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The Merion

1611 Chicago Ave

4.3(46 ratings)· Evanston average: 4.1

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The Merion, photo 11 / 6

Quick Facts

Pricing model
All-inclusive monthly fee, no entrance fee
Transportation
Shuttle service to shops, appointments, and restaurants
Lease terms
Flexible rental agreements, furnished or unfurnished units
Diversity recognition
Illinois's first senior community with diversity credential

What Families Think

An automated summary of family reviews and public information. Not verified by MyLivingChoice; confirm services, staffing and pricing with the community.

Families and residents at The Merion frequently praise the beautifully restored historic building, high-quality dining, and warm, attentive staff, along with its walkable downtown Evanston location near Lake Michigan. However, several reviewers raise concerns about aggressive billing practices and management, and a few describe isolated negative interactions with staff.

What reviewers praise

  • Beautifully restored, historic building
  • Highly praised, restaurant-quality dining
  • Friendly, attentive staff who know residents by name
  • Walkable downtown Evanston location near Lake Michigan
  • Clean, well-maintained common areas
  • Active social and activity calendar

What reviewers flag

  • Several reviewers describe aggressive billing, hidden fees, or contract issues
  • One report of unprofessional, dismissive phone interaction with staff
  • One report of high cost relative to apartment size and views
  • One mention of inconvenient parking, requiring a walk to the structure

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

The Merion is a senior living community in Evanston, Illinois offering Independent Living. Amenities include Professional Chef, Restaurant style Dining Room and Outdoor Patio. Families rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 46 reviews.

About The Merion

The Merion is an independent senior living community located in downtown Evanston, Illinois, within walking distance of Lake Michigan and Northwestern University, and just minutes from Chicago. The community occupies a beautifully restored historic property in the heart of Evanston's walkable neighborhood.

Residents enjoy maintenance-free living with all household services included, from housekeeping and laundry to cooking and snow removal. The community offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments available furnished or unfurnished, with flexible rental agreements and an all-inclusive monthly fee covering residence, dining, services, and amenities.

The Merion provides numerous on-site amenities including a saltwater pool, fitness center, bakery and ice cream shop, library with fireplace, multiple dining venues, lounges for socializing, and lifelong learning classes. Transportation services are available for residents who prefer not to walk to nearby destinations such as shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and medical offices.

The community features a personalized health services program with trusted providers and a care coordination team for residents who may need assistance with aging in place. The Merion is Illinois's first senior living community to earn a diversity credential and is committed to welcoming residents from diverse backgrounds, opinions, and beliefs.

The walkable downtown Evanston location provides easy access to shopping, dining, culture, and nature, with Lake Michigan and Northwestern University nearby and numerous restaurants, shops, and the Evanston Library within walking distance.

Types of Care at The Merion

Independent Living

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Multiple Floor Plans
  • Private Rooms
  • Wi-Fi / High-Speed Internet

Meals & Dining

  • Professional Chef
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Fitness Center
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Outdoor Patio
  • Salon / Barber
  • Security
  • Swimming Pool
  • Transportation Services

Activities

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Grocery Shopping and Errands
  • Social Activities

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This community is on our list of luxury senior living in Chicago, IL, where its published rate is compared with the other upscale communities nearby.

Reviews of The Merion

4.3overall · 46 ratings combined

4.3★ on Google (46)

Lourdes Sosa

Jan 2026

via Google ↗ · Report

I’m glad that I didn’t move into The Merion. Not too bad of a place but I just thought it was more of a nursing home. I would have paid over $5000 a month for some what of a small apartment that didn’t have a view. Over all it seemed a little depressing and I would have been the youngest person there. Parking is not convenient. I would have to walk more than a block to get to the parking structure. I don’t want to walk outside in the freezing cold to get to my car.

