A haven for outdoor lovers, art aficionados, and music enthusiasts, Seattle is an ideal option for people looking for independent living options with activities and amenities close by while still supporting their newest phase of life.
Independent living doesn’t provide the personal care or health assistance long-term care facilities offer but is ideal if you’re looking for a community feeling with amenities such as:
- Meals and dining
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Social activities and planned day trips
- Fitness centers
In this guide, you’ll learn about some of the best independent living communities in Seattle. With 37 facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Seattle (and an additional 39 communities in a 25-mile radius), there are options to fit several needs. You’ll also learn about cost and payment options, laws that guide independent living, and the types of services and amenities on offer in Seattle.
Find Independent Living Communities Near Seattle, WA
A haven for outdoor lovers, art aficionados, and music enthusiasts, Seattle is an ideal option for people looking for independent living options with activities and amenities close by while still supporting their newest phase of life.Read more
Independent living doesn’t provide the personal care or health assistance long-term care facilities offer but is ideal if you’re looking for a community feeling with amenities such as:
- Meals and dining
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Social activities and planned day trips
- Fitness centers
In this guide, you’ll learn about some of the best independent living communities in Seattle. With 37 facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Seattle (and an additional 39 communities in a 25-mile radius), there are options to fit several needs. You’ll also learn about cost and payment options, laws that guide independent living, and the types of services and amenities on offer in Seattle.
Seattle Independent Living Facilities | 1158 Reviews
Terrific people. The major reason is that it offered a choice for independent living and assisted living. Not yet ready for assisted and grateful it will be there when needed. Also the apartments, the...
It's been a wonderful place for my mom. Try to negotiate on the non returnable deposit if needed because of your situation or finances. The staff has been great and has very little turn over. Also the...
Lucky for us my mother was able to live at Village Green for the past two years, after the abrupt closing of Vashon Community Care, Vashon Island, WA. She often referred to it as her home. The CNA staff is...
Picked for combination with independent living and overall opportunities to improve quality of life. I would recommend to others.
They are short staffed at Emerald City Senior Living all of the time, but the dining staff is really great as well as the chef. The activities directory is great also. For the most part the staff members...
We love Aegis Madison. My mother in law is getting excellent care there. The staff is very responsive and the food is great!
There has been significant turnover at Bridge Park; three managers, three activities directors, etc. The facility is owned by a hedge fund which has no clue how to run a retirement home, and mistakes have...
Although it took us 12 mins. to find parking for our mid-size SUV, we're so impressed with the beauty of Ida Culver House Broadview -- inside, outside, many quality choices & entertaining spaces for...
It's awesome. It is expensive but is a great value for the money. My loved one is very active, and the prograamming is amazing at Univeristy House. They have art, field trips and a fitness center. The...
We went with Merrill Gardens at The University because it seemed like the best fit for my loved one. I would tell others that some locations offer income qualified apartments and some do not which was...
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On the positive side: All of the staff that is there is very dedicated and good at what they do. They treated my dad outstandingly and he loves all of the attention that he has gotten from them. Management...
The Lake Shore is a wonderful retirement facility with a view of Lake Washington that’s simply breathtaking. The staff are all friendly and helpful and professional. It really feels like a wonderful...
Due to health reasons, I had to move my mom into an assisted living place. Sunrise of Bellevue was highly recommended to me by a friend, whose father had lived there. From day one mom was welcomed by...
It's a wonderful facility with a "down home" feel. The staff is incredible as is the food. [name removed] was reluctant, as was I, when we drove up. The outside doesn't match the inside. As soon as she...
My father is satisfied living there, the staff really care and he is safe there. He's in memory care. I picked this community, because it was a good trade off between care and cost.
My mom found the residents quite friendly during our initial walk through which ultimately is what made her choose Madison House. The staff are all fabulous. They get to know the residents very quickly...
I would recommend to them to others. They are very accommodating but it is not cheap. I looked at another community, but decided that island house was a better fit. We did just lose our activities director...
I am giving this input to the best of my knowledge based on feedback I've heard from my parents. I think the location is great, my parents have met a lot of friendly and interesting people. The staff is...
What our family likes the most about the MorningStar Senior Living community is the staff, the dining experience, the other residents living there, the location, and all the different activities the...
