The 10 Best Independent Living Communities in Seattle, WA for 2023
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.
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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. The close proximity to the Northgate Mall, restaurants, parks and library allows residents easy access to shopping. Visitors praise the standards of cleanliness, maintenance and the levels of care offered. Residents with special dietary requirements are welcome. The community features resident parking and transportation. Residents are encouraged to lead an active and social lifestyle with a fitness room for exercise classes, arts and crafts activities, music and offsite excursions.
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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. The close proximity to the Northgate Mall, restaurants, parks and library allows residents easy access to shopping. Visitors praise the standards of cleanliness, maintenance and the levels of care offered. Residents with special dietary requirements are welcome. The community features resident parking and transportation. Residents are encouraged to lead an active and social lifestyle with a fitness room for exercise classes, arts and crafts activities, music and offsite excursions.
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Ballard Landmark
5433 Leary Avenue NW, Seattle, WA, 98107
I went to Ballard Landmark. The people were all very, very nice. I think they had a pool and a dining area and everything was okay. The people there seemed to be quite feeble. Which is a good place, t
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I went to Ballard Landmark. The people were all very, very nice. I think they had a pool and a dining area and everything was okay. The people there seemed to be quite feeble. Which is a good place, that’s fine. But we’re not feeble people. So that was a factor in our decision. But I could recommend it to people that maybe needed more assistance. Everyone was very nice. They showed us one and two-bedroom apartments. They had a beauty shop, which was nice. They had a beauty salon. They had a very small courtyard, but it was nice what they had, though small. It seemed old.
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I went to Ballard Landmark. The people were all very, very nice. I think they had a pool and a dining area and everything was okay. The people there seemed to be quite feeble. Which is a good place, t
… (read more)
I went to Ballard Landmark. The people were all very, very nice. I think they had a pool and a dining area and everything was okay. The people there seemed to be quite feeble. Which is a good place, that’s fine. But we’re not feeble people. So that was a factor in our decision. But I could recommend it to people that maybe needed more assistance. Everyone was very nice. They showed us one and two-bedroom apartments. They had a beauty shop, which was nice. They had a beauty salon. They had a very small courtyard, but it was nice what they had, though small. It seemed old.
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Cogir of Queen Anne
805 4th Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. The tour was very nice. The people were nice. The food was good. However, their independent living is in a different building from the dining room. The meals are include
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We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. The tour was very nice. The people were nice. The food was good. However, their independent living is in a different building from the dining room. The meals are included in independent living, so by the time they added up meals, the dog, and parking, it had gotten to like $6000, which was way too much. And the distance from the apartment to the building where they had all the activities was across the street. My husband had a stroke, so he uses a wheelchair and a walker, so it wouldn’t have been very convenient at all.
The apartment was nice. It was a two-bedroom, and it had a patio outside. The guy I talked to was very nice and very accommodating. The people we met there were very nice. However, it just didn’t work for us. We had lunch there and it was very good. We had it on the rooftop. They had a rooftop garden that overlooks Queen Anne and that was quite impressive. It was a beautiful day, and the folks were very nice.
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We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. The tour was very nice. The people were nice. The food was good. However, their independent living is in a different building from the dining room. The meals are include
… (read more)
We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. The tour was very nice. The people were nice. The food was good. However, their independent living is in a different building from the dining room. The meals are included in independent living, so by the time they added up meals, the dog, and parking, it had gotten to like $6000, which was way too much. And the distance from the apartment to the building where they had all the activities was across the street. My husband had a stroke, so he uses a wheelchair and a walker, so it wouldn’t have been very convenient at all.
The apartment was nice. It was a two-bedroom, and it had a patio outside. The guy I talked to was very nice and very accommodating. The people we met there were very nice. However, it just didn’t work for us. We had lunch there and it was very good. We had it on the rooftop. They had a rooftop garden that overlooks Queen Anne and that was quite impressive. It was a beautiful day, and the folks were very nice.
