30 Independent Living Communities near 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. 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.
(read less)
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.
(read less)
Bridge Park
3204 SW Morgan St, Seattle, WA, 98126
Bridge Park was nice. The rooms were nice and roomy enough. The staff I met was nice. They were doing some physical activities like bouncing the ball around and painting classes.
Bridge Park was nice. The rooms were nice and roomy enough. The staff I met was nice. They were doing some physical activities like bouncing the ball around and painting classes.
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 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.
(read less)
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.
(read less)
Brookdale West Seattle
4611 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98126
Brookdale West Seattle was very nice. I liked the amenities, and the staff was extremely nice and very helpful. Everyone was very kind and very nice. I looked at an apartment there that I like a lot.
… (read more)
Brookdale West Seattle was very nice. I liked the amenities, and the staff was extremely nice and very helpful. Everyone was very kind and very nice. I looked at an apartment there that I like a lot. I was in love with it, actually. It seemed larger than the ones at the other community. It also had a beautiful view. Their activities were better than the things that were offered at the other community. They had Tai Chi once a week, and that’s important to me. However, I found the downstairs common area to be gloomy.
(read less)
Brookdale West Seattle was very nice. I liked the amenities, and the staff was extremely nice and very helpful. Everyone was very kind and very nice. I looked at an apartment there that I like a lot.
… (read more)
Brookdale West Seattle was very nice. I liked the amenities, and the staff was extremely nice and very helpful. Everyone was very kind and very nice. I looked at an apartment there that I like a lot. I was in love with it, actually. It seemed larger than the ones at the other community. It also had a beautiful view. Their activities were better than the things that were offered at the other community. They had Tai Chi once a week, and that’s important to me. However, I found the downstairs common area to be gloomy.
(read less)
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 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.
(read less)
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.
(read less)
GenCare Seattle: Ballard Landmark
5433 Leary Avenue NW, Seattle, WA, 98107
GenCare Seattle: Ballard Landmark is in the heart of the Ballard district, and it gets high praise from residents who enjoy the many activities the facility provides. The generous food choices and the
… (read more)
GenCare Seattle: Ballard Landmark is in the heart of the Ballard district, and it gets high praise from residents who enjoy the many activities the facility provides. The generous food choices and the fresh meals are also popular. Residents praise the compassionate care given by staff members who help those who need special care. Both residents and their visitors enjoy the open attractive common areas that are perfect for family visits. Residents report enjoying the convenient location of the facility, making it easy for family to visit.
(read less)
GenCare Seattle: Ballard Landmark is in the heart of the Ballard district, and it gets high praise from residents who enjoy the many activities the facility provides. The generous food choices and the
… (read more)
GenCare Seattle: Ballard Landmark is in the heart of the Ballard district, and it gets high praise from residents who enjoy the many activities the facility provides. The generous food choices and the fresh meals are also popular. Residents praise the compassionate care given by staff members who help those who need special care. Both residents and their visitors enjoy the open attractive common areas that are perfect for family visits. Residents report enjoying the convenient location of the facility, making it easy for family to visit.
(read less)
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-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.
(read less)
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.
(read less)
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 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.
(read less)
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.
(read less)
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 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.
(read less)
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.
(read less)
Norse Home
5311 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98103
Norse Home has been great for my mother. There are lots of activities that she’s involved in. There’s a fantastic view of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains and the food has been good. She’s be
… (read more)
Norse Home has been great for my mother. There are lots of activities that she’s involved in. There’s a fantastic view of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains and the food has been good. She’s been very happy there. It’s in a wonderful part of Seattle. It’s great. It’s more dormitory style. It does not have kitchenettes, but each floor has a kitchen. She likes the three meals in the cafeteria. It’s not like some of the senior places where you have a living room. She just has one room like a studio. The staff is wonderful. They have assisted living as well. I’ve been very happy. I just wish they would do more outings. It’s a good value. It’s in a very nice neighborhood. She can go right out and walk around. Across the street is the zoo. It’s right on a bus line. Right from her front door, there’s a bus that goes right to downtown Seattle to the stores and everything. It is very good for independent people. For the price, this place was the best.
