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Truewood By Merrill, First Hill in Seattle, WA

Truewood By Merrill, First Hill is an assisted living and memory care community in Seattle, WA.

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Truewood By Merrill, First Hill in Seattle, WA

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  • Interior

    A community room with tables, chairs, a television, and bookshelves.
  • Outdoors

    A group of people, including elderly individuals, enjoying an outdoor gathering.
  • Decor

    A spacious living room with elegant furniture, featuring a fireplace and large windows.
  • Living Room

    A cozy living room featuring a fireplace, comfortable seating, and large windows with curtains.
  • Building

    A serene outdoor garden area with potted plants and trees next to a building.
  • Trees

    A sunny outdoor patio area with tables and chairs under large umbrellas, surrounded by trees.
  • Windows

    A cozy cafe interior with a beverage station and seating, featuring modern decor and large windows.
  • Dining

    A dining room with a long table and several chairs, featuring a chandelier and framed wall art.
  • Landscaping

    Entrance to a hotel with surrounding greenery and flowers.
  • Kitchen

    A cozy kitchen and dining area with wooden cabinets, a small round table, and a window providing natural light.
  • Lighting

    A well-lit hallway featuring framed artwork and chairs along a carpeted floor.
  • Garden

    A tranquil outdoor garden area with planters and lush greenery, captured in the evening.
  • Artwork

    A modern game room featuring a pool table, television, and stylish decor.
  • Seating Area

    A cozy lounge area with multiple armchairs and framed pictures on the walls, suitable for meetings or relaxation.

1421 Minor Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318

4.5 from 86 reviews
5 stars
61
4 stars
16
3 stars
4
2 stars
1
1 stars
4

Seniors.FYI Elite Community Awards

Top 5% Senior Living Community in 2018Top 5% Senior Living Community in 2025Top 5% Senior Living Community in 2026

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Truewood By Merrill, First Hill Costs & Pricing

Truewood By Merrill, First Hill presents competitive pricing for its living accommodations compared to both King County and the wider state of Washington. For instance, a studio is available at $2,350, which significantly undercuts the county average of $4,464 and the state average of $4,126. Similarly, the one-bedroom unit is priced at $2,995, making it more affordable than both the county's $5,127 and the state's $4,632. The semi-private option stands at $4,350, slightly above the county rate but still favorable against the state average. Finally, for those seeking more space, the two-bedroom suites are offered at $5,550 - higher than King County's average but below the state's rate. This pricing strategy positions Truewood as an appealing option for potential residents looking for quality living arrangements in a vibrant community while also managing budget considerations effectively.

Floor plansTruewood By Merrill, First HillKing CountyWashington
Studio$2,350$4,464$4,128
1 Bedroom$2,995$5,127$4,634
Semi-Private$4,350$4,430$4,272
2 Bedrooms$5,550$5,111$4,301

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Overall Review of Truewood By Merrill, First Hill

common 22 reviews mention this

Staff feels welcoming and responsive

Residents and families consistently describe staff who feel welcoming and responsive.

Many reviewers describe a friendly, warm welcome from the first tour and move-in, with staff speaking to residents by name and making families feel supported. Several people mention attentiveness during visits and responsiveness when questions come up, including help coordinating transitions. A few reviewers also note that communication could be better, but the overall theme is that staff show up and follow through in day-to-day support.

common 18 reviews mention this

Dining is a frequent highlight

Dining draws consistent praise, including attention to dietary preferences.

Food and the dining room come up repeatedly, with residents and families saying meals are enjoyable and varied, and that they do not feel forced to cook. Multiple reviewers specifically mention vegetarian-friendly experiences and customized attention around dietary needs. There are also a few mixed comments, including that some meals can be less satisfying or overly salty, but the stronger pattern is positive about dining quality and experience.

  • A cozy cafe interior with a beverage station and seating, featuring modern decor and large windows.
  • A dining room with a long table and several chairs, featuring a chandelier and framed wall art.
  • An elegantly set dining area with bright tablecloths and neatly arranged tableware.
common 10 reviews mention this

Clean, comfortable spaces stand out

Reviews frequently call out cleanliness and comfortable common areas.

Several reviewers describe the building as clean and well maintained, including public areas and the overall facility condition. Others mention apartment comfort details like room size, views, and a generally comfortable feel once moved in. One or two comments raise concerns about building conditions, but those are in the minority compared with the recurring cleanliness feedback.

common 10 reviews mention this

Value shows up in reviews

Many families mention good value for the area and the services provided.