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Brookdale West Seattle
4611 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98126
We met several people at Brookdale West Seattle and they seemed very happy. They were very welcoming, nice, and very helpful. It’s an old building and it reminded me of an old hotel, but it was clean.
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We met several people at Brookdale West Seattle and they seemed very happy. They were very welcoming, nice, and very helpful. It’s an old building and it reminded me of an old hotel, but it was clean. There’s a grassy area around the building, but you’d have to go across a busy street to get to the park, which does not suit me at all. The food was pretty good, but the dining area (again it’s an old building) has the color that I call kind of institutional, between beige/brown/tan. It was clean, too, but I like something that’s a little brighter and whiter.
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We met several people at Brookdale West Seattle and they seemed very happy. They were very welcoming, nice, and very helpful. It’s an old building and it reminded me of an old hotel, but it was clean.
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We met several people at Brookdale West Seattle and they seemed very happy. They were very welcoming, nice, and very helpful. It’s an old building and it reminded me of an old hotel, but it was clean. There’s a grassy area around the building, but you’d have to go across a busy street to get to the park, which does not suit me at all. The food was pretty good, but the dining area (again it’s an old building) has the color that I call kind of institutional, between beige/brown/tan. It was clean, too, but I like something that’s a little brighter and whiter.
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Daystar Retirement Village
2615 SW Barton Street, Seattle, WA, 98126
I was only shown 1 room at Daystar Retirement Village. They were in the process of redoing it, and there was no furniture in it, but it was an OK room. We walked by the dining room, but we didn’t go i
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I was only shown 1 room at Daystar Retirement Village. They were in the process of redoing it, and there was no furniture in it, but it was an OK room. We walked by the dining room, but we didn’t go in because people were eating then. We saw a social room where people were sitting, and there was a ping pong table. The staff was very caring and interested in my welfare. The facility was well used, and they didn’t have a medical arm. The only staff we talked to was the marketing staff, and they were very good.
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I was only shown 1 room at Daystar Retirement Village. They were in the process of redoing it, and there was no furniture in it, but it was an OK room. We walked by the dining room, but we didn’t go i
… (read more)
I was only shown 1 room at Daystar Retirement Village. They were in the process of redoing it, and there was no furniture in it, but it was an OK room. We walked by the dining room, but we didn’t go in because people were eating then. We saw a social room where people were sitting, and there was a ping pong table. The staff was very caring and interested in my welfare. The facility was well used, and they didn’t have a medical arm. The only staff we talked to was the marketing staff, and they were very good.
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Empress Senior Living at Laurelhurst Assisted Living and Memory Care
4020 NE 55th St., Seattle, WA, 98105
Holiday Bridge Park
3204 SW Morgan St, Seattle, WA, 98126
Holiday Bridge Park was in a reconstruction zone. It’s going to look very, very nice. The two apartments we saw were completely remodeled. They were very nice and had great colors. Everything was bran
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Holiday Bridge Park was in a reconstruction zone. It’s going to look very, very nice. The two apartments we saw were completely remodeled. They were very nice and had great colors. Everything was brand new, so it had like gray walls, white trim, and nice carpeting. We had lunch there and the food was good. The dining area was open and bright, but it’s going to be much better when they get rid of the old furniture.
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Holiday Bridge Park was in a reconstruction zone. It’s going to look very, very nice. The two apartments we saw were completely remodeled. They were very nice and had great colors. Everything was bran
… (read more)
Holiday Bridge Park was in a reconstruction zone. It’s going to look very, very nice. The two apartments we saw were completely remodeled. They were very nice and had great colors. Everything was brand new, so it had like gray walls, white trim, and nice carpeting. We had lunch there and the food was good. The dining area was open and bright, but it’s going to be much better when they get rid of the old furniture.
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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
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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 cleanliness and say that the food is delicious. The facility offers a variety of scheduled activities, such as musical performances, Wii games and off-site trips to the casino. Visitors describe the facility as clean and well maintained and say the rooms and apartments are beautiful and spacious. Visitors are impressed by the pleasant and caring staff members who know all the residents by name.