(read less)
Norse Home has been great for my mother. There are lots of activities that she’s involved in. There’s a fantastic view of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains and the food has been good. She’s be
… (read more)
Norse Home has been great for my mother. There are lots of activities that she’s involved in. There’s a fantastic view of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains and the food has been good. She’s been very happy there. It’s in a wonderful part of Seattle. It’s great. It’s more dormitory style. It does not have kitchenettes, but each floor has a kitchen. She likes the three meals in the cafeteria. It’s not like some of the senior places where you have a living room. She just has one room like a studio. The staff is wonderful. They have assisted living as well. I’ve been very happy. I just wish they would do more outings. It’s a good value. It’s in a very nice neighborhood. She can go right out and walk around. Across the street is the zoo. It’s right on a bus line. Right from her front door, there’s a bus that goes right to downtown Seattle to the stores and everything. It is very good for independent people. For the price, this place was the best.
(read less)
Boulevard Park Place
2805 South 125th Street, Seattle, WA, 98168
We are in Boulevard Park Place and like it very much. There is something going on every single day. You honestly do not need a car to live here. They will take you to your doctors’ appointments and to
… (read more)
We are in Boulevard Park Place and like it very much. There is something going on every single day. You honestly do not need a car to live here. They will take you to your doctors’ appointments and to the grocery store. There are lunches and dinners going on every week that they’ll bring you to. I have a full-size apartment with a full-size kitchen and washer and dryer. I like it very much.
(read less)
We are in Boulevard Park Place and like it very much. There is something going on every single day. You honestly do not need a car to live here. They will take you to your doctors’ appointments and to
… (read more)
We are in Boulevard Park Place and like it very much. There is something going on every single day. You honestly do not need a car to live here. They will take you to your doctors’ appointments and to the grocery store. There are lunches and dinners going on every week that they’ll bring you to. I have a full-size apartment with a full-size kitchen and washer and dryer. I like it very much.
(read less)
Interurban Senior Living
14002 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98133
Interurban was really nice and beautiful. It was fairly new, and they didn’t have an activities director yet. It’s a very large place and a very nicely sized clubhouse. We liked it very much. I th
… (read more)
Interurban was really nice and beautiful. It was fairly new, and they didn’t have an activities director yet. It’s a very large place and a very nicely sized clubhouse. We liked it very much. I think it had underground parking. The staff was very nice. We just had a major problem in meeting the income restriction, and we would not qualify. They offer transportation, and you can use an electric car if you want to do shopping.
(read less)
Interurban was really nice and beautiful. It was fairly new, and they didn’t have an activities director yet. It’s a very large place and a very nicely sized clubhouse. We liked it very much. I th
… (read more)
Interurban was really nice and beautiful. It was fairly new, and they didn’t have an activities director yet. It’s a very large place and a very nicely sized clubhouse. We liked it very much. I think it had underground parking. The staff was very nice. We just had a major problem in meeting the income restriction, and we would not qualify. They offer transportation, and you can use an electric car if you want to do shopping.
(read less)
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
… (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.
(read less)
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.
(read less)
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
… (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.
(read less)
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.
(read less)
Merrill Gardens at First Hill
1421 Minor Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101
My son-in-law and my daughter found Merrill Gardens in a local big neighborhood, but it’s on a hill where you can’t get out for walking. It also as it turns out has about two-thirds of the people
… (read more)
My son-in-law and my daughter found Merrill Gardens in a local big neighborhood, but it’s on a hill where you can’t get out for walking. It also as it turns out has about two-thirds of the people there have dementia. I decided that I would be part of it; I went and played bingo, I tossed balloons, and in fact I did make friends with quite a few people. The people that worked there, the people that give you your pills made a great effort for the service workers. They all know your name, and they were really quite wonderful.