DIANE CHACHARON

Sep 2025

via Google ↗ · Report

Update. I retract my previous review for many reasons.<br><br>Thumbs down.<br><br>My mother moved into the Merion 3 months ago. There is so much to say about why I love this amazing place.<br>First of all, it’s gorgeous. Beautifully decorated, warm and inviting, and most of all comfortable and secure. It feels like a high end hotel, it’s elegant but with a down to earthy cozy attitude.<br><br>It’s filled with staff of competent caring professionals. It’s very obvious their business plan is clear: to treat their beloved senior residents with dignity, care and respect, but also to become their friends. There is such a sense of community at the Merion. It was only a matter of days before most everyone in the staff new my Mother by her first name. They are supportive and kind and always there to help. They go out of there way to make the Merion a stimulating fun place in all ways.<br><br>My Mother is so happy, and is so busy with all the great activities they offer, and I’m not just talking about bingo. Lobster night, Thai Chi, wonderful live music several times a week, happy hour daily, fun outings to great places, informative and interesting lectures, the list goes on. Every month I look at the calendar of events and feel delighted that she has so many choices for things to do to keep her busy, productive, active and engaged.<br><br>But how is the food, you ask? Consistently amazing. And the Mother’s Day brunch? As elegant, festive, delicious and classy as any 5 star hotel I’ve ever been to.<br><br>The best thing we can hope for as our loved ones grow older is that they can live in a beautiful safe and secure place that offers continuous stimulating activities and companionship with new friends.<br><br>The Merion has all of that and more. I’m so grateful that my Mother is there, and I love coming to visit her every week. I hope that when my time comes the Merion is still thriving and I can get a few of my best friends together and we can all move in too!

Terry Johnson

Aug 2025

via Google ↗ · Report

While the receptionist was nice once she transferred me to the activity director it was instant unprofessionalism! First, she picked up the phone although she was in the middle of laughing. Then she continued to laugh loudly in my ear without any regard for doing so. No greeting at all, instead she starts with How may I help you? So I greet her, said Hello, I am holding for the activity director and instead of saying that she was the Activity Director she says how may I help you a second time. So I explain how I can be helped and she literally says how may I help you again. So she refused to be of any help by refusing to answer two innocent questions and it’s a big red flag if this is going to be the person your mother or grandmother will be subjected to in any vulnerable state. I was able to excuse myself from the foolishness and end the call but imagine someone with dementia or other special needs that wouldn’t allow them to? Very unprofessional. You have been warned.

Mike Hipschen

Jul 2025

via Google ↗ · Report

The Merion is the cleanest, most luxurious, and has the best dining, and amenities we've ever experienced. The staff and management here are efficient, congenial, and helpful in assisting members in all their endeavors. If there's a better place, we haven't found it.<br>At the Merion, we are only steps from the beautiful Lake Michigan​, and located in downtown Evanston,​ it's within walking distance, and so easy to get to so many restaurants, shops, doctors and the Library. We have gotten rid of our car and use the Merion ​shuttle to take us to doctor's appointments, shopping, restaurants and to family in the area. It is wonderful​, and such a savings, not to have to take care of a car or drive in traffic. Cleanliness is at the top of the list​ here at the Merion, ​they have great housekeepers and all areas are clean and fresh. They do everything they can to make you happy, and go beyond. The food is great and ​generous. We have so much entertainment and ​live activities, we can't go to it all. We love living at The Merion.<br><br>M​ike and Nora Hipschen

Lisa Stanton

Jul 2025

via Google ↗ · Report

The Merion is a beautiful senior living community located in Evanston, IL, just steps away from Lake Michigan and Whole Foods. Come see why so many active residents call The Merion their home. There are so many programs to enjoy on a daily basis to keep you busy from sunrise to sunset.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does The Merion offer?

The Merion offers Independent Living.

Where is The Merion located?

The Merion is located at 1611 Chicago Ave in Evanston, Illinois.

What do families say about The Merion?

The Merion carries a 4.3 out of 5 rating from 46 Google reviews. Families and residents at The Merion frequently praise the beautifully restored historic building, high-quality dining, and warm, attentive staff, along with its walkable downtown Evanston location near Lake Michigan. Reviews on MyLivingChoice come from families who confirmed a connection to the community and appear with the reviewer's first name and last initial.

How can families visit The Merion?

Submit the Request Information form on this page, or contact The Merion directly, to arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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