Reviewers frequently frame the community as affordable or a good value relative to options they toured, often connecting that to the mix of engaging activities, location, and care levels. Some also mention price as a deciding factor when choosing where to live. A separate caution is that costs can rise as care needs increase, so families reviewing options may want to pay close attention to what changes at higher care levels.

common 7 reviews mention this

Memory care support feels reassuring

Dementia care reviews often describe residents as safe and well cared for.

For families using memory care, reviewers describe patient, compassionate support and a sense that staff know residents well over time. Several mention activities tailored for memory care and a comfortable dining experience within that program. There are also a couple of caveats around how care levels are separated or whether assisted living is always the right fit before memory needs increase, but the main theme is reassurance for dementia care.

differentiator 6 reviews mention this

Location is close to services

Reviews highlight an easy downtown location close to major hospitals and providers.

Multiple reviewers describe the location as convenient for accessing medical providers and being close to the downtown retail area. Some also point to the neighborhood feel as a plus for day-to-day visits. The community’s nearby options reflect that mix of healthcare access and everyday destinations within short distance.

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

  • 101 resident community capacity 101 resident community capacity

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted Living
  • Independent Living Independent Living
  • Memory Care Memory Care

Pets

  • Cats allowed Cats allowed
  • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed

Amenities

  • Activities off-site Activities off-site
  • Activities on-site Activities on-site
  • Air-conditioning Air-conditioning
  • Beautician on-site Beautician on-site
  • Beauty salon Beauty salon
  • Cable or satellite TV Cable or satellite TV
  • Computer center Computer center
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-site
  • Devotional services on-site Devotional services on-site
  • Dining room Dining room
  • Fitness room Fitness room
  • Fully furnished Fully furnished
  • Gaming room Gaming room
  • Garden Garden
  • Ground floor units Ground floor units
  • Handicap accessible Handicap accessible
  • Housekeeping services Housekeeping services
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areas
  • Kitchenette Kitchenette
  • Move-in coordination Move-in coordination
  • Outdoor common areas Outdoor common areas
  • Outdoor space Outdoor space
  • Private bathrooms Private bathrooms
  • Respite or short term stays offered Respite or short term stays offered
  • Restaurant-style dining Restaurant-style dining
  • Small library Small library
  • Telephone Telephone
  • Wellness center Wellness center
  • Wheelchair accessible showers Wheelchair accessible showers
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available

Transportation

  • Seattle-Tacoma International (11 miles away) Seattle-Tacoma International (11 miles away)
  • Community operated transportation Community operated transportation
  • Transportation arrangement Transportation arrangement
  • Transportation arrangement (non-medical) Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
  • Transportation to doctors appointments Transportation to doctors appointments

Care Services

  • 12-16 hour nursing 12-16 hour nursing
  • 24-hour call system 24-hour call system
  • 24-hour supervision 24-hour supervision
  • Activities of daily living assistance Activities of daily living assistance
  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care
  • Assistance with bathing Assistance with bathing
  • Assistance with dressing Assistance with dressing
  • Assistance with transfers Assistance with transfers
  • Coordination with health care providers Coordination with health care providers
  • Dementia waiver Dementia waiver
  • Diabetes diet Diabetes diet
  • Diabetic care Diabetic care
  • High acuity care High acuity care
  • Hospice waiver Hospice waiver
  • Incontinence care Incontinence care
  • Meal preparation and service Meal preparation and service
  • Medication management Medication management
  • Mental wellness program Mental wellness program
  • Mild cognitive impairment Mild cognitive impairment
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictions
  • Specialized memory care programming Specialized memory care programming
  • Transportation arrangement (medical) Transportation arrangement (medical)
  • Transportation to doctors appointments Transportation to doctors appointments

Dining

  • Anytime dining Anytime dining
  • Diabetes diet Diabetes diet
  • Gluten-free Gluten-free
  • Guest meals Guest meals
  • International cuisine International cuisine
  • Low / no sodium Low / no sodium
  • Meals provided Meals provided
  • No Sugar No Sugar
  • Professional chef Professional chef
  • Restaurant style dining Restaurant style dining
  • Room service Room service
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictions
  • Special dining programs Special dining programs
  • Vegan Vegan
  • Vegetarian Vegetarian

Activities

  • Art classes Art classes
  • Catholic services Catholic services
  • Community-sponsored activities Community-sponsored activities
  • Concierge services Concierge services
  • Cooking classes Cooking classes
  • Day trips and outings Day trips and outings
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsite
  • Devotional activities on-site Devotional activities on-site
  • Educational speakers / life long learning Educational speakers / life long learning
  • Fitness programs Fitness programs
  • Happy hour Happy hour
  • Karaoke Karaoke
  • Live musical performances Live musical performances
  • Live well programs Live well programs
  • Planned day trips Planned day trips
  • Resident-run activities Resident-run activities
  • Scheduled daily activities Scheduled daily activities
  • Visiting chaplain or priest Visiting chaplain or priest
  • Wine tasting Wine tasting