The food was mediocre; I did talk to the chef twice, many meals were deep fried, and the salt was used very generously. There was a fire drill, and we really wondered what was going on because they really had never said anything about fire drills. They sort of alerted to the staff, but these people’s memory was not good. I felt that there should be something on the door of the apartment that you are in that says what to do. The doors are thick metal doors and that just says the place for you to be, but they never told me that. They have an outside company and there is a physical therapist and occupational therapist who comes on Tuesdays and Thursday to work with people. When I went in there, they said our chef is so wonderful, everyday he goes town to the market and buys fresh vegetables but the only meal that I really enjoyed there was breakfast. They were very solicitous, and they know everybody’s name. They have a sheet of paper with everybody’s picture and their name in there. Everybody knows who you are, and that’s very important to be recognized for who you are. You go in the dining room and they say good morning Jeanne and everybody knows you. It really is nice.
(read less)
My son-in-law and my daughter found Merrill Gardens in a local big neighborhood, but it’s on a hill where you can’t get out for walking. It also as it turns out has about two-thirds of the people
… (read more)
My son-in-law and my daughter found Merrill Gardens in a local big neighborhood, but it’s on a hill where you can’t get out for walking. It also as it turns out has about two-thirds of the people there have dementia. I decided that I would be part of it; I went and played bingo, I tossed balloons, and in fact I did make friends with quite a few people. The people that worked there, the people that give you your pills made a great effort for the service workers. They all know your name, and they were really quite wonderful.
The food was mediocre; I did talk to the chef twice, many meals were deep fried, and the salt was used very generously. There was a fire drill, and we really wondered what was going on because they really had never said anything about fire drills. They sort of alerted to the staff, but these people’s memory was not good. I felt that there should be something on the door of the apartment that you are in that says what to do. The doors are thick metal doors and that just says the place for you to be, but they never told me that. They have an outside company and there is a physical therapist and occupational therapist who comes on Tuesdays and Thursday to work with people. When I went in there, they said our chef is so wonderful, everyday he goes town to the market and buys fresh vegetables but the only meal that I really enjoyed there was breakfast. They were very solicitous, and they know everybody’s name. They have a sheet of paper with everybody’s picture and their name in there. Everybody knows who you are, and that’s very important to be recognized for who you are. You go in the dining room and they say good morning Jeanne and everybody knows you. It really is nice.
(read less)
Arrowhead Gardens
9200 2nd Avenue SW, Seattle, WA, 98106
Arrowhead Gardens was nice, well taken care of, and really big. I was in a wheelchair, and they had a really nice big shower, which would have been great for me. The staff was very friendly.
Arrowhead Gardens was nice, well taken care of, and really big. I was in a wheelchair, and they had a really nice big shower, which would have been great for me. The staff was very friendly.
Queen Anne Retirement Community
805 4th Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
I visited Brookdale and I liked it very much. I also stayed there for three days a couple of years back. It has full, 2-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. The staff was very nice, they have good e
… (read more)
I visited Brookdale and I liked it very much. I also stayed there for three days a couple of years back. It has full, 2-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. The staff was very nice, they have good exercise facilities, and some games.
(read less)
I visited Brookdale and I liked it very much. I also stayed there for three days a couple of years back. It has full, 2-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. The staff was very nice, they have good e
… (read more)
I visited Brookdale and I liked it very much. I also stayed there for three days a couple of years back. It has full, 2-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. The staff was very nice, they have good exercise facilities, and some games.
(read less)
Northgate Retirement Community
11501 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA, 98125
I almost moved to Brookdale Northgate. The rooms were not that nice, and they did not have showers in all the rooms. They were also not kept up that well. They said they are going to do some remodelin
… (read more)
I almost moved to Brookdale Northgate. The rooms were not that nice, and they did not have showers in all the rooms. They were also not kept up that well. They said they are going to do some remodeling, but I don’t know how long that would take.
(read less)
I almost moved to Brookdale Northgate. The rooms were not that nice, and they did not have showers in all the rooms. They were also not kept up that well. They said they are going to do some remodelin
… (read more)
I almost moved to Brookdale Northgate. The rooms were not that nice, and they did not have showers in all the rooms. They were also not kept up that well. They said they are going to do some remodeling, but I don’t know how long that would take.
(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. |