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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 cleanliness and say that the food is delicious. The facility offers a variety of scheduled activities, such as musical performances, Wii games and off-site trips to the casino. Visitors describe the facility as clean and well maintained and say the rooms and apartments are beautiful and spacious. Visitors are impressed by the pleasant and caring staff members who know all the residents by name.
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Reserve at SeaTac
19707 International Blvd, Seattle, WA, 98188
Reserve at SeaTac was OK. The staff was OK, but the manager had a little bit of an attitude and just jumped to conclusions. Their apartments were fine. It’s an older, remodeled building. They had a ja
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Reserve at SeaTac was OK. The staff was OK, but the manager had a little bit of an attitude and just jumped to conclusions. Their apartments were fine. It’s an older, remodeled building. They had a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a pool table, a family room, a library with computers, and TV rooms. They’re pretty good, but the management wasn’t so great. The location was perfect. It’s right by the airport, and there were stores and places to eat nearby, so it’s convenient. The management pulled the rating down.
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Reserve at SeaTac was OK. The staff was OK, but the manager had a little bit of an attitude and just jumped to conclusions. Their apartments were fine. It’s an older, remodeled building. They had a ja
… (read more)
Reserve at SeaTac was OK. The staff was OK, but the manager had a little bit of an attitude and just jumped to conclusions. Their apartments were fine. It’s an older, remodeled building. They had a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a pool table, a family room, a library with computers, and TV rooms. They’re pretty good, but the management wasn’t so great. The location was perfect. It’s right by the airport, and there were stores and places to eat nearby, so it’s convenient. The management pulled the rating down.
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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
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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 waterfront. Residents and visitors also frequently recognize The Lakeshore’s range of amenities, which include outdoor areas such as a rose garden and pea patch, a book club, a cache of puzzles and card games, movie nights, group exercise classes and a rotating slate of off-site activities. Meals in the dining room are said to be delicious, and residents also appreciate the ability to prepare food in their own kitchenettes.
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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 waterfront. Residents and visitors also frequently recognize The Lakeshore’s range of amenities, which include outdoor areas such as a rose garden and pea patch, a book club, a cache of puzzles and card games, movie nights, group exercise classes and a rotating slate of off-site activities. Meals in the dining room are said to be delicious, and residents also appreciate the ability to prepare food in their own kitchenettes.
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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
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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 specialized care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Residents specifically note the high-quality physical and occupational therapy available from knowledgeable employees. In addition to therapy services, residents are impressed by the freedom they experience in setting and maintaining their own personal schedules, and the eclectic choices of events and activities available. Relatives love the deck and stunning views and residents appreciate the convenience of a washer and dryer included with each room.
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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 specialized care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Residents specifically note the high-quality physical and occupational therapy available from knowledgeable employees. In addition to therapy services, residents are impressed by the freedom they experience in setting and maintaining their own personal schedules, and the eclectic choices of events and activities available. Relatives love the deck and stunning views and residents appreciate the convenience of a washer and dryer included with each room.
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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
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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 Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria. The nearby Woodland Park and Woodland Park Zoo offer lots of green space and recreational opportunities. Visitors tout this facility for offering outings that that keep seniors engaged with the community, including visits to the Seattle Opera and Bellvue Arts Museum. Residents and their loved ones appreciate the polite, helpful staff, excellent food, well-planned layout and nice accommodations. Fitness classes that include stretching, Tai Chi and yoga promote wellness.
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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 Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria. The nearby Woodland Park and Woodland Park Zoo offer lots of green space and recreational opportunities. Visitors tout this facility for offering outings that that keep seniors engaged with the community, including visits to the Seattle Opera and Bellvue Arts Museum. Residents and their loved ones appreciate the polite, helpful staff, excellent food, well-planned layout and nice accommodations. Fitness classes that include stretching, Tai Chi and yoga promote wellness.