Nearby Places of Interest

This area of Seattle, Washington offers a wonderful blend of amenities and services that cater to senior living. With a variety of cafes, restaurants, pharmacies, theaters, and hospitals within close proximity, residents can easily access daily necessities and entertainment options. The transportation options, including the Capitol Hill LINK Station and King Street Station, provide convenient ways to explore the city and visit loved ones. Additionally, nearby physicians and medical centers such as Swedish Medical Center and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offer top-notch healthcare services. The parks in the area, like Space Needle Park and Kerry Park, provide opportunities for leisurely walks and enjoying nature. Overall, this part of Seattle provides a vibrant and accessible environment for seniors looking to live comfortably in the city.

Cafes

  • Starbucks (0.1 miles)
  • Nana’s Green Tea (0.3 miles)
  • Oddfellows Cafe & Bar (0.4 miles)
  • Analog Coffee (0.5 miles)
  • Starbucks (0.7 miles)
  • Fulcrum Coffee (0.7 miles)
  • Portage Bay Cafe (0.8 miles)

Restaurants

  • Salt & Straw (0.2 miles)
  • Linda's Tavern (0.2 miles)
  • Daniel's Broiler (0.3 miles)
  • Optimism Brewing Company (0.3 miles)
  • Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream (0.4 miles)
  • Elephant & Castle (0.4 miles)
  • Yard House (0.5 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Bartell Drugs - Ebt (0.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (0.3 miles)
  • Bartell Drugs (0.4 miles)
  • Walgreens (0.5 miles)
  • Bartell Drugs (0.6 miles)
  • Rite Aid (0.6 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)

Theaters

  • Regal Meridian & 4DX (0.3 miles)
  • AMC Pacific Place 11 (0.4 miles)

Hospitals

  • Swedish Medical Center (0.4 miles)
  • Harborview Medical Center (0.7 miles)
  • Uw Medical Center Cafeteria (2.7 miles)

Transportation

  • Capitol Hill LINK Station (0.6 miles)
  • King Street Station (1 miles)
  • Seattle Center Monorail (1.2 miles)
  • Stadium Station (1.5 miles)
  • University of Washington LINK Station (2.8 miles)
  • Mount Baker Station (2.9 miles)
  • U District Station (3.3 miles)

Physicians

  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (1.1 miles)
  • Queen Anne Eye Clinic (2.2 miles)
  • Seattle Gastroenterology Associates (2.8 miles)

Parks

  • Space Needle Park (1.1 miles)
  • Seattle Center Playground (1.2 miles)
  • Kerry Park (1.9 miles)
  • Little Howe Park (2 miles)
  • Blue Dog Pond (2.1 miles)
  • Madison Park (2.6 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at Truewood By Merrill, First Hill in Seattle, WA?
Where is Truewood By Merrill, First Hill?
Does Truewood By Merrill, First Hill provide care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease?
Does Truewood By Merrill, First Hill allow residents to have pets?
What photos are available for Truewood By Merrill, First Hill in Seattle, Washington?

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Related Resources

  • when to move from assisted living to nursing home8 Key Indicators That Suggest It May Be Time to Transition from Assisted Living to Skilled Nursing Care

    The transition from assisted living to skilled nursing care is often prompted by complex medical needs that assisted living cannot meet, with key indicators including frequent health declines, increased falls, severe memory issues, and caregiver burnout. Families should recognize these signs early to discuss options with healthcare providers and prepare for the emotional and logistical aspects of moving to a facility that offers comprehensive medical support.

  • best foods for dementia patients to eatNourishing the Mind: Essential Dietary Approaches for Dementia

    Dementia is characterized by cognitive decline, with nutrition playing a vital role in brain health; while no specific diet can prevent or reverse it, a nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats may support cognitive function. The MIND diet, which emphasizes beneficial foods and limits processed items, along with proper hydration and individualized meal strategies, can enhance the well-being of dementia patients.

  • dementia behaviorsUnderstanding Dementia Behaviors: Practical Insights and Strategies for Caregivers

    Dementia affects memory and cognitive function in older adults, presenting challenges for caregivers due to behavioral changes such as confusion and mood swings. Compassionate, person-centered care that considers individual history and preferences, along with effective communication and environmental modifications, is essential for supporting both patients and their caregivers.

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