Merrill Gardens at Burien offers a competitive pricing structure for its residential options, positioning itself favorably against both King County and Washington state averages. For instance, the cost of a semi-private room at Merrill Gardens is $2,500, significantly lower than the county's average of $4,430 and the state's average of $4,267. Similarly, studio apartments are offered at $2,995, again undercutting both the county's and state's averages. One-bedroom units are priced at $4,195, which remains below King County's average of $5,127 while being slightly above the state's average. Even in the two-bedroom category, Merrill Gardens' price of $6,195 is competitive when considered alongside King County's average of $5,111 but exceeds the state figure. Overall, Merrill Gardens at Burien provides a range of options that stand out due to their affordability within the context of local market expectations.
Floor plans
Merrill Gardens at Burien
King County
Washington
Semi-Private
$2,500
$4,430
$4,272
Studio
$2,995
$4,464
$4,128
1 Bedroom
$4,195
$5,127
$4,634
2 Bedrooms
$6,195
$5,111
$4,301
Memory care communities with a similar price nearby
Restaurant-style dining is repeatedly praised, including the variety and meal experience.
Residents and families frequently bring up the dining experience, describing it as restaurant-style and menu-driven rather than cafeteria-style. Several reviews specifically mention a chef, good portion sizes, and broad meal options, with some calling the meals better than expected. A few comments temper the praise with “average” or “not gourmet” food, and at least one reviewer says the food was disappointing.
common18 reviews mention this
Staff responsiveness stands out
Reviews consistently describe staff who are friendly, attentive, and responsive.
Across reviews, families and residents describe staff as kind and easy to work with, often highlighting attentiveness and day-to-day engagement. Several reviews mention staff handling needs appropriately, knowing residents by name, and working professionally when situations arise. A smaller number of comments raise concerns about training, being short-staffed, or not following through, so the experience isn’t uniformly positive.
common12 reviews mention this
Activities keep residents engaged
Many reviewers say there are frequent activities and social options.
Residents and families repeatedly mention activities ranging from off-campus outings to on-site events, with multiple reviews describing a steady schedule. Some specifically point to social hours and community programs as a way to meet others, and others describe personal experiences like attending concerts or markets. While the overall tone is that activities are active and plentiful, a few reviews describe activities as only average or not a fit for their loved one’s needs.
common9 reviews mention this
Clean, well-kept facility feel
Clean, tidy spaces are a common theme in reviews.
Many reviews mention cleanliness and upkeep, including rooms being kept clean and the facility looking new and well managed. Several reviewers also comment on the attractiveness of indoor and outdoor common areas. A minority of reviews offer a more negative first impression, describing an institutional feel or strong cleaning odors during a visit.
caveat6 reviews mention this
Cost feels high for some
Pricing is a recurring concern, with some calling it too expensive.
A handful of reviews directly criticize affordability, with some saying rent is too high for the value they expected. Others describe specific “not going to be suitable” decisions after tours because the cost didn’t match their needs. One reviewer also calls out that memory care was too expensive, while still acknowledging that the community itself looked appealing.
differentiator5 reviews mention this
Downtown location is a plus
Proximity to downtown and everyday destinations is often mentioned positively.
Several reviews highlight the community’s location in downtown Burien, including walking access to shops and restaurants and nearby services. Families also mention how convenient it is for visits and day-to-day errands, with one review describing a short walk to a drugstore and a library. Nearby-place picks in the area include clinics, pharmacies, and restaurants within roughly 0.9–3 miles.
How we summarize
Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes are displayed.
Features
Housing
1-bedroom apartments
2-bedroom apartments
Studio apartments
Types of Care
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Pets
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Amenities
Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site
Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Full kitchen
Garden
Ground floor units
Handicap accessible
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Outdoor common areas
Resident parking
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Transportation
Seattle-Tacoma International (2 miles away)
Transportation & parking
Care Services
Ambulatory care
Incontinence care
Medication management
Dining
Anytime dining
Guest meals
International cuisine
Low / no sodium
Meals provided
No Sugar
Professional chef
Restaurant style dining
Room service
Special dining programs
Activities
Activities off-site
Art classes
Catholic services
Cooking classes
Day trips and outings
Devotional activities offsite
Devotional activities on-site
Educational speakers / life long learning
Happy hour
Live dance or theater performances
Live musical performances
Live well programs
Wine tasting
Languages Spoken
English
Nearby Places of Interest
This part of Burien, Washington, offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several physicians' offices nearby such as Three Tree Women's Clinic and Island Family Medicine, residents have easy access to quality healthcare. Additionally, there are pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens in close proximity for convenient medication management. The area also boasts a variety of dining options ranging from El Rinconsito to Sharps Roasthouse, providing a range of culinary experiences. For leisure activities, there are parks like Ed Munro Seahurst Park and North SeaTac Park where seniors can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Transportation is easily accessible with Alaska Airlines Seattle Lounge and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport nearby. Overall, this part of Burien offers a well-rounded community for seniors looking for convenience and comfort in their living environment.