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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
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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-kept gardens, which offer residents and visitors a beautiful and tranquil area to spend some time. Visitors compliment the on-site amenities, such as a library where residents can read and a craft room for social art programs. The chef prepares a variety of food, including vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. There are on-site lectures and activities that residents say they enjoy.
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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-kept gardens, which offer residents and visitors a beautiful and tranquil area to spend some time. Visitors compliment the on-site amenities, such as a library where residents can read and a craft room for social art programs. The chef prepares a variety of food, including vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. There are on-site lectures and activities that residents say they enjoy.
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Boulevard Park Place
2805 South 125th Street, Seattle, WA, 98168
We toured 3 different places that were independent living and without a meal plan. Of those 3, I liked Boulevard Park Place the best. They did not have an income cap so you don’t have to qualify and y
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We toured 3 different places that were independent living and without a meal plan. Of those 3, I liked Boulevard Park Place the best. They did not have an income cap so you don’t have to qualify and you don’t need a maximum income. You don’t have to have a minimum income either. They just want to check your background to make sure that you’re financially stable so your income level doesn’t matter. That was very, very nice.
It just had more of a family atmosphere. It’s family-run and the family is very active in the management of the place. They offer free rides to grocery stores and shopping as well. I believe that they also will take you to doctor’s appointments, which you would need to schedule. All of that is free and they said there are no extra charges for anything, you just pay your rent.
Washers and dryers were included in the unit. The dishwasher was included too. The units, I believe, were a little bit bigger. Their 1-bedroom apartments have 3 different floor plans.
It’s a beautiful park-like setting with trees and beautiful flowers. There’s a pool that you can use and your guests are free to use it too. I believe there’s a sauna too so you could have your family come over or your grandkids. I believe there’s an onsite beauty salon but it’s not free, I think.
I don’t remember what they are, but they have activities that are typical of other places. They gave us a copy of their activities like the 5000-step walkathon for charity, St. Patrick’s Day celebration, chair yoga, bean bag baseball, and sewing. They have a craft room with everything you would need to do any kind of craft. They also have a tool room if you need to fix something. They have hammers and screwdrivers, and it’s just like a shop.
I saw the dining area. It was typical of senior living areas. They had a bunch of round tables with 6 or 8 chairs each. They have bingo too. They have a whole calendar with two or three activities every day.
They have a couple of the neighborhood restaurants that have takeout delivery. They don’t provide meals but they have a kitchen for when they have a get-together. They can cook for a party or something there.
The staff members were so nice. I met with the lady of this married couple who works 4 days a week there. There’s another couple for the other 3 days of the week. I believe on their days, there are 24 hours so if anyone needs a hold of them, they’re on staff. They’re so nice and it just felt like a family.
The facility is very clean, it felt safe, and there was plenty of parking. Some of the units have this really beautiful view of the east side.
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We toured 3 different places that were independent living and without a meal plan. Of those 3, I liked Boulevard Park Place the best. They did not have an income cap so you don’t have to qualify and y
… (read more)
We toured 3 different places that were independent living and without a meal plan. Of those 3, I liked Boulevard Park Place the best. They did not have an income cap so you don’t have to qualify and you don’t need a maximum income. You don’t have to have a minimum income either. They just want to check your background to make sure that you’re financially stable so your income level doesn’t matter. That was very, very nice.
It just had more of a family atmosphere. It’s family-run and the family is very active in the management of the place. They offer free rides to grocery stores and shopping as well. I believe that they also will take you to doctor’s appointments, which you would need to schedule. All of that is free and they said there are no extra charges for anything, you just pay your rent.
Washers and dryers were included in the unit. The dishwasher was included too. The units, I believe, were a little bit bigger. Their 1-bedroom apartments have 3 different floor plans.
It’s a beautiful park-like setting with trees and beautiful flowers. There’s a pool that you can use and your guests are free to use it too. I believe there’s a sauna too so you could have your family come over or your grandkids. I believe there’s an onsite beauty salon but it’s not free, I think.
