With an abundance of social activities available and the beauty of Mt. Rainier on your doorstep, it’s no wonder people love living in Seattle. Senior apartments in Seattle are the perfect option for people who want to maintain their independence and don’t need the personal care services provided by facilities like assisted living.
There are a wide range of senior apartments in the Seattle area, ranging from luxury to more minimalist in amenities. We’ll use this guide to discuss what types of amenities you can expect to find in a senior apartment in Seattle, along with additional Seattle-specific information, including transportation, activities, and amenities seniors take advantage of after settling into their new apartments.
This guide will discuss some need-to-know information you should have on hand as you begin making your housing decision for the next phase of life. This information includes housing regulations in Washington, how Medicaid or Medicare might apply to your situation, and — if you are a veteran — what benefits you might be able to access to help pay for your living arrangement. In this guide, we’ll review listings within a 10-mile radius of downtown Seattle.
Senior Living Apartments in Seattle, WA
With an abundance of social activities available and the beauty of Mt. Rainier on your doorstep, it’s no wonder people love living in Seattle. Senior apartments in Seattle are the perfect option for people who want to maintain their independence and don’t need the personal care services provided by facilities like assisted living.Read more
There are a wide range of senior apartments in the Seattle area, ranging from luxury to more minimalist in amenities. We’ll use this guide to discuss what types of amenities you can expect to find in a senior apartment in Seattle, along with additional Seattle-specific information, including transportation, activities, and amenities seniors take advantage of after settling into their new apartments.
This guide will discuss some need-to-know information you should have on hand as you begin making your housing decision for the next phase of life. This information includes housing regulations in Washington, how Medicaid or Medicare might apply to your situation, and — if you are a veteran — what benefits you might be able to access to help pay for your living arrangement. In this guide, we’ll review listings within a 10-mile radius of downtown Seattle.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Seattle, WA
Our loved one was a resident at Aegis of Shoreline and we had nothing but good experiences during those hard times. This facility was great. The cleanliness and friendliness were great. The quality of care,...
Prompt, professional, compassionate response. Welcoming and warm atmosphere, quality living space and amenities. Very grateful for the experienced and organized staff and for the Ambassador welcoming program...
My dad likes his apartment at Winslow Manor, owned and managed by Bainbridge Senior Living. It is conveniently located to downtown Bainbridge Island, so he can walk to shopping, dining, cultural events, the...
These apartments are located in Burien. They are independent senior living apartments. They do not serve food or clean your apartment. Amazing owners, lots of activities, safe building, clean, roomy...
I do live in these apartments, located at this address listed. It is a SHAG apartment building. I like living here very much. They are nice apartments. However, I disagree with the description that is on...
Overall I would say they do a good job at New Haven. It is a nice looking, clean, well kept community, and they take good care of the people who live here. Some of the staff could be a little friendlier, but...
I have lived here for about five years. The rent I have entered is nominal. Rent for most residents is based on income. I have rated care services as fair because this is an independent living facility....
They have a lot of activities that they provide. I like them but I think there's something they can do to have more group activities that go outside of the facility, which means having some sort of van...
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Costs of senior apartments in the Seattle area
As you begin your search for the perfect senior apartment for you in Seattle, you’ll find that there are a variety of options to choose from. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average cost of a senior apartment in Seattle is $1,772.[01] You might find that in some senior apartments in Seattle, your utility fees are included in the monthly rent, but this is not always the case.
Senior apartments in Seattle include convenient amenities, including wheelchair-accessible units, elevators, on-site maintenance, and on-site security. The majority of Seattle apartments have pet-friendly policies and amenities, such as access to walking trails, so your four-legged best friend will feel right at home.
While senior apartments often include convenient amenities like fitness rooms, trash removal, and bike storage, they don’t include dining or health care services that you might expect to find in independent living or assisted living communities.
The figures below represent the average baseline costs of senior apartments in Seattle and surrounding areas, not including any additional fees that may apply.
Average cost comparisons near Seattle, WA
Average monthly costs
Seattle, WA
How people pay for senior apartments in Seattle
Much like paying rent, senior apartments are typically paid for through personal resources like retirement savings, Social Security benefits, and housing assistance. While some people might choose to pay for a senior apartment from a single financial source, many people combine several.
Here, you’ll learn how private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicaid and Medicare might contribute to paying for your housing costs.
There are several ways private pay income sources can fund senior apartments. In addition to Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns, you can also consider the following methods:
VA benefits will not directly cover senior apartment rent. However, they can be used to improve quality of life and provide services like medically necessary in-home care. The VA Pension is available for any veteran who hasn’t received a dishonorable discharge and whose yearly income and net worth meet the limits set by Congress.[03]
There’s also the Aid and Attendance benefit. Aid and Attendance contributes to expenses that improve quality of life and can be added to the VA Pension. To qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Need assistance with performing daily activities
- Have impaired sight
- Already reside in a long-term care facility
- Be bedridden for a large part of the day
Several local and national organizations can help you navigate VA benefits eligibility. Government-organized groups like King County Veteran Services and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs provide financial assistance and can help with home modifications in senior apartments.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Department of Washington assist with claims and appeals and offer other support and advocacy for veterans and their families. If you have a disability, Disabled American Veterans has a Seattle chapter that provides help with benefits, claims, appeals, transportation, and more. You’ll often be working with a Veterans Service Organization representative.