The staff are great. The place is clean and well maintained. I get weekly emails about what and how Mom is doing, complete with pictures. They took care of the move. Meals are great. I would recommend this...
The Garden Club has been great - We are so glad to have found this place. The staff is heart felt and engaging. They are prompt to address issues should they arise. My husband has come to feel safe and...
I was pleased with the care that my loved one received at The Gardens at Town Square. The staff were attentive, kind and caring. I think the ratio of caregivers to number of residents is really good.
I was able to have an in person tour with Overlake Terrace and I found the tour experience to be pleasant and informative. This community was my second choice.
The administration and staff are generally lovely. Activities are well planned and the people care. I really appreciate the referral to this place. My dad actually chose it after touring. My mom with...
Sagebrook made me feel at home and that they cared about my experience as well as my wife's. Although my wife had stopped being responsive to care, they went out of their way to attempt to reach her and...
- Costs of independent living in the Seattle area
- How people pay for independent living in Seattle
- Understand Washington laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Seattle
- Types of independent living in Seattle
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Seattle? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Seattle area
The average monthly cost of independent living in our Seattle network of partners is $5,315 per month, according to proprietary data from A Place for Mom.[01] This cost includes associated fees and service add-ons. This is substantially higher than the national average cost of independent living, which sits at $3,376.[01]
Independent living offers a mix of amenities within the communities but also prioritizes residents’ desires to live as independently as they please. So, while you might see plenty of dining options, on-site barbers and beauty salons, community common areas, and activities, independent living also often provides full kitchens or kitchenettes in rooms, parking, and transportation so it is easy to participate in anything Seattle offers.
The following costs represent only Seattle’s baseline independent living costs, without any add-on fees.
Average cost comparisons near Seattle, WA
Average monthly costs
Seattle, WA
How people pay for independent living in Seattle
While insurance programs like Medicaid or Medicare don’t cover independent living because they’re technically not senior care communities, there are ways you can use these resources to fund this new stage in life.
In this section, you will find some of the more common ways people pay for independent living, from private pay options and VA benefits to housing assistance and Medicare and Medicaid resources.
There are several private pay sources to fund the move to independent living. In addition to Social Security benefits, investment returns, and pensions, the following methods are also options:
Veterans who qualify can use the VA Pension to help with independent living costs. It is an option for some veterans who meet the income requirements set by Congress and who did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
There is also the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit helps with any costs that improve qualified veterans’ quality of life. This benefit is paid out on top of the VA pension. It’s best to contact one of the local organizations listed below to help determine your eligibility status and guide you through the claims process.
Seattle has several local organizations certified as veterans service organizations (VSOs) that support veterans through things like eligibility and claims assistance. Some even have their own financial assistance programs and other services, including transportation.
Applying for benefits can get complicated; as you start this process, we recommend touching base with some of the resources listed to ensure you’re getting the most out of your VA benefits. Many will have Veterans Service Officers who can help guide you.
Number of veterans who live in Seattle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 46% of Seattle veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Seattle veterans
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
1102 Quince St. SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: 1-877-838-7787
Email: benefits@dva.wa.gov
King County Veterans Services Program
Department of Community and Human Services
9725 3rd Ave. NE, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206-263-8387
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063
2812 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-782-8618
Email: adjutant@vfwseattle.org
Hours: Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The American Legion Department of Washington
3600 Ruddell Road SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Phone: 360-491-4373
Fax: 360-628-8364
Disabled American Veterans
915 Second Ave.
Room 1040
Seattle, WA 98174
Phone: 206-341-8267
Phone: 1-888-604-0234
Hours (by appointment only): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Seattle Public Library Veterans Services
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-386-4636
Hours: Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Both Medicaid, which is known as Apple Health in Washington, and Medicare can’t be used for housing costs associated with independent living. Still, they will pay for certain in-home healthcare services.
The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program, through Apple Health, will cover in-home care, while Medicare Part A and Part B cover short-term care needs for people over the age of 65. Medicare coverage includes services like:
- Occupational and speech therapy
- Medical social services
- Part-time home health aid services
- Occasional skilled nursing care
For help with Medicaid-related costs, programs like the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program are on hand to help with prescription costs. The Medicare Savings Program program supports Medicare premiums but is offered through Washington’s Medicaid program, Apple Health.