I don’t remember what they are, but they have activities that are typical of other places. They gave us a copy of their activities like the 5000-step walkathon for charity, St. Patrick’s Day celebration, chair yoga, bean bag baseball, and sewing. They have a craft room with everything you would need to do any kind of craft. They also have a tool room if you need to fix something. They have hammers and screwdrivers, and it’s just like a shop.
I saw the dining area. It was typical of senior living areas. They had a bunch of round tables with 6 or 8 chairs each. They have bingo too. They have a whole calendar with two or three activities every day.
They have a couple of the neighborhood restaurants that have takeout delivery. They don’t provide meals but they have a kitchen for when they have a get-together. They can cook for a party or something there.
The staff members were so nice. I met with the lady of this married couple who works 4 days a week there. There’s another couple for the other 3 days of the week. I believe on their days, there are 24 hours so if anyone needs a hold of them, they’re on staff. They’re so nice and it just felt like a family.
The facility is very clean, it felt safe, and there was plenty of parking. Some of the units have this really beautiful view of the east side.
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SHAG’s New Haven Apartments
13000 Linden Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98133
We’re moving my father now to SHAG’s New Haven Senior Apartment. The people and the facility are very good. There is a gym and a barber shop outside on the same block. They have a weekly schedule of
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We’re moving my father now to SHAG’s New Haven Senior Apartment. The people and the facility are very good. There is a gym and a barber shop outside on the same block. They have a weekly schedule of activities, like cards, singing, dancing, bingo, and puzzle making. The dining area has a homey feeling. I am not so concerned about their food because my father and his partner will be cooking their own food.
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We’re moving my father now to SHAG’s New Haven Senior Apartment. The people and the facility are very good. There is a gym and a barber shop outside on the same block. They have a weekly schedule of
… (read more)
We’re moving my father now to SHAG’s New Haven Senior Apartment. The people and the facility are very good. There is a gym and a barber shop outside on the same block. They have a weekly schedule of activities, like cards, singing, dancing, bingo, and puzzle making. The dining area has a homey feeling. I am not so concerned about their food because my father and his partner will be cooking their own food.
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Northaven West
545 NE 112th Street, Seattle, WA, 98125
We got Northaven West for mom and signed a lease earlier this week. It was listed under micro studios, affordable housing. It ended up being the only one that we toured just because it was all about a
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We got Northaven West for mom and signed a lease earlier this week. It was listed under micro studios, affordable housing. It ended up being the only one that we toured just because it was all about availability for us. This one was available and open. The staff there was wonderful. They helped us out through every step of the process, and helped us with the speed of it because, for us, it was very much a timing thing. We were trying to get immediate housing for her. Everybody there was wonderful. It’s a brand new building, so the unit that she’s moving into is brand new, nobody else has lived in there yet, so that was very, very pleasing. Everything’s nice, new construction, no mildew issues or anything like you can run into with some of the older buildings and such.
Northaven has been there for quite a while and I think this is their second expansion. This is the third building overall total within it, and they’re keeping them all kind of separate but kind of interconnected. It’s tucked in almost off of like a side street kind of thing.
They have a laundry facility onsite down on the main floor. They had a dining hall and most of their activities were all in the Northaven building. It’s right by a mall and it’s got a large group of walking people around there already. We just honestly weren’t too fully concerned with the activities. If she didn’t like the activities, there was plenty of stuff to do right there. I know there’s a library less than two blocks away. She’s right by the light rail station and transit center. The convenient location was the biggest thing for us. It’s all independent living in that facility at least.
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We got Northaven West for mom and signed a lease earlier this week. It was listed under micro studios, affordable housing. It ended up being the only one that we toured just because it was all about a
… (read more)
We got Northaven West for mom and signed a lease earlier this week. It was listed under micro studios, affordable housing. It ended up being the only one that we toured just because it was all about availability for us. This one was available and open. The staff there was wonderful. They helped us out through every step of the process, and helped us with the speed of it because, for us, it was very much a timing thing. We were trying to get immediate housing for her. Everybody there was wonderful. It’s a brand new building, so the unit that she’s moving into is brand new, nobody else has lived in there yet, so that was very, very pleasing. Everything’s nice, new construction, no mildew issues or anything like you can run into with some of the older buildings and such.