Applying for VA benefits can be a long process that is sometimes difficult to navigate alone, so it’s wise to reach out to local organizations before applying for benefits to make sure you have a strong understanding of the process.
Number of veterans who live in Seattle
Percentage of Seattle veterans who are 65+
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.
Medicaid (known as Apple Health in Washington) and Medicare will not pay for rent costs associated with senior apartments, but they can pay for in-home health care services.
Apple Health can cover in-home care through the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program, while Medicare Part A and Part B cover short-term care for medical needs as long as you’re over the age of 65. The types of home services you might be eligible for include the following:
- Occupational and speech therapy
- Medical social services
- Part-time home health aid services
- Occasional skilled nursing care
The Apple Health public health emergency program provides support for Medicare premiums but is offered through Washington’s Medicaid program, Apple Health. And the Program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE), Providence ElderPlace, might also be helpful, as it provides services including medical care, medication, supplies, transportation, and in-home care.
For any questions about Medicare, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is available to help navigate the process of applying for Medicare benefits. The Medicare Savings Program and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program can also help with Medicaid-related costs. The first one can help defray deductible costs, while the latter can help pay for prescriptions.
Washington’s ombudsman for Apple Health can help you navigate complaints, grievances, and appeals, while the following resources can help you determine what benefits you’re eligible for. Washington’s Community Living Connections (CLC) Network can help seniors connect to any benefits that might be available.
Seattle Medicaid and Medicare resources
Washington Apple Health
626 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
Some Social Security benefits, as well as senior housing programs, might be an option if you meet specific eligibility requirements. For example, Housing Choice Vouchers, formerly known as Section 8, are available through the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) to help pay rent on senior apartments with eligible landlords in Seattle. All applicants need to meet eligibility requirements in a number of areas, including the following:
- Income level
- Criminal history
- Immigration status
- Amount of debt owed to SHA
- Good standing with the SHA
For some, Social Security benefits might be available to offset any living costs; however, the process can be complicated, and eligibility requirements vary depending on which benefit you’re applying for. The following benefits could be used for senior apartment living:
- Social Security Retirement Benefit (SSR): It does not require disability but requires work credits.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This requires disability and work credits.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This requires disability and is specifically for people with no work credits.
- Social Security Survivors Pension: This does not require disability, but it is for widows and widowers of workers with work credits.
Seattle resident public assistance resources
Housing and Urban Development – Seattle909 First Ave.
Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-220-5101
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Seattle Housing Authority
190 Queen Anne Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-615-3300
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Seattle Social Security Administration
915 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98174
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Understand Washington laws and regulations for senior apartment communities
Senior apartments aren’t licensed or regulated in the ways assisted living and memory care facilities are because senior apartments are classified as rental apartments instead of long-term care. However, there are several state and federal laws to be aware of that protect your rights as a renter.[04]
- The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and disability. Under the FHA, landlords must provide reasonable disability accommodations for tenants in senior apartments.
- The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all senior apartments to be accessible, including any common areas.
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) laws apply to landlords offering senior apartments in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). Landlords must meet these regulations to receive funding that supports their housing.
There are also general maintenance and safety requirements all landlords are required to adhere to, including providing adequate heat, hot water, and plumbing. Landlords must also make sure there is fire safety equipment available and repairs are made in a timely manner.
In Seattle, the city’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) requires all landlords to register rental properties and have them inspected every five to 10 years.
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 senior apartments
Senior apartments are not required to follow any special COVID-19 guidelines. The CDC has prevention guidelines that it recommends everyone follow. Here are some of those recommendations:
Vaccinations. The CDC recommends staying up-to-date with current vaccinations.
Facility cleanliness. Spending time outdoors and opening windows to improve ventilation is a prevention recommendation by the CDC. Change filters frequently in ventilation systems.
Social distancing. Avoid crowded areas and keep a safe distance from others.
What to expect from Seattle senior apartments
Luxury living
Seattle is a progressive and vibrant city, and living there in a senior apartment can range from government subsidized to luxury options. If you’re interested in the luxury living end of the spectrum, you can expect to spend up to $4,400 a month on housing. Luxury senior apartments in Seattle can offer gated underground parking, pet-friendly amenities such as a dog wash and pet play area, composting services, car charging stations, and even a rooftop terrace. They also offer convenient features such as elevators, wheelchair-accessible rooms, and on-site maintenance.
