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

Florence Of Seattle Arbor Heights

9850 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98136

My mom moved into Florence of Seattle, Arbor Heights. It’s a smaller family home. It was a miracle finding it. It’s the most gorgeous place, and they are wonderful. It’s run by a beautiful woman and i … (read more)
My mom moved into Florence of Seattle, Arbor Heights. It’s a smaller family home. It was a miracle finding it. It’s the most gorgeous place, and they are wonderful. It’s run by a beautiful woman and i … (read more)

Skyline Health Services

715 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104

We looked at Skyline Health Services’ independent and assisted because they’re not sure what we’re gonna do. They eventually said we would have to be in assisted living in order for our long-term care … (read more)
We looked at Skyline Health Services’ independent and assisted because they’re not sure what we’re gonna do. They eventually said we would have to be in assisted living in order for our long-term care … (read more)

Sea Mar Community Health Centers

1040 S Henderson St, Seattle, WA, 98108

I had the experience of working the Sea Mar community center for 9 months. I specifically worked with the preschool that shares the space with this building. In that time, I was able to involve the … (read more)
I had the experience of working the Sea Mar community center for 9 months. I specifically worked with the preschool that shares the space with this building. In that time, I was able to involve the … (read more)

Norse Home

5311 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98103


2013

Emerald City Senior Living

9001 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115

Emerald City Senior Living is located in a quiet neighborhood in Seattle, just minutes away from shopping, restaurants and world-class medical care. Residents and their visitors praise the clean and m … (read more)
Emerald City Senior Living is located in a quiet neighborhood in Seattle, just minutes away from shopping, restaurants and world-class medical care. Residents and their visitors praise the clean and m … (read more)

Aegis Living West Seattle

4700 SW Admiral Way, Seattle, WA, 98116

Aegis of West Seattle is located in western Seattle, near Schmitz Preserve Park and Alki Beach Park on the Puget Sound. Visitors praise the atmosphere of the facility, noting its impressive size. The … (read more)
Aegis of West Seattle is located in western Seattle, near Schmitz Preserve Park and Alki Beach Park on the Puget Sound. Visitors praise the atmosphere of the facility, noting its impressive size. The … (read more)

Truewood by Merrill, First Hill

1421 Minor Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101

We were favorably impressed with Merrill Gardens at First Hill. It seemed like a very nice place to live for seniors. It’s the kind of place a person would be willing to have their parent live when ne … (read more)
We were favorably impressed with Merrill Gardens at First Hill. It seemed like a very nice place to live for seniors. It’s the kind of place a person would be willing to have their parent live when ne … (read more)

2013

The Kenney

7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA, 98136

There was one person at The Kenney who was great and toured my daughter and me around. We had lunch there, and everything was fine. They gave me a list of the activities that they had every month. It’ … (read more)
There was one person at The Kenney who was great and toured my daughter and me around. We had lunch there, and everything was fine. They gave me a list of the activities that they had every month. It’ … (read more)

Park Place Retirement and Assisted Living

6900 37th Avenue South, Seattle, WA, 98118

I only moved in a few weeks ago. The staff is very nice and knowledgeable. The building is kept clean and well maintained. My apartment is beautiful, as are the grounds. There are a lot of activit … (read more)
I only moved in a few weeks ago. The staff is very nice and knowledgeable. The building is kept clean and well maintained. My apartment is beautiful, as are the grounds. There are a lot of activit … (read more)

Bayview

11 West Aloha St., Seattle, WA, 98119


Queen Anne Manor Senior Living

100 Crockett Street, Seattle, WA, 98109

Ideally placed in the beating heart of Seattle, Queen Anne Manor offers the very best urban experience for sophisticated seniors. The mission of the community is to offer seniors an environment that f … (read more)
Ideally placed in the beating heart of Seattle, Queen Anne Manor offers the very best urban experience for sophisticated seniors. The mission of the community is to offer seniors an environment that f … (read more)

Aegis Living Madison

2200 East Madison Street, Seattle, WA, 98112

My mom lived in the Aegis Living Madison for almost a year. We loved the staff, the food was very good, and it was very clean. The reason we left was because my mom wasn’t participating in the activit … (read more)
My mom lived in the Aegis Living Madison for almost a year. We loved the staff, the food was very good, and it was very clean. The reason we left was because my mom wasn’t participating in the activit … (read more)

The Loving Ones Adult Family Homes

2309 South 254th Court, Seattle, WA, 98198

My mother-in-law absolutely adores this adult family home! She requires heavy total care and is also diabetic which has led to several problems in finding a facility that both offered the care she nee … (read more)
My mother-in-law absolutely adores this adult family home! She requires heavy total care and is also diabetic which has led to several problems in finding a facility that both offered the care she nee … (read more)

Northaven Assisted Living

531 Northeast 112th Street, Seattle, WA, 98125

I like Northaven Assisted Living. I thought it was OK. It was very pleasant. The staff was very nice. I thought that the facilities that we saw were lovely. They were very nice. If it were me, I would … (read more)
I like Northaven Assisted Living. I thought it was OK. It was very pleasant. The staff was very nice. I thought that the facilities that we saw were lovely. They were very nice. If it were me, I would … (read more)

Gaffney House

1605 17th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98122

The Gaffney House is a really unique assisted living facility. It’s located in a century old Capital Hill Mansion in downtown Seattle. The home really has a lot of character. Each resident has thei … (read more)
The Gaffney House is a really unique assisted living facility. It’s located in a century old Capital Hill Mansion in downtown Seattle. The home really has a lot of character. Each resident has thei … (read more)

ICHS Legacy House

803 S Lane, Seattle, WA, 98104

I encountered Legacy House when I was looking for a facility in which I could gain some experience for volunteering and to get a feel as to what the duties of an OTA, the occupation I am interested in … (read more)
I encountered Legacy House when I was looking for a facility in which I could gain some experience for volunteering and to get a feel as to what the duties of an OTA, the occupation I am interested in … (read more)

Rosewood Adult Family Home

19691 4th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA, 98166

My visit to Rosewood was good. It was a remodeled home. The staff was nice and helpful, but there were only three private rooms and the other half were shared rooms. I wanted a private room for my gra … (read more)
My visit to Rosewood was good. It was a remodeled home. The staff was nice and helpful, but there were only three private rooms and the other half were shared rooms. I wanted a private room for my gra … (read more)

Merrill Gardens at the University

5300 24th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA, 98105

Merrill Gardens left a lot to be desired. It was pretty depressing, and I didn’t see much of the activity at all. I saw one activity room, and it wasn’t even being used. The menu looked sufficient … (read more)
Merrill Gardens left a lot to be desired. It was pretty depressing, and I didn’t see much of the activity at all. I saw one activity room, and it wasn’t even being used. The menu looked sufficient … (read more)

Fred Lind Manor

1802 17th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98122

I chose Fred Lind Manor for my husband because it’s close to me, it’s small, and it’s been owned by the same people for 80 years. It’s all devoted to assisted living, but they have expanded services f … (read more)
I chose Fred Lind Manor for my husband because it’s close to me, it’s small, and it’s been owned by the same people for 80 years. It’s all devoted to assisted living, but they have expanded services f … (read more)

Merrill Gardens at Ballard

2418 Nw 56th St, Seattle, WA, 98107

Merrill Gardens at Ballard was nice and well-appointed. The staff was very friendly. We went in and saw some rooms. A couple of the residents opened their rooms up and let us look inside and they were … (read more)
Merrill Gardens at Ballard was nice and well-appointed. The staff was very friendly. We went in and saw some rooms. A couple of the residents opened their rooms up and let us look inside and they were … (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