Northaven has been there for quite a while and I think this is their second expansion. This is the third building overall total within it, and they’re keeping them all kind of separate but kind of interconnected. It’s tucked in almost off of like a side street kind of thing.
They have a laundry facility onsite down on the main floor. They had a dining hall and most of their activities were all in the Northaven building. It’s right by a mall and it’s got a large group of walking people around there already. We just honestly weren’t too fully concerned with the activities. If she didn’t like the activities, there was plenty of stuff to do right there. I know there’s a library less than two blocks away. She’s right by the light rail station and transit center. The convenient location was the biggest thing for us. It’s all independent living in that facility at least.
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Norse Home
5311 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98103
I visited Norse Home and it’s very nice. It’s not as nice as the place I ended up choosing, but they have great views from the units. On one side you got boats and water, and on the other side you got
… (read more)
I visited Norse Home and it’s very nice. It’s not as nice as the place I ended up choosing, but they have great views from the units. On one side you got boats and water, and on the other side you got the zoo and zoo sounds. Either way, you’re doing good. They’re in the middle of remodeling, so the rooms were nice, but the whole place is being remodeled. The staff who assisted me during the tour was a very sweet lady. I checked the dining area and it was nice. They have smaller windows for food service. They do things like exercise, walking, and so on. Right now, it’s difficult to imagine what the place is going to be like in two years when they finish their remodel. They’re just going to shift the residents from one unit to another when they fix it, and they’re excited. They have a lovely courtyard where you can sit, there’s a waterfall, and you can meditate. It’s really nice.
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I visited Norse Home and it’s very nice. It’s not as nice as the place I ended up choosing, but they have great views from the units. On one side you got boats and water, and on the other side you got
… (read more)
I visited Norse Home and it’s very nice. It’s not as nice as the place I ended up choosing, but they have great views from the units. On one side you got boats and water, and on the other side you got the zoo and zoo sounds. Either way, you’re doing good. They’re in the middle of remodeling, so the rooms were nice, but the whole place is being remodeled. The staff who assisted me during the tour was a very sweet lady. I checked the dining area and it was nice. They have smaller windows for food service. They do things like exercise, walking, and so on. Right now, it’s difficult to imagine what the place is going to be like in two years when they finish their remodel. They’re just going to shift the residents from one unit to another when they fix it, and they’re excited. They have a lovely courtyard where you can sit, there’s a waterfall, and you can meditate. It’s really nice.
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Interurban Senior Living
14002 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98133
Whether you want to enjoy day trips with friends with our numerous planned social activities or relax and read your favorite book on our beautifully landscaped, rooftop deck,
you have the choice to l
… (read more)
Whether you want to enjoy day trips with friends with our numerous planned social activities or relax and read your favorite book on our beautifully landscaped, rooftop deck,
you have the choice to live just the way you want.
The possibilities for living a fun, active, and enjoyable senior life are endless at SHAG Senior Living, where your friends live!
(read less)
Whether you want to enjoy day trips with friends with our numerous planned social activities or relax and read your favorite book on our beautifully landscaped, rooftop deck,
you have the choice to l
… (read more)
Whether you want to enjoy day trips with friends with our numerous planned social activities or relax and read your favorite book on our beautifully landscaped, rooftop deck,
you have the choice to live just the way you want.
The possibilities for living a fun, active, and enjoyable senior life are endless at SHAG Senior Living, where your friends live!