Budget-friendly living
If you’re keeping your budget in mind, there are many senior apartments in Seattle that offer plenty of amenities without breaking the bank. These senior apartment options typically have income restrictions that you’ll need to meet in order to apply for housing. You can expect to find convenient amenities such as pet-friendly policies, wheelchair-accessible rooms, fitness areas, and elevators. These apartments typically include your utility costs in the rent as well.
Something for everyone
No matter which option is right for you, you can expect to be able to enjoy Seattle’s mild climate with shared outdoor spaces as well as private patios or balconies in some buildings. A mild winter and natural beauty in the likes of surrounding mountains and the Puget Sound make Seattle a great place to live year round.
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Unfamiliar with Seattle? Highlights for seniors
92046
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Seattle
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Seattle population
64944
Median annual income for Seattle seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Seattle
Seattle has a broad range of health care options for seniors, from nationally ranked hospitals to clinics that specialize in senior care.
University of Washington Medical Center
UW Medical Center is a highly regarded teaching hospital that provides high-quality care in several adult specialties, including cancer care, nephrology, and urology.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
This facility is known for its orthopedic, cancer care, and digestive disorder programs and prides itself on its patient-centered health care approach.
Overlake Medical Center
Just 10 miles from downtown Seattle in Bellevue, non-profit Overlake Medical Center is rated as high-performing in 13 adult procedures.
Providence Regional Medical Center
With multiple Seattle-area campuses, this medical center is one of the top five best hospitals in the Seattle metro area and is rated as high-performing in 10 adult procedures and conditions.
University of Washington Senior Care Clinic
Part of the UW Medical Center system, this clinic offers a range of services to people over 75 or those with complex medical conditions. It specializes in primary care, palliative care, and memory care.
Swedish Geriatric Assessment and Consultation Clinic
This clinic, part of Swedish Medical Center, focuses on managing chronic conditions and specializes in geriatric psychiatry, geriatric neurology, and geriatric rehabilitation.
Seattle VA Medical Center
This medical center serves Seattle’s veteran population and provides care for a range of conditions, including primary and specialty health services, mental health support, rehabilitation, and senior care.
Transportation for seniors in Seattle
With the city having invested heavily in multiple forms of public transportation and plenty of walking and biking paths, Seattle is the ideal location for active seniors.
While plenty of cars are around, Seattle also has buses, streetcars, and ferries that serve the metro area. Additionally, a light rail serves downtown Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Beyond public transportation, there are a number of transport options specifically for seniors who are unable to use the fixed routes offered by the city, including the following:
- King County Metro’s Access Transportation shared ride service.
- Sound Generations’ shuttle services and rides to medical appointments.
- On-demand, door-to-door transport through the Via to Transit app.
- Reduced-rate and accessible community transit for people unable to use traditional buses.
As Seattle continues to invest in public transportation, it’s also becoming more walkable. You can plan your walk route on this Seattle Department of Transportation website. The below scores, on a scale of 1 to 100, are based on public density, the availability of walking and bike paths, and the ability of people to complete errands on foot.[08]
74
Walk Score
60
Transit Score
71
Bike Score
Senior activities in Seattle
Seattle has plentiful activities to suit all sorts of interests. Whether you’re art-minded or love to be outdoors, there’s something for everyone.
Surrounded by beautiful parks, hiking trails, and gardens, Seattle is known for its natural beauty. Mt. Rainier serves as a great day trip and has hikes for a wide range of fitness levels, while the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department offers regular events and activities, including senior-specific events like trips to the Japanese Garden, Kubota Garden, and Discovery Park.
If you like the atmosphere and fun that casinos can bring, two are nearby. Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort has a golf course and spa services, making it ideal for a long weekend or group trip. There’s also Muckleshoot Casino, which has an extensive array of table games and prides itself on being the largest smoke-free games area in the state.
Visiting one of Seattle’s many museums is a must for those who love art and culture. The Museum of Flight, the MoPOP, and the Seattle Art Museum all offer senior discounts and accommodations for people with mobility aids. The online event guide EverOut also has dozens of local theater and music recommendations to suit anyone’s taste.
There are also groups designed to connect seniors in the area and provide opportunities to socialize and make new friends. Some of the popular senior groups in Seattle include the following:
- Pike Market Senior Center
- Greenwood Senior Center
- Wallingford Community Senior Center
- Sound Generations
- Lifelong Recreation
Sports fans can take in a major league baseball game at T-Mobile park. If football is your cup of tea, check out a Seahawks game. Root on the Kraken, the Seattle Storm, or the Seattle Sounders if you love professional hockey, women’s basketball, or soccer.
Frequently asked questions
Revel Issaquah, Liberty Place and Reserve at Lynnwood are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Seattle, WA. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Seattle is 1527.84 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Veterans Affairs. (2022). Eligibility for Veterans Pension.
Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. (2022). Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Overlake Medical Center and Clinics.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
Walk Score. Living in Seattle.
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