Physicians
Three Tree Women's Clinic (0.9 miles)
Island Family Medicine (5.4 miles)
King LASIK (6.1 miles)
Northwest Foot And Ankle Center, PS (6.7 miles)
Valley Medical Center, Rehab Services Pt Ot Therapy (7.2 miles)
Kent Eye Clinic (7.6 miles)
Kosnoski Eye Care (8.1 miles)
Pharmacies
CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
Walgreens (1.7 miles)
Bartell Drugs (1.7 miles)
Walgreens (3.8 miles)
Bartell Drugs (3.8 miles)
Saars Marketplace And Saars Super Saver (4.2 miles)
Bartell Drugs - Ebt (4.8 miles)
Restaurants
El Rinconsito (1.5 miles)
Seattle Taproom (2.6 miles)
13 Coins (2.9 miles)
Sharps Roasthouse (2.9 miles)
Denny's (2.9 miles)
Auntie Irene's Coffee Shop (3.6 miles)
Azteca Mexican Restaurants (4.4 miles)
Cafes
Starbucks (1.6 miles)
Floret (2.6 miles)
Dutch Bros Coffee (6.7 miles)
Starbucks (6.8 miles)
Starbucks (7.4 miles)
Starbucks (7.6 miles)
The Flora Bakehouse (7.6 miles)
Parks
Ed Munro Seahurst Park (2.2 miles)
North SeaTac Park (3.7 miles)
Johnson Pit #30, Earthworks Park (4.3 miles)
Saltwater State Park (5.2 miles)
Lincoln Park (6 miles)
Fairmount Playground (7.4 miles)
Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (8.3 miles)
Transportation
Alaska Airlines Seattle Lounge - North Satellite (2.5 miles)
Concourse C (2.5 miles)
Concourse B (2.5 miles)
North Satellite (2.5 miles)
Alaska Lounge (2.5 miles)
Delta SkyClub A-B (2.5 miles)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) (2.5 miles)
Theaters
AMC Kent Station 14 (7.2 miles)
Places of Worship
Holy Spirit Parish (7.3 miles)
Hospitals
Providence Mount St. Vincent - Seattle (7.7 miles)
Merrill Gardens at Burien offers a competitive pricing structure for its residential options, positioning itself favorably against both King County and Washington state averages. For instance, the cost of a semi-private room at Merrill Gardens is $2,500, significantly lower than the county's average of $4,430 and the state's average of $4,267. Similarly, studio apartments are offered at $2,995, again undercutting both the county's and state's averages. One-bedroom units are priced at $4,195, which remains below King County's average of $5,127 while being slightly above the state's average. Even in the two-bedroom category, Merrill Gardens' price of $6,195 is competitive when considered alongside King County's average of $5,111 but exceeds the state figure. Overall, Merrill Gardens at Burien provides a range of options that stand out due to their affordability within the context of local market expectations.
Merrill Gardens at Burien's incontinence care is essential for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's, as it ensures dignity and comfort while minimizing potential embarrassment and skin irritation associated with such challenges. This service allows caregivers to maintain a consistent routine, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Similarly, medication management is crucial in this setting, as many residents may struggle with memory issues that hinder their ability to adhere to prescribed regimens. By providing structured oversight and support, staff can ensure that medications are taken correctly and on time, reducing the risk of adverse effects and contributing to overall health stability. Together, these features create a nurturing environment that addresses both physical needs and promotes emotional well-being among residents facing the complexities of memory loss.
Merrill Gardens at Burien on seniors.fyi includes 20 photos including images showing floor plan, interior, dining, kitchen, lighting, bedroom, living room, bathroom, and more.
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1-bedroom apartments
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities off-site
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Full kitchen
Garden
Ground floor units
Handicap accessible
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Outdoor common areas
Resident parking
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Seattle-Tacoma International (2 miles away)
Transportation & parking
Ambulatory care
Incontinence care
Medication management
Anytime dining
Art classes
Catholic services
Cooking classes
Day trips and outings
Educational speakers / life long learning
Happy hour
Live dance or theater performances
Live musical performances
Live well programs
Wine tasting
English
Great access to healthcare and nearby amenities.
Choosing the Right Senior Care: A Detailed Exploration of Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
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Comprehensive Insights into Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Their Assessment