(read less)
Arrowhead Gardens
9200 2nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98106
We went to Arrowhead Gardens. The person we met was great. She took a lot of time and showed us around. There seemed to be a lot of people on staff, so it was very efficient. They were really in charg
… (read more)
We went to Arrowhead Gardens. The person we met was great. She took a lot of time and showed us around. There seemed to be a lot of people on staff, so it was very efficient. They were really in charge of that place. They knew what was going on. The apartments were great. We loved them. The courtyards were beautiful. The apartments were really small for independent living. If you’re just looking for a nice, compact little place, it was good. They also had meals available and a shuttle available for shopping. The grounds were well kept. What we didn’t like is that there were a lot of people there and they were getting COVID shots, so it was a little bit more crowded. There was a big mix of people. It’s very industrial, you wouldn’t feel safe walking outside of that complex. It was tight and parking could be an issue. There was nothing around there to walk to. The staff said that they’ve had some homeless issues across the street that are being cleared out. We liked the complex itself. The facility was great. It’s just a little too cramped. My mother wanted something that she could just walk to, so that dropped the score.
(read less)
We went to Arrowhead Gardens. The person we met was great. She took a lot of time and showed us around. There seemed to be a lot of people on staff, so it was very efficient. They were really in charg
… (read more)
We went to Arrowhead Gardens. The person we met was great. She took a lot of time and showed us around. There seemed to be a lot of people on staff, so it was very efficient. They were really in charge of that place. They knew what was going on. The apartments were great. We loved them. The courtyards were beautiful. The apartments were really small for independent living. If you’re just looking for a nice, compact little place, it was good. They also had meals available and a shuttle available for shopping. The grounds were well kept. What we didn’t like is that there were a lot of people there and they were getting COVID shots, so it was a little bit more crowded. There was a big mix of people. It’s very industrial, you wouldn’t feel safe walking outside of that complex. It was tight and parking could be an issue. There was nothing around there to walk to. The staff said that they’ve had some homeless issues across the street that are being cleared out. We liked the complex itself. The facility was great. It’s just a little too cramped. My mother wanted something that she could just walk to, so that dropped the score.
(read less)
See Pricing for
is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
What to Expect in an Independent Living Community
Many seniors love how independent living communities reduce unwanted stress, hazards, and fatigue in their lives. Independent living communities take care of housekeeping, yard work and meals while still allowing residents personal space and the dignity of making their own choices. These communities usually provide seniors with an apartment that has a small kitchen, bathroom, living room, and one or more bedrooms. Those who want a small space may even find that some independent living communities offer studio-style apartments. Seniors can invite guests over and enjoy their rooms however they see fit.
Independent living communities often also include the following:
- Numerous opportunities for socializing and exploring new activities
- Easy access to public or community-provided transportation
- Meal plans for community dining as well as kitchens for seniors who like preparing their own meals
- The ability to keep small- and medium-size pets such as dogs and cats
- Housekeeping, laundry and groundskeeping services
- 24-hour staff on-site who can be contacted if a problem arises
For a more detailed look at common amenities, check out our guide to independent living communities.
What Couples Should Know About Independent Living in Seattle, WA
Seattle is a large city surrounded by blue and green, with the Puget Sound and Lake Washington surrounding it along with many parks, both big and small, as well as thousands of acres of mountains and nature reserves for active seniors to enjoy. It’s also a cultured city with a great history in the arts and a wide variety of museums, theaters and art exhibits.
The weather in Seattle is pleasant for much of the year, and even in January it’s rare to have more than a couple of days of snow, which is great for seniors who want to get out and see the sights.
Healthcare is relatively affordable in Seattle, with costs 18% below the national average, and utilities are also cheaper by 31%. There is a higher than average number of physicians in the area — roughly 50% more per capita compared to the U.S as a whole.
Paying for Independent Living in Seattle, WA
Independent living communities in Seattle are generally 10% more expensive compared to the United States as a whole. The average monthly cost is $2,850 and the national average is $2,550. The nearby area of Burien is cheaper when compared to both the Seattle and national averages at $2,325.