For support with Medicare, the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) can assist people applying for Medicare benefits. The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves as a safeguard for any complaints, grievances, or questions about the appeals process for people in long-term care communities.
The additional resources below can also help you determine eligibility and provide support. Washington’s Community Living Connections (CLC) Network can help seniors find benefits that might suit their situations and connect them with the right person who can help.
Seattle Medicaid and Medicare resources
Washington Apple Health626 8th Ave. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 800-562-3022
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Seattle Social Security Administration
Suite 901
915 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98174
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors
1501 N 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-753-4806
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Providence ElderPlace (PACE)
4515 Martin Luther King Jr Way S
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: 206-320-5325
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
1737 Airport Way S, Suite 130
Seattle, WA 98134
Phone: 206-341-7600
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1200 S 336th St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: 206-623-0816
Understand Washington laws and regulations for independent living communities
Because independent living communities aren’t classified as healthcare facilities, they aren’t subject to the same licensing or regulatory oversight that communities like assisted living face. However, because some independent living communities provide services like transportation or dining, they may need to obtain licenses for those specific services.
You may also find your independent living community has a minimum age requirement. This is up to the authority of the community itself, but the minimum age is typically between 55 and 62 years old.
While independent living may not have the same licensing that other long-term care facilities require, they do have to comply with several state and federal laws that protect your rights as a renter.
- The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and disability. Under the FHA, independent living accommodations must provide reasonable disability accommodations for tenants in senior apartments.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures all accommodations are accessible, including common areas.
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Laws apply to landlords offering independent living accommodation under the Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers) program.
Additionally, there are maintenance and safety requirements everyone, no matter what type of accommodation they’re in, is entitled to. This includes adequate heat, hot water, plumbing, fire equipment, and timely repairs of anything that is broken. For more in-depth information, consider reading through these resources:
Washington Department of Health contact information
Washington State Department of Health
111 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 800-525-0127
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Seattle independent living communities
While standalone independent living facilities do not have to adhere to any COVID-19 guidelines, most of Seattle’s independent living communities are part of more extensive assisted living or memory care facilities, so you may find COVID-19 guidelines being practiced.
For independent living facilities that are part of another community regulated by the Department of Health, expect guidelines that follow the CDC and the Washington Department of Health’s Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings.[02]
Vaccinations. Up-to-date vaccinations and boosters are recommended for staff and residents.
Masking. If appropriate, staff should wear well-fitting masks.
Facility cleanliness. Ventilation and filtration should be optimized. Dedicated medical equipment should be used when caring for a person with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Additionally, routine cleaning and disinfection are recommended.
Quarantining. The movement of people with COVID-19 should be limited to medically necessary reasons.
Get to know independent living in Seattle
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Types of independent living in Seattle
Seattle is an ideal place to live if you value independence. The ninth most walkable city in the United States, Seattle is an excellent option for independent people who enjoy their social life and want to stay as active as they can.[04] Whether it’s shopping at Pike Place Market, participating in one of the many local community groups, or adventuring out to Mount Rainier for the day, there’s something for many different lifestyles.
Easy ways to maintain an active lifestyle
Residents of independent living communities in Seattle can expect a number of amenities, most of which center around remaining active and keeping up with hobbies. Of our 37 partner communities:
- 78% have arts and crafts centers
- 76% have game rooms
- 78% have movie or theater rooms
- 19% have swimming pools
- 97% have pianos or organs
- 78% have garden beds
- 97% have libraries.
For people who like to spend time outside, almost all of our listings have outside patios.[01]
Seattle’s independent living communities make it easy to get out and enjoy the city, as 97% are conveniently located next to public transportation. In addition, all of our listings offer complimentary transportation.[01]
Each facility offers different amenities and services, which is why our senior living advisors are available to arrange tours for any seniors interested in specific locations.
A variety of care levels to choose from
Many independent living communities in Seattle offer multiple levels of care. That’s because the majority of them aren’t standalone independent living communities. Most of our listings offer a combination of independent living and assisted living or a combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care.[01] Communities that combine independent living, assisted living, and memory care are progressive in the market and, therefore, great options for care seekers in Seattle.
