The James Ferndale

Save

  • Interior

    A modern, open-concept living room with a gray sofa and kitchen island.
  • Living Room

    A modern apartment interior featuring an open living and kitchen area with minimalist decor.
  • Building

    A large brick school building with multiple windows, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Bedroom

    A selection of apartment floor plans with varying square footage and starting prices.
  • Windows

    A large brick school building with numerous windows, surrounded by a green lawn and clear sky.
  • Dining

    A modern lobby with a seating and dining area, featuring elegant chandeliers and a television on the wall.
  • Kitchen

    A modern kitchen with a sleek island counter, stainless steel appliances, and contemporary bar stools.
  • Seating Area

    A modern lounge area with elegant chandeliers, tables, and seating.
  • Exercise Equipment

    A small gym room with exercise bikes and other fitness equipment.
  • Gym

    A gym room with exercise bikes arranged neatly on a patterned carpet.

The James Ferndale

The James Ferndale is an independent living community in Ferndale, MI.

Information last verified:

22111 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220

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

4.4 from 84 reviews
5 stars
65
4 stars
7
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 stars
9

Seniors.FYI Elite Community Awards

Top 5% Senior Living Community in 2020Top 5% Senior Living Community in 2023Top 5% Senior Living Community in 2024

Add this award to your website

The James Ferndale Costs & Pricing

The James Ferndale offers competitive pricing for its accommodations compared to both Oakland County and the wider Michigan area. A studio at The James is priced at $2,100 per month, significantly lower than the county average of $4,577 and the statewide average of $3,824. For those seeking a one-bedroom unit, The James charges $2,235 - again, a more affordable option when juxtaposed with Oakland County's average of $3,507 and Michigan's average of $3,384. Families or groups looking for two-bedroom spaces will find The James' rate of $2,670 to be quite appealing, especially considering that it stands in stark contrast to the county's average of $3,881 and the state's average of $3,523. Overall, The James Ferndale provides residents with an attractive living solution that combines quality with affordability in a desirable location.

Floor plansThe James FerndaleOakland CountyMichigan
Studio$2,100$4,577$3,824
1 Bedroom$2,235$3,507$3,384
2 Bedrooms$2,670$3,881$3,523

Overall Review of The James Ferndale

common 28 reviews mention this

Staff kindness and responsiveness stand out

Residents and families consistently describe staff as kind and responsive.

Across the reviews, people repeatedly say the staff is friendly, attentive, and easy to work with during move-in, tours, and day-to-day concerns. Several mention management being receptive to questions and feedback, and others describe the staff as supportive to neighbors as well as residents. Even when reviews criticize other areas, many still single out helpfulness from employees and maintenance when work orders come in.

common 20 reviews mention this

Dining is a mix of praise

Meal service gets frequent mentions, with opinions ranging from excellent to disappointing.

Many residents and visitors say the food is delicious or restaurant-style, and several mention enjoying meals each day and having choices. Families also describe a dining setup that feels more like a restaurant than a cafeteria, with multiple meals served. At the same time, multiple reviews criticize food quality and note changes over time, including complaints about meals being reduced, extra charges for meals, or the dining room being disrupted.

common 16 reviews mention this

Clean, renovated spaces get praise

Reviews commonly mention a clean, updated feel inside the building.

A lot of reviewers describe the community as clean, bright, and contemporary, including on tours and after moving in. Several point to renovations and modernized interiors, and some mention avoiding unpleasant odors in common areas and hallways. There are also a few strongly negative reviews that call out cleanliness problems and vermin issues, including claims about the dining room being closed due to pests.

common 12 reviews mention this

Activities support an engaged routine

Residents describe regular activities that help them stay engaged.

Reviews often mention activities like live performances, games, and group events, with some residents calling the community an active place. Visitors also describe seeing amenities and programming during their tour, and a few highlight specific events like movie night and outings. One review notes that activity programming felt average or incomplete at the time of their experience, and another mentions needing a dedicated activity director, so experiences may vary.

caveat 9 reviews mention this

Pricing feels both affordable and high

Some residents say the cost is worth it, while others call it too expensive.