The annual cost of living in an independent living community can range anywhere from $12,000-$42,000, depending mostly on the amenities, room type and cost of living in the area. In addition to using personal retirement income, annuities, long-term care insurance, or cashing out an existing life insurance policy, some seniors can use Social Security funds, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments granted due to disability or low-income or HUD-provided housing assistance such as vouchers. Another route many seniors choose to fund their independent living stay is renting out or selling their homes that they won’t need once they move or taking advantage of a reverse mortgage.
Our guide provides a more in-depth look at independent living costs and solutions for those who want to learn more.
How to Choose an Independent Living Community
When choosing an independent living community, it’s best to consider many factors, including the community’s proximity to loved ones and medical care, the state of repair that the facility appears to be in, the attitude and efficiency of the staff, the cost of both rent and services, the facility’s pet policy and more.
Comparing multiple communities can help seniors and their families figure out what they value most in an independent living community. During tours of these communities, staff members should be available to answer questions. To help with the touring and comparison process, we’ve included a checklist full of pertinent questions that anyone can download and print for themselves.
Transitioning to Independent Living
Independent living communities, rather than memory care or nursing homes, are often the first place seniors move to when they realize they need a lifestyle change. The necessity of letting some possessions go and the reality of leaving a home and neighborhood after possibly decades of residence there can make transitioning to an independent living community difficult. These communities are often friendly places, but being in a new environment still initially triggers feelings of loneliness in many seniors.
Having a strategy for dealing with the challenges of moving can make the transition to an independent living community a positive experience. We’ve created a downloadable step-by-step guide for tips to making this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Independent Living Resources in Seattle, WA
There are many other resources and activities for seniors in Seattle. Use the table below to learn about the options available for older adults in the area.
| Resource | Phone Number | Description |
| Central Area Senior Center | (206) 726-4926 | Seniors can learn how to use smartphones and computers, listen to music performances, and take part in other activities, such as knitting, quilting and dancing, or just socialize with other locals. An interesting menu of hot, nutritious lunches is also available every weekday for a small donation. Transportation can also be arranged, which is generally used for group trips to eat at a nearby restaurant or go shopping. |
| Greenwood Senior Center | (206) 783-2244 | The senior center on Phinney Avenue is another place for seniors to get together to chat, have fun and take part in group outings to local events and activities. Many services for the senior community are also provided by the knowledgeable staff, including health, medical insurance and financial services, legal assistance and support groups on various issues. |
| Retired Senior Volunteer Program | (206) 694-6785 | Residents aged 55 or over can become volunteers to help serve the community through many projects that are organized by the local government and nonprofits. Projects include bringing food to local seniors, helping non-English speakers learn the language, tutoring and mentoring, as well as other activities to improve the community. |
| Free Access to Computers and Internet | (206) 684-0600 | There are dozens of locations around Seattle for seniors to get access to computers and get on the internet to chat with friends and family, pay bills or simply for entertainment. Visit the website and check the map to find the closest spot. Digital skills training is also available in some locations. This can be a great opportunity for older adults to stay connected. |
Frequently Asked Questions
In Seattle, how much does independent living cost?
According to Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report, the average monthly cost of independent living in Seattle is $3423.
How safe is it to live in Seattle?
The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Seattle is 492, which is above the national average of 323.
How is the traffic in Seattle?
There is heavy traffic congestion with a below average crash rate of 4.
What is the average housing cost in Seattle?
At $1,924, the average cost of housing in Seattle is above the nationwide average of $1,442
What is the job market like in Seattle?
Seattle offers a poor job market for older adults. There are typically less than 1 job available per worker and the rate of income inequality in the area is 0.47.
Is Seattle a good place to live without a vehicle?
In Seattle, 50.1% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is below the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 88 local transit vehicles per hour. This is more than the national average of 8.
How good are the health care options in Seattle?
Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 73.5% in Seattle – this is higher the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 119 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is more the national average of 82.
Does Seattle rank as a good place to retire?
According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Seattle ranked in the top of the pack. It’s overall rank was 35th, and it scored the best in Transportation, while it’s lowest score was for Affordability.
Does Seattle have good activities for retirees?
In Seattle, the number of parks is more than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is above the average.