These types of facilities make it easy to go from an independent lifestyle to one that requires more support and health care. In other words, they allow residents to age in place. As their health needs change, so do their care options. Later in life, care needs can change often. If you know you want to stay in one place rather than move to different locations as your needs fluctuate, these kinds of combination communities are excellent choices.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Seattle? Highlights for seniors
92046
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Seattle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Seattle population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
64944
Median annual income for Seattle seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in Seattle
Seattle has many health care options, from high-ranking hospitals and primary care options to specialty clinics.
University of Washington Medical Center
Named one of the best hospitals in the nation, UW Medical Center currently ranks in seven specialties. This teaching hospital is particularly well known for its cancer care, nephrology, and urology.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Virginia Mason is known for taking a patient-centered approach to its healthcare. Its specialties include orthopedic care, cancer care, and digestive disorder programs.
Overlake Medical Center
Just 10 miles from downtown Seattle, Bellevue-based Overlake Medical Center offers a wide range of healthcare services and is s rated as high performing in 13 adult procedures.
Providence Regional Medical Center
Named by U.S. News and World Report as the best Seattle Metro hospital, this general medical and surgical center has two Seattle locations.
University of Washington Senior Care Clinic
Offering a range of services and prioritizing patients over the age of 75, this clinic is part of UW Medical Center and specializes in primary care, palliative care, and memory care.
Seattle VA Medical Center
Seattle’s VA Medical Center serves the veteran community and offers a number of specialty health services, senior care, and primary care.
Transportation for seniors in Seattle
While most of Seattle’s independent living communities have on-site parking and offer transport services, there are also several public transport options in Seattle.
The city has heavily invested in streetcars, buses, and ferries, and a new light rail serves downtown Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Beyond public transportation and any services independent living facilities offer, there are a variety of community-led initiatives to help seniors get around.
- King County Metro Access Transportation has a shared ride service.
- Sound Generations has shuttle services and also offers rides to medical appointments.
- The Via To Transit app helps people book on-demand, door-to-door transport.
- There’s also reduced-rate and accessible community transit available for people unable to use traditional buses.
Seattle is the ninth most walkable city in the U.S.[04] You can map out a route for walking with the help of this Seattle Department of Transportation website. Walk, transit, and bike scores are graded from one to 100 and measure the ease at which a person could go about their daily lives using the walk and bike paths available as well as public transportation.
74
Walk Score
60
Transit Score
71
Bike Score
Senior activities in Seattle
Nestled between the Puget Sound and the immense Mount Rainier, Seattle is ideal for people who love the outdoors. It has some of the best parks and trails, and the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department offers a full calendar of events, including senior-specific activities for those who want to meet new people or have fun with friends and family.
The arts, theater, and music communities are also thriving in Seattle — from the Chihuly Garden and Glass to the Fifth Avenue Theatre and beyond. The online event guide EverOut lists dozens of theater and music recommendations if you have an evening to fill, while there are also several fun museums to take in. The Museum of Flight, Museum of Pop Culture, and the Seattle Art Museum all have high ratings and offer senior discounts and accommodations for various levels of mobility.
Seattle is home to a number of professional sports teams, so it’s easy to go to a game almost any time of year. Head to T-Mobile park for a Mariners game, Lumen Field for a Seahawks game, or the Climate Pledge Arena for a Kraken or Seattle Storm game. For pro soccer fans, the Seattle Sounders might be the right choice for you.
A short drive out of the city you will find two casinos, each offering something a little different. North of Seattle is Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, which also has golf and spa services, making it a great destination for a weekend away for groups with multiple interests. South of the city, you’ll find Muckleshoot Casino, which has the largest smoke-free area for table games in the state.
Seniors centers and senior-specific groups abound to connect like-minded seniors for activities or day trips Here are some of the most popular groups and senior centers in Seattle:
Frequently asked questions
Revel Issaquah, Farrington Court and Cogir of Mill Creek are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Seattle, WA. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Seattle is 4333.7 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Washington State Department of Health. (2022). Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings.
Centers for Disease Control. (2022, September 23). Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). CDC.
Walk Score. (2021). 2021 City & Neighborhood Ranking.
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.
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