. I looked at the rooms and they were all very nice. They have outings, movies, and they have games they do in their library. … (read more)
Brookdale West Seattle was clean and modern, and the people were very nice. I looked at the rooms and they were all very nice. They have outings, movies, and they have games they do in their library. … (read more)

2013

Emerald City Senior Living

9001 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115

I went to Emerald City Senior Living. The tour is fine. It’s really nice. It’s all been refurbished lately. It had a nice big lobby. However, they don’t have the level of care I need. The staff was ve … (read more)
I went to Emerald City Senior Living. The tour is fine. It’s really nice. It’s all been refurbished lately. It had a nice big lobby. However, they don’t have the level of care I need. The staff was ve … (read more)

Village Green Senior Living West Seattle

2615 SW Barton Street, Seattle, WA, 98126

I visited Daystar Retirement Village and it’s the place we have in mind that we think we’ll go with. They have the best move-in incentive and the facilities weren’t too big. My mom is a private person … (read more)
I visited Daystar Retirement Village and it’s the place we have in mind that we think we’ll go with. They have the best move-in incentive and the facilities weren’t too big. My mom is a private person … (read more)

Empress Senior Living at Laurelhurst Assisted Living and Memory Care

4020 NE 55th St., Seattle, WA, 98105

Empress Senior Living was a brand-new facility. It was very, very nice inside. I thought the layout was very good. It had a nice rooftop garden, a nice dining facility, and nice staff. It was also ver … (read more)
Empress Senior Living was a brand-new facility. It was very, very nice inside. I thought the layout was very good. It had a nice rooftop garden, a nice dining facility, and nice staff. It was also ver … (read more)

Brookdale Admiral Heights

2326 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98116

Brookdale Admiral Heights is located in Seattle, Washington, a few minutes from West Seattle Golf Course, Puget Park and Westwood Village. Visitors give high marks to the dining room for its cleanline … (read more)
Brookdale Admiral Heights is located in Seattle, Washington, a few minutes from West Seattle Golf Course, Puget Park and Westwood Village. Visitors give high marks to the dining room for its cleanline … (read more)


Aegis Living Lake Union

1936 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, WA, 98102


Aegis Living Ballard

949 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA, 98107


The Lakeshore

11448 Rainier Avenue S, Seattle, WA, 98178

The Lakeshore is an assisted living and independent living facility located on Lake Washington in Seattle. Visitors praise the community’s thoughtful layout, friendly staff and stunning view of the … (read more)
The Lakeshore is an assisted living and independent living facility located on Lake Washington in Seattle. Visitors praise the community’s thoughtful layout, friendly staff and stunning view of the … (read more)

2023, 2024

Ida Culver House Broadview

12505 Greenwood Avenue N, Seattle, WA, 98133

Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers spe … (read more)
Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers spe … (read more)

University House Wallingford

4400 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA, 98103

Situated northwest of Seattle, University House Wallingford provides assisted living and independent living close to a variety of unique dining options, including Rocking Wok Taiwanese Cuisine and Tut … (read more)
Situated northwest of Seattle, University House Wallingford provides assisted living and independent living close to a variety of unique dining options, including Rocking Wok Taiwanese Cuisine and Tut … (read more)

Aljoya Thornton Place

450 Ne 100th Street, Seattle, WA, 98125

Alijoya Thornton Place is comfortably situated in Washington’s largest city, Seattle, where residents can enjoy an urban setting in its northwest district. An upscale ambiance with modern charm and pl … (read more)
Alijoya Thornton Place is comfortably situated in Washington’s largest city, Seattle, where residents can enjoy an urban setting in its northwest district. An upscale ambiance with modern charm and pl … (read more)

Ida Culver House Ravenna

2315 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA, 98115

Ida Culver House Ravenna is a smaller facility in Seattle, Washington offering residents a homey feel and friendly staff. Even though it is located within the city itself, it is surrounded by well-kep … (read more)
Ida Culver House Ravenna is a smaller facility in Seattle, Washington offering residents a homey feel and friendly staff. Even though it is located within the city itself, it is surrounded by well-kep … (read more)

Providence Mount St. Vincent

4831 35Th Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98126

I toured Mount St. Vincent, there’s a beautiful view, and there’s a great feeling of love and care that goes along with expertise. It’s an older building, but it’s very well-kept and managed t … (read more)
I toured Mount St. Vincent, there’s a beautiful view, and there’s a great feeling of love and care that goes along with expertise. It’s an older building, but it’s very well-kept and managed t … (read more)

Murano Senior Living

620 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104

Murano Senior Living is a brand-new place. It’s a great facility with awfully nice staff people. I would give them high ratings. I have a good friend who’s there in the memory care that I was able to … (read more)
Murano Senior Living is a brand-new place. It’s a great facility with awfully nice staff people. I would give them high ratings. I have a good friend who’s there in the memory care that I was able to … (read more)

Nikkei Manor Assisted Living

700 6th Avenue South, Seattle, WA, 98104

English and Japanese are spoken here mainly. They are attentive and always kind. You can tell the care takers are professional in every way and respect is always shown.There are games played at all le … (read more)
English and Japanese are spoken here mainly. They are attentive and always kind. You can tell the care takers are professional in every way and respect is always shown.There are games played at all le … (read more)

Heritage House At the Market

1533 Western Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101

My husband is currently at the Providence Heritage House at the Market. I think it’s a really caring place, and he seems to be really adjusting well and making new friends. I like the way the staff is … (read more)
My husband is currently at the Providence Heritage House at the Market. I think it’s a really caring place, and he seems to be really adjusting well and making new friends. I like the way the staff is … (read more)

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Seattle

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 Washington. 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 Seattle

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services regulates and licenses assisted living facilities, performing regularly scheduled and unannounced inspections to ensure all state rules are followed. The Washington State Assisted Living Licensing Rules outline standards of care and residents’ rights.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Seattle

  • Seattle is part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, a program developed by AARP with older adults in mind to create livable communities with safe, walkable streets, transportation options and access to services needed to live life well. The city’s action plan outlines strategies to address livability and promote the health of older adults.
  • Although Seattle often receives criticism for the amount of rain the city gets, it averages 38 inches of rain each year, the same as the U.S. average. There’s a chance of a few inches of snow in the winter, but it typically doesn’t stay around very long, and the summer temperature average is a pleasant 76 degrees. The one drawback is 226 gray days per year, which make Seattle the cloudiest city in the United States. Still, the area’s natural beauty outshines the clouds.
  • Seniors may find their hard-earned income goes further in Seattle, as Washington is a senior retiree tax-friendly state. Social Security income, withdrawals from retirement accounts and pension income aren’t taxed, and Washington doesn’t have a state income tax.
  • The cost of living in Seattle may present a hardship to some seniors overall, being 172.3 out of a national average of 100. The highest costs driving this number are housing at 309 out of 100 and groceries at 108.7. The lower cost-of-living numbers are utilities at 68.8 and health care at 85.2.
  • Seattle does have higher crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 32.3 versus the U.S. average of 22.7 and a much higher property crime rate of 76.9 compared to the U.S. average of 35.4. These rates are for the Seattle downtown city area. Other communities in the Seattle Metro area have lower crime rates.

Paying for Assisted Living in Seattle

The Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports an average monthly cost of $6,750 for assisted living in Seattle compared to the state average of $6,000. These amounts are both much higher than the national average of $4,500.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

The cost of assisted living in Seattle is one of the most expensive in Washington, at $6,750. Just across the bay from Seattle, Bremerton averages less at $5,750. South of Seattle, the state capital of Olympia averages $4,805 monthly, and further south, Longview’s monthly average is $5,300.

$6750

Seattle

$6000

Washington

$4500

The United States

$5750

Bremerton

$4805

Olympia

$5300

Longview

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors can choose from additional long-term care options in Seattle based on their needs. Adult day health care, for seniors who only need weekday supervision, averages $2,600 per month. Seniors who decide to remain at home can choose homemaker services or home health aide care, which provides some medical assistance at a monthly average of $6,769 for each. Seniors who may need a higher level of medical care from a nursing home will pay an average of $9,916 for a semiprivate room and $11,984 for a private room.

$2600

Adult Day Health Care

$6769

Homemaker Services

$6769

Home Health Aiide

$9916

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$11984

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Seattle

There are Medicaid programs offered by the state of Washington to pay for the cost of ALF services in Mountlake Terrace. Eligible seniors may qualify for the Community First Choice (CFC) State Plan or one of the Home and Community-Based Service 1915(c) waivers which are the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), New Freedom and Residential Support waivers.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Washington page.

Paying for Assisted Living in Washington

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 Washington page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Seattle

Seattle is committed to being age-friendly, and part of this commitment includes offering numerous free resources for seniors. Government and local agencies provide community and social recreation, benefits education and additional support services for seniors. 

Resource

Contact

Service

1 (800) 562-6028

The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program assists seniors and their families with issues or complaints with long-term care facilities. It also protects the rights of the elderly and educates them about the benefits and programs offered through Medicaid and Medicare. Ombudsmen help find resolutions for situations involving quality of care, seniors' rights, elder abuse and other aspects of dignity and personal rights for residents in long-term care facilities.

(206) 932-4044

The Senior Center of West Seattle provides support, socialization and activities to promote the health and wellness of area seniors. Fitness classes include yoga, exercise, qigong and tai chi. Activities include cribbage, mah-jongg, live music and drumming workshops. 

(206) 727.6262

The Hyde Shuttle program offers seniors van service to locations throughout King County. Rides are provided for meal programs, medical appointments, senior centers, grocery stores, medical appointments and other local destinations.


Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Seattle

Seattle-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Washington are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Washington page for more information about these laws.

Washington Laws and Regulations