About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Communities in Merrill, MI

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The cost of independent living in Merrill is about $3,857 per month. To find the best independent living for your preferences and budget, browse these 13 options. Read 71 reviews, see photos, and learn about amenities that make independent living the ideal next step for adults 55+ who wish to enjoy friendships and hobbies without the hassle of cooking and home maintenance.

As you explore independent living near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Midland, Saginaw and Chesaning.

Merrill Independent Living Facilities | 71 Reviews

Showing 16 communities
Last Updated: 11/22/25
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Photo of Arbor Grove Assisted Living and Memory CareCommunity card badge
2323 Photos available
9.9
Review score
55 reviews
9.9
Review score
55 reviews
5 star
95%
4 star
5%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Welcome to Arbor Grove! This isn’t just a place to reside — it’s a place where our community members truly shine, and we are glad to share this experience with them. Our senior living options include independent living, assisted living and memory care. Throughout each service level, we strive to...
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Photo of Swanhaven Manor
1717 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
Pricing promotions available
9.9
Review score
60 reviews
9.9
Review score
60 reviews
5 star
73%
4 star
20%
3 star
5%
2 star
2%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Our loved ones eat their own self cooked meals. The mass made meals are high carbohydrates and don't match their eating preferences. They participate in activities here and there, but have found other ways...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Swanhaven Manor is an Award-Winning Independent Retirement Community that offers a wide variety of activities and options. Swanhaven Manor was voted Best Overall Star Senior Community in 2006, Best of the Best Senior Living Community in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2024. Winner of Thomas...
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Photo of Independence Village of MidlandCommunity card badge
3434 Photos available
9.8
Review score
337 reviews
9.8
Review score
337 reviews
5 star
80%
4 star
17%
3 star
2%
2 star
0%
1 star
1%
See all reviews
The staff is great the facility is really well kept, the grounds are beautiful. They do a ton of good activities. The on care nursing can be spotty.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Welcome to Independence Village of Midland! This isn’t just a place to reside — it’s a place where our community members truly shine, and we are glad to share this experience with them. Our senior living options include independent living, assisted living and memory care. Throughout each service...
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Photo of Candlestone Assisted Living and Memory CareCommunity card badge
2020 Photos available
9.8
Review score
56 reviews
9.8
Review score
56 reviews
5 star
82%
4 star
16%
3 star
2%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
At Candlestone we have great food! The staff are great and always so kind. I am blessed that my son brought me to Candlestone. I love my courtyard view. Candlