Merrill Gardens at Auburn
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18 1st St SE, Auburn, WA 98002
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Merrill Gardens at Auburn offers competitive pricing for its residents compared to the broader market in King County and across Washington State. For a studio apartment, residents pay $3,050 per month, significantly lower than the county average of $4,464 and the state average of $4,126. Similarly, the cost for a one-bedroom unit at Merrill Gardens is $4,095, which is more affordable than both King County's rate of $5,127 and Washington State's average of $4,632. The semi-private option is priced at $4,100, also undercutting local and state averages. Even for two-bedroom accommodations at $4,995, Merrill Gardens remains competitive against King County's high of $5,111 while being higher than the state's average of $4,301. Overall, Merrill Gardens at Auburn provides an appealing balance of comfort and affordability in a region known for its elevated living costs.
| Floor plans | Merrill Gardens at Auburn | King County | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,050 | $4,464 | $4,128 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,095 | $5,127 | $4,634 |
| Semi-Private | $4,100 | $4,430 | $4,272 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,995 | $5,111 | $4,301 |
This community is best suited for active seniors who want a bright, hotel-like living experience with a built-in continuum of care and a robust calendar of social, cultural, and wellness programming. Merrill Gardens at Auburn stands out for creating real connection: a lobby that feels inviting, staff who greet residents by name, and residents who routinely gather for conversations, games, and outings. The campus design and ambiance support independence while offering ready access to assisted living, memory care, and on-site health services, so families can plan around evolving needs without moving again. The management team earns trust through visible attentiveness and steady responsiveness, and the overall vibe is one of safety, warmth, and belonging. For families seeking a dignified, sociable environment where residents can age in place with scalable support, this community is a compelling choice.
That said, not every family will be comfortable with Merrill Gardens Auburn, and certain realities point to alternatives. Those watching the bottom line will want to scrutinize the monthly cost against perceived value, because pricing sits at the upper end of its market and can tighten budgets quickly. Families prioritizing quiet or more intimate settings may prefer smaller, less bustling campuses. Others who demand very high-acuity medical oversight or a superior, restaurant-grade dining experience with minimal wait times may find the dining service and care cadence uneven at times. Finally, families seeking a pristine, fully licensed assisted living campus from day one, without temporary gaps during transitions, should verify license status and current service scope, as experiences have varied during periods of transition for AL licensing and staffing shifts.
The core strengths, staff warmth, a sense of community, and a broad menu of amenities, more than offset the principal drawbacks for most residents. The front desk team, activity staff, and caregiving personnel are repeatedly praised for friendliness, professionalism, and a genuine willingness to go the extra mile for families. The in-house chef and dining program receive frequent praise for quality and variety, and the option to dine across a long window supports busy lives and unpredictable days. The Garden House memory care unit earns standout praise for its thoughtful, Teepa Snow-inspired approach, calm environment, and attentive caregivers who engage residents with games, music, and companionship. When families need transportation to appointments, outings, or social events, the concierge services and drivers are reliable, making the campus feel like a well-orchestrated community rather than a cluster of individual services.
However, the dining room remains a frequent friction point in otherwise strong reviews. A recurring theme is slower service and inconsistent quality, with reports of meals arriving cold or with limited portions and occasional shortages of staple items. Some residents and families note menu repetition and occasional staff turnover in the dining room, which can sap momentum in the dining experience. Maintenance and response times for repairs can also lag, creating moments of frustration for residents with higher daily needs. Yet even here, many families acknowledge ongoing improvements as the campus recruits and trains, and they often frame dining as a fixed-interval challenge rather than an ongoing deficiency, recognizing that kitchen staff changes and supply chains have a real, if temporary, impact on daily meals.
On balance, care quality and operational integrity are the decisive differentiators. The care team, led by a thoughtful resident care director and supported by a capable nurse, delivers attentive, individualized planning that families describe as both proactive and responsive. Communication with families is a clear strength when everything is running smoothly; in rare cases, there are notable lapses, underscoring the importance of establishing explicit crisis-communication expectations from move-in onward. The campus’ long-tenured staff and the emphasis on consistent routines contribute to stability, which matters greatly for residents adjusting to a new home. The building’s design, bright, clean, and well maintained, complements a philosophy of safety with features like gated underground parking and structured access that reinforces security in a lively downtown setting.
