1 / 6Families describe Merrill Gardens at The University as a warm, well-run community near the University of Washington, with staff repeatedly singled out by name for going above and beyond during moves and day-to-day care. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness, activities calendar, and communication with families, though a few note the food quality can be inconsistent and that the community does not handle memory care or heavier physical assistance needs.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Our community is designed to meet your individual needs and give you the freedom to be yourself. We offer the best in independent senior living and assisted living from a family-owned company that knows connection is everything.
At family-owned Merrill Gardens, we want your life to get bigger—not smaller. Make our community your home and enjoy a lifestyle filled with fun, friends and flexibility.
Our community is located next to the University of Washington and is close to the University Village shopping center, just outside of downtown Seattle. Merrill Gardens at The University offers well-appointed common spaces and we offer apartments with a choice of floor plans.
A move to family-owned Merrill Gardens opens doors to a fuller, more liberated life. Senior living for singles or married couples means independence, flexibility, freedom, and fun. We take care of the cooking, cleaning, and yard work—you focus on all the things you love.
We offer private apartments with generous living spaces and a choice of floor plans. Bring your small pet and all the personal touches that make your house a home. Dine when you want, as often as you like. Anytime Dining gives you the flexibility to enjoy your meals just like you did at home—on your schedule.
Our Active Living calendar is driven by the desires of the people who live here—from fitness classes to charity work to games to outings—it's all at your fingertips.
At Merrill Gardens, caring is more than a service we provide. It is an eyes-open, heart-engaged lifestyle. We love seeing the people who live here enjoy fuller, happier lives while we take care of the basics of daily living. We start with an individually tailored service plan and focus on nurturing residents to reach their fullest potential.
Services we can assist with may include bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, safety checks, and more. Privacy and freedom of choice remain paramount in our goal of fostering independence.
Anytime Dining gives residents lots of flexibility in how they enjoy mealtimes in our restaurant-style dining room. Our Active Living program promotes social activity, physical movement, and creative engagement—the calendar is packed with the things that the people who live here want to see and do.
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Help Me Choose4.8overall · 74 ratings combined
4.9★ on Google (60) · 4.2★ on Yelp (14) · Yelp page ↗
Karen Bonomo
Jun 2026
This is such a nice property and so perfect for seniors that wants a lively community. It is perfectly situated right next to University Village and has a lovely outdoor patio! Staff is fantastic as well, particularly the charming Leslie!.
Lorraine Goldberg
May 2026
My mom has resided at Merrill Gardens for almost 5 years in Independent Living. She loves it! The staff is wonderful and truly cares about the residents. You can see it in their interactions. She enjoys the food quality and appreciates the ability to make special requests. The facility is well maintained including a lovely recent renovation to the common areas. They are communicative with family members and have been great with any changes to her care needs.
Cecilia Strettoi
Feb 2026
I had the opportunity to interact with the Merrill Gardens when I helped an elderly friend choose a suitable place to move to. Merrill Gardens supported us through all stages of the relocation with professionalism, demonstrating attention, transparency, and genuine care toward their residents. Merrill Gardens at the University truly lives up to its name, thanks to a beautiful garden that serves as a focal point for nature lovers. The staff are kind and attentive, and the entire place offers a sense of familiarity and care. I highly recommend Merrill Gardens as a residence for independent seniors.
Virginia Dykes
Jan 2026
I helped my sister and her husband move into Merrill Gardens in October. They acclimated and made friends very quickly. We had toured many places, but Merrill Garden’s stood out because of the warm and welcoming feeling. It was the largest one bedroom we found. My sister chose a ground floor unit with French doors open to a private patio and attached to a beautiful garden. It is especially nice to have an outdoor oasis with restaurants and The University Village all within walking distance. The staff is cheerful and ready to help with whatever is needed. We are very happy with our decision. Sincerely, Virginia Dykes
Teresa Fontaine
Jan 2026
I toured the community with Leslie and had a great experience. She was incredibly knowledgeable, very friendly, and clearly knows the community and the surrounding area well. The community itself is newly remodeled and beautifully done — everything was clean, well-kept, and even smelled great. Every staff member I encountered was smiling and took the time to say hello, which really stood out. Overall, it felt welcoming, well-run, and thoughtfully maintained.
Merrill Gardens at The University offers Assisted Living, At-Home Care and Independent Living.
Merrill Gardens at The University is located at 5300 24th Ave NE in Seattle, Washington.
Families describe Merrill Gardens at The University as a warm, well-run community near the University of Washington, with staff repeatedly singled out by name for going above and beyond during moves and day-to-day care. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness, activities calendar, and communication with families, though a few note the food quality can be inconsistent and that the community does not handle memory care or heavier physical assistance needs.
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