The Merion

Pros

• The residents at The Merion enjoy a friendly and welcoming community, with a diverse population that fosters social interaction.
• The facility is consistently praised for its immaculate cleanliness and well-maintained environment.
• Residents appreciate the outstanding quality, taste, and presentation of the food, along with accommodating dining staff.
• The staff members are recognized for their caring and helpful nature, providing excellent service to all residents.
• Many reviews highlight the extensive range of activities and programs available, contributing to an engaging living experience.
• The location in downtown Evanston offers convenient access to shopping and dining options, enhancing overall resident satisfaction.
• The wellness programs and healthcare services on-site ensure peace of mind for residents and their families.

Cons

• The rent increase of 10% in the second year seems high for a senior independent living facility.
• Some residents have experienced issues with outsourced nursing services, leading to stress and health problems.
• There were concerns about the cost of food and alcoholic drinks being expensive.
• One reviewer felt that the apartments had smaller windows, making them feel like living in a cave, and noted that the kitchens were small with limited counter space.
• Another reviewer mentioned that they could not get a good feel for the average age of residents, which was important for their search for independence.
• Parking was described as inconvenient, being about a block and a half away from the facility.

Review

The Merion, a senior independent living community located in downtown Evanston, has emerged as a favorable choice among its residents and the families of prospective tenants based on numerous reviews. Many admire its prime location filled with active lifestyle opportunities—grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping are all within walking distance. This vibrant urban setting not only enhances convenience but also promotes social engagement among residents who appreciate the nearby amenities. The sense of community is palpable, with many describing the atmosphere as friendly and welcoming.

A recurring theme across reviews is the exceptional quality of staff and their commitment to providing excellent service. Residents express appreciation for the staff's helpfulness and attentiveness, highlighting specific team members who have made significant impacts on their living experience. The general sentiment reflects that these individuals—ranging from sales personnel to kitchen staff—go above and beyond to ensure residents feel at home. Their caring demeanor has been noted by family members who have moved loved ones into this community, offering peace of mind during what can often be a stressful transition.

The culinary offerings at The Merion also receive high praise. Many reviewers commend the food quality, taste, and presentation in their dining facilities. While there were some concerns regarding availability during peak dining hours for popular specials, overall feedback indicates that mealtimes are enjoyable experiences enhanced by skilled kitchen staff and vibrant dining environments. However, some residents find certain food items and alcoholic beverages a bit pricey compared to expectations for senior living standards.

Cleanliness remains a strong point of pride for The Merion; multiple reviewers mentioned how immaculate the facility is maintained—a factor that stands out particularly when compared to other senior living options they have visited in the past. One reviewer noted visiting more expensive places but encountering unpleasant odors that detracted from their overall impression. In contrast, The Merion shines not only in cleanliness but also in creating an uplifting atmosphere reminiscent of home rather than an institution.

Amenities available at The Merion add another layer of appeal as well-rounded offerings cater to diverse resident interests. From libraries to workout rooms and even pools for leisure activities—the facility aims to provide enriching experiences for its inhabitants. Frequent entertainment events such as live music performances contribute positively to daily life here while promoting both mental engagement and social connection among residents.

While many reviews reflect high satisfaction with living at The Merion, there are mentions about concerns regarding pricing—specifically related to rent increases after move-in or potential costs associated with dining services and medication administration through outsourced providers. Nevertheless, families remain grateful for the overall experience provided by The Merion staff and facilities despite these financial considerations.

In conclusion, The Merion stands out as a premier option for those seeking an engaging independent living experience enriched by dedicated staff support and vibrant community interaction in downtown Evanston. Despite some noted concerns about costs or occasional service lapses in specific areas like medication management, most feedback emphasizes contentment among residents who feel at ease in this charming environment characterized by cleanliness, camaraderie, fine dining options, and ample activities tailored towards seniors' well-being.

This area of Evanston, Illinois offers a mix of convenient amenities and recreational opportunities suitable for senior living. With multiple parks within close proximity, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and leisurely walks. The presence of several cafes provides options for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Nearby pharmacies and hospitals such as Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Saint Francis Hospital, and Swedish Covenant Hospital Cancer Care ensure access to essential healthcare services. Places of worship are also easily accessible for those seeking spiritual nourishment. Transportation options including CTA stations and bus terminals make getting around the area convenient. Additionally, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from for dining out or takeout options. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded environment with resources that cater to the needs of seniors looking to settle in Evanston.

Parks

• Dawes Park (0.2 miles)
• Centennial Park (0.3 miles)
• Leahy Park (1.1 miles)
• Dubkin Park (2 miles)
• Warren Park (3.1 miles)
• Horner Park (6 miles)
• Clarkson Park (6.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Little Beans Cafe (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Francis Hospital (1.5 miles)
• Swedish Covenant Hospital Cancer Care (5 miles)
• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (7.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Baha'i House of Worship (1.9 miles)

Transportation

• Cta (1.9 miles)
• CTA-Linden (1.9 miles)
• CTA Jarvis (2.2 miles)
• Cta (5.7 miles)
• Cta (6.7 miles)
• Jefferson Park Bus Terminal (6.8 miles)
• Cta (7 miles)

Restaurants

• R Public House (2.2 miles)
• Little Bad Wolf (4.4 miles)
• SoFo Tap (5.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (5.2 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (6.1 miles)
• Superdawg Drive-In (6.5 miles)
• Glenview Dairy Bar (6.7 miles)

Physicians

• North Shore Physicians Group (4 miles)
• Resurrection Medical Center Professional Building (8.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Village Crossing Theatre (5.1 miles)