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

The Gardens at Town Square

933 111Th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004

The Gardens at Townsquare is an assisted living community in downtown Bellevue, Washington, located minutes away from art galleries, a library, restaurants and shopping centers. Residents can choose f … (read more)
The Gardens at Townsquare is an assisted living community in downtown Bellevue, Washington, located minutes away from art galleries, a library, restaurants and shopping centers. Residents can choose f … (read more)

Merrill Gardens At Kirkland

201 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, WA, 98109

Merrill Gardens at Kirkland is tucked between Peter Kirk Park and Kirkland Library, in Mercer Island, Washington. Visitors describe the facility as contemporary, welcoming and hotel-like, praising its … (read more)
Merrill Gardens at Kirkland is tucked between Peter Kirk Park and Kirkland Library, in Mercer Island, Washington. Visitors describe the facility as contemporary, welcoming and hotel-like, praising its … (read more)

Aljoya Mercer Island

2430 76th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA, 98040

Conveniently located in Mercer Island, Washington, close to Aubrey Davis Park and Interstate 90, Aljoya Mercer Island is within walking distance of many local shops and restaurants. Family members say … (read more)
Conveniently located in Mercer Island, Washington, close to Aubrey Davis Park and Interstate 90, Aljoya Mercer Island is within walking distance of many local shops and restaurants. Family members say … (read more)

Progress Adult Family Home

4766 130th Avenue, Bellevue, WA, 98006

The Progress Adult Family Home is an assisted living facility located in the Somerset area of Bellevue, Washington. The facility is well-equipped to accommodate community members who need assistance, … (read more)
The Progress Adult Family Home is an assisted living facility located in the Somerset area of Bellevue, Washington. The facility is well-equipped to accommodate community members who need assistance, … (read more)

Wyatt House

186 Wyatt Way NW, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110

My parents have already found one, and it is The Wyatt House. My parents chose it, and I didn’t. They chose it because it is near where they currently live. It is very nice. There is a very home-like … (read more)
My parents have already found one, and it is The Wyatt House. My parents chose it, and I didn’t. They chose it because it is near where they currently live. It is very nice. There is a very home-like … (read more)

Bellevue Loving Care Home

14844 Southeast 18th Place, Bellevue, WA, 98007

My mom is in Bellevue Loving Care Home, which is an adult family home. They’re very professional. The women that own it are two nurses, so they know what they’re doing. I feel like Raluca, who owns th … (read more)
My mom is in Bellevue Loving Care Home, which is an adult family home. They’re very professional. The women that own it are two nurses, so they know what they’re doing. I feel like Raluca, who owns th … (read more)

Aegis Living Kirkland Waterfront

1002 LAKE STREET SOUTH, Kirkland, WA, 98033

Aegis Living Kirkland Waterfront is beautiful. It’s new and it’s fancy. It’s got a nice outdoor atrium sitting area. It’s got a nice upstairs lounge that leads out to a patio. Lake Washington is right … (read more)
Aegis Living Kirkland Waterfront is beautiful. It’s new and it’s fancy. It’s got a nice outdoor atrium sitting area. It’s got a nice upstairs lounge that leads out to a patio. Lake Washington is right … (read more)

Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake

1845 116th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004

We toured Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake. They’re very high-end. We did have a nice meal there. The reason why we kind of rejected them is they had no units that were what my stepdad was looking for. … (read more)
We toured Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake. They’re very high-end. We did have a nice meal there. The reason why we kind of rejected them is they had no units that were what my stepdad was looking for. … (read more)

Evergreen Court Retirement Homes

900 124th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA, 98005

Evergreen Court is a spacious senior assisted living facility located in Bellevue, Washington. The facility’s rooms are incredibly large, providing plenty of space for residents to feel at home a … (read more)
Evergreen Court is a spacious senior assisted living facility located in Bellevue, Washington. The facility’s rooms are incredibly large, providing plenty of space for residents to feel at home a … (read more)

Aegis Living Bellevue

148 102nd Ave SE, Bellevue, WA, 98004

Aegis of Bellevue is located in Bellevue, Washington, near Wildwood Park and several restaurants. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available in a variety of layouts to suit different … (read more)
Aegis of Bellevue is located in Bellevue, Washington, near Wildwood Park and several restaurants. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available in a variety of layouts to suit different … (read more)

Covenant Living at the Shores

9150 Fortuna Dr, Mercer Island, WA, 98040


Madison Avenue House

285 Madison Avenue South, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110

My 101 year old mother resides at the Madison House and I have nothing but rave reviews. The property is beautiful, always spotless, and very well kept up. But it’s the people who make the real differ … (read more)
My 101 year old mother resides at the Madison House and I have nothing but rave reviews. The property is beautiful, always spotless, and very well kept up. But it’s the people who make the real differ … (read more)

Sunset Adult Family Home

6701 123rd Ave Seq, Bellevue, WA, 98006

Sunset Adult family home in Bellevue was very posh and sterile. Everybody was very nice, but looking out from a Bellevue high rise wasn’t my idea of a facility for my mother. Personally, I didn’t like … (read more)
Sunset Adult family home in Bellevue was very posh and sterile. Everybody was very nice, but looking out from a Bellevue high rise wasn’t my idea of a facility for my mother. Personally, I didn’t like … (read more)

Twilight Adult Family Homes

7430 92nd Place SE, Mercer Island, WA, 98040

My mother is in Twilight Adult Family Homes. The staff is very friendly and helpful. She has her own room. It is a little small, but it is good enough. They cook what the residents want, and she has n … (read more)
My mother is in Twilight Adult Family Homes. The staff is very friendly and helpful. She has her own room. It is a little small, but it is good enough. They cook what the residents want, and she has n … (read more)

Newport Glen AFH LLC

6520 117TH PLACE SE, Bellevue, WA, 98006


The Gardens At Juanita Bay

11853 97Th Ave Ne, Kirkland, WA, 98034


Champion House

1800 145Th Pl Se, Bellevue, WA, 98007


Kelsey Creek Group Home

600 124Th Ave Ne, Bellevue, WA, 98005


Merrill Gardens at Kirkland

14 Main St South, Kirkland, WA, 98033


The Park at Belle Harbour

2110 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004


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