Bottom-line guidance for families: Merrill Gardens at Auburn is a strong, proactive choice for an active senior who wants a lively, amenity-rich environment with scalable care options and dependable family communication. It suits those who value a restaurant-style dining cadence, abundant daily activities, and a memory care option that feels personal and engaging. Prospects should budget carefully, especially for families watching cost vs. benefit, and should be prepared to probe dining service and maintenance responsiveness during tours and trial visits. If quiet, low-key living, minimal wait times for meals, or very high-acuity medical supervision are non-negotiables, alternatives in quieter neighborhoods or smaller campuses may fit better. In the end, the decision rests on whether the community’s energy matches the resident’s social temperament, and whether the care team’s warmth and reliability offset the occasional dining and maintenance bumps that accompany a busy, growing campus.
Merrill Gardens at Auburn in Auburn, WA is a vibrant and welcoming assisted living community that offers a range of housing options to fit individual needs. Residents can choose from comfortable 2-bedroom apartments or cozy studio apartments.
At Merrill Gardens, residents have access to various types of care, including independent living and memory care for those who require additional support. The community provides a warm and secure environment where residents can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need.
The community boasts an array of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents. On-site activities keep residents engaged and entertained, while indoor and outdoor common areas provide spaces for socialization and relaxation. The community also features a swimming pool for those who enjoy aquatic activities.
Residents can enjoy delicious meals in the dining room, which offers restaurant-style dining with a professional chef preparing a variety of menu options. Special dietary needs such as gluten-free or low/no sodium meals are accommodated.
Numerous services are provided to ensure the comfort and well-being of residents, including housekeeping services and transportation assistance. In addition, Merrill Gardens at Auburn has a beautician on-site for haircare needs.
Care services offered by the community include high acuity care, incontinence care, meal preparation and service, as well as medication management. These services aim to provide personalized care tailored to each resident's specific needs.
Merrill Gardens at Auburn is conveniently located near several amenities such as cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, hospitals, and transportation options. This allows residents easy access to essential services and opportunities for entertainment and exploration outside the community.
With its focus on providing excellent care in a supportive environment with numerous amenities nearby, Merrill Gardens at Auburn is an exceptional assisted living community that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its residents.
This part of Auburn, Washington offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. With several healthcare facilities in close proximity, including UW Medicine - Valley Women?s Health and St Francis Hospital, residents have access to quality medical care. Additionally, there are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby for dining options, as well as pharmacies for medication needs. The area also features parks like Steel Lake Park and Springwood Park for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of healthcare facilities, dining options, recreational spaces, and convenient transportation choices, making it a potentially desirable location for seniors considering senior living in Auburn.
Merrill Gardens at Auburn offers competitive pricing for its residents compared to the broader market in King County and across Washington State. For a studio apartment, residents pay $3,050 per month, significantly lower than the county average of $4,464 and the state average of $4,126. Similarly, the cost for a one-bedroom unit at Merrill Gardens is $4,095, which is more affordable than both King County's rate of $5,127 and Washington State's average of $4,632. The semi-private option is priced at $4,100, also undercutting local and state averages. Even for two-bedroom accommodations at $4,995, Merrill Gardens remains competitive against King County's high of $5,111 while being higher than the state's average of $4,301. Overall, Merrill Gardens at Auburn provides an appealing balance of comfort and affordability in a region known for its elevated living costs.
Merrill Gardens at Auburn offers 1-bedroom apartments, 2-bedroom apartments, and Studio apartments.
Merrill Gardens at Auburn is located at 18 1st St SE, Auburn, WA 98002 in King County, Washington
Merrill Gardens at Auburn offers a comprehensive range of features aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, ensuring their needs are met at every level. The 24-hour supervision provides a secure environment, allowing residents to feel safe while receiving immediate assistance when needed. Activities of daily living assistance, including help with bathing and dressing, promotes dignity and comfort, while transportation arrangements for medical appointments ensure continuity in healthcare. Coordination with health care providers further ensures that each resident's medical needs are effectively managed. Incontinence care and meal preparation tailored to dietary needs contribute to physical well-being, while medication management supports adherence to prescribed therapies. The facility's specialized memory care programming and mental wellness initiatives address cognitive challenges proactively, fostering engagement and social interaction among residents experiencing mild cognitive impairment or more advanced stages of dementia. This holistic approach not only caters to essential daily needs but also cultivates an environment that nurtures emotional and mental health.
Yes, Merrill Gardens at Auburn allows both dogs and cats.
Merrill Gardens at Auburn on seniors.fyi includes 35 photos including images showing interior, floor plan, lighting, seating area, dining, architecture, bedroom, windows, and more.
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