In the pricing context, the community’s listed ranges are relatively low compared to outside benchmarks, and some reviewers specifically choose the community based on price. However, other reviews use a different framing and say rent increased while services were cut, and that the added meal charges make the overall cost feel less fair. A separate complaint also centers on a security deposit dispute, which adds to concerns about the cost side of the experience.

differentiator 4 reviews mention this

Independent living, with supportive care

The community offers independent living with companion and medication management support.

The James Ferndale is positioned for independent living, and residents mention the ability to live independently without day-to-day cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping. Reviews also describe adding support as needs change, and the community provides companion care and medication management as part of its care services. In addition, one review mentions assisted-living services being available through a choice of providers if needed, while other comments focus on keeping residents in their apartments as long as possible.

How we summarize

Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes become a section.

Features

Housing

  • 1-bedroom apartments 1-bedroom apartments
  • 2-bedroom apartments 2-bedroom apartments
  • Studio apartments Studio apartments

Types of Care

  • Independent Living Independent Living

Pets

  • Cats allowed Cats allowed
  • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-site
  • Air-conditioning Air-conditioning
  • Beautician on-site Beautician on-site
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-site
  • Dining room Dining room
  • Full kitchen Full kitchen
  • Garden Garden
  • Ground floor units Ground floor units
  • Guest parking Guest parking
  • Handicap accessible Handicap accessible
  • Housekeeping services Housekeeping services
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areas
  • Kitchenette Kitchenette
  • Outdoor common areas Outdoor common areas
  • Party space Party space
  • Resident parking Resident parking
  • TV room TV room

Transportation

  • Detroit Metropolitan-Wayne County (20 miles away) Detroit Metropolitan-Wayne County (20 miles away)

Care Services

  • Companion care Companion care
  • Medication management Medication management

Dining

  • Guest meals Guest meals
  • Meals provided Meals provided
  • Professional chef Professional chef
  • Restaurant style dining Restaurant style dining

Activities

  • Art classes Art classes
  • Brain fitness Brain fitness
  • Day trips and outings Day trips and outings
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsite
  • Educational speakers / life long learning Educational speakers / life long learning
  • Games Games
  • Happy hour Happy hour
  • Live dance or theater performances Live dance or theater performances
  • Live musical performances Live musical performances
  • Live well programs Live well programs
  • Stretching classes Stretching classes
  • Wine tasting Wine tasting
  • Yoga / chair yoga Yoga / chair yoga

Virtual Tour

Nearby Places of Interest

This part of Ferndale, Michigan offers a variety of amenities within close proximity, making it an ideal location for seniors looking to live in a bustling suburban area. With multiple pharmacies such as Rite Aid and CVS nearby, accessing necessary medications and healthcare supplies is convenient. There are also several cafes and restaurants within a few miles, providing plenty of dining options for seniors who enjoy eating out or grabbing a cup of coffee with friends. In terms of recreational activities, there are parks like Harding Park and Scout Park where seniors can enjoy nature walks or picnics. Additionally, there are theaters like Emagine Royal Oak for entertainment options. For medical needs, there are physicians' offices such as Royal Oak Pediatrics PC and Be Well Medical Center, as well as hospitals like Henry Ford Hospital and St John Macomb-Oakland Hospital Warren Emergency Care in the vicinity. Overall, this part of Ferndale offers a good balance of convenience and healthcare resources for seniors considering the area for living.

Pharmacies

  • Rite Aid (0.1 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Cafes

  • Ferndale Project (0.7 miles)
  • Starbucks (2.3 miles)
  • Starbucks (4.9 miles)
  • Starbucks (5.6 miles)
  • Starbucks (6 miles)
  • Starbucks (6.7 miles)
  • Panera Bread (6.8 miles)

Restaurants

  • Urbanrest Brewing Company (0.9 miles)
  • Rock On 3rd (2.3 miles)
  • McDonald's (2.5 miles)
  • McDonald's (3 miles)
  • National Coney Island (3.5 miles)
  • Alex's of Berkley (4.3 miles)
  • McDonald's (4.4 miles)

Parks

  • Harding Park (1.2 miles)
  • Scout Park (1.9 miles)
  • Palmer Park (2.5 miles)
  • Starr Jaycee Park (4.5 miles)
  • Center Line Memorial Park (5.3 miles)
  • Clawson Park (6.1 miles)
  • Shain Park (7.6 miles)

Theaters

  • Emagine Royal Oak (2.5 miles)
  • AMC Star John R 15 (5.3 miles)
  • MJR Troy Grand Digital Cinema 16 (6.4 miles)

Physicians

  • Royal Oak Pediatrics PC (2.5 miles)
  • Be Well Medical Center (3.3 miles)
  • Metro Medical Practice (6.9 miles)
  • Beverly Hills Orthopedists (7 miles)
  • Troy Orthopedics Associates (7.2 miles)
  • Sterling Physicians (7.3 miles)
  • Troy Medical Center (7.4 miles)

Hospitals

  • Park Geriatric Village (3.9 miles)
  • Henry Ford Hospital (6.5 miles)
  • Henry Ford Health System (6.5 miles)
  • Hfhs - Main - F4 (6.6 miles)
  • St John Macomb-Oakland Hospital Warren Emergency Care (7.3 miles)
  • St John Macomb Hospital (7.3 miles)
  • Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (8.1 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at The James Ferndale in Ferndale, MI?
What floor plans and room types does The James Ferndale offer?
Where is The James Ferndale?
Does The James Ferndale allow residents to have pets?
What photos are available for The James Ferndale in Ferndale, Michigan?

Nearby Communities

  • Lily Care Home

    Lily Care Home

    Ferndale, MI

     
    $1,400 to $1,800 / month

    pro Competitive pricing with affordable private and semi-private rooms plus respite care.

  • Freedom Haven

    Freedom Haven

    Ferndale, MI

    3.5 from 2 reviews
     

    pro Fully furnished assisted living with 24-hour supervision and comprehensive care services.

  • Freedom Haven Home

    Freedom Haven Home

    Ferndale, MI

    3.5 from 2 reviews
    $1,800 / month

    pro Affordable private-room option with on-site activities.

  • Victory Lane

    Victory Lane

    Ferndale, MI

     
     

    pro Intimate, fully furnished apartments with meals, housekeeping, ADL support, and medical coordination.

  • Victory Lane Home

    Victory Lane Home

    Ferndale, MI

    4 from 2 reviews
    $1,500 / month

    pro Home-like, family-connected setting with nostalgic value.

  • Brighter Day

    Brighter Day

    Detroit, MI

     
     

    pro Fully furnished apartments, inviting dining room, garden, and comprehensive care (ADL assistance, transportation for medical appointments, diabetes diet).

  • Morton Manor

    Morton Manor

    Detroit, MI

    2.9 from 9 reviews
    $751 / month

    pro Secure, caring staff with well-maintained grounds and available activities.

  • Oakpointe Senior Care And Rehab Center

    Oakpointe Senior Care And Rehab Center

    Detroit, MI

    3.3 from 55 reviews
     

    pro Strong therapy department with some friendly staff.

  • Solberg Tower Senior Citizen

    Solberg Tower Senior Citizen

    Madison Heights, MI

    5 from 7 reviews
     

    pro Excellent access to dining, parks, pharmacies, doctors, theaters, and hospitals nearby.

Related Resources

  • best car for seniorsTop Cars for Senior Drivers and Essential Safety Innovations

    Senior drivers prioritize comfort, safety, and ease of use in vehicles due to age-related challenges, seeking features like easy entry, clear visibility, and modern driver-assistance technologies. Recommended models include the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Toyota Camry, with emphasis on test-driving for personal comfort and evaluating crash-test ratings alongside insurance considerations.

  • private pay home careA Closer Look at Private Pay Home Care

    Private pay home care offers a flexible caregiving option for older adults and families who don't qualify for government programs, allowing them to directly fund in-home care services that range from daily assistance to specialized support. This model's customization potential enables aging in place while addressing financial considerations through strategic planning options, though clients must navigate marketplace challenges and ensure quality compliance.

  • what to do for arthritisComprehensive Approaches for Arthritis: A Detailed Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Care

    Arthritis encompasses over 100 joint disorders affecting people of all ages, leading to symptoms like pain and stiffness that impair mobility and quality of life. Effective management involves early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, medical treatments, emotional support, and ongoing monitoring with healthcare professionals.

By clicking submit, you agree to our Partner's Terms of Use. You also consent to receive calls and texts, which may be autodialed, from our Partner. Your consent is not a condition to using our Partner's service. Please visit our Partner's Privacy Policy for information about their privacy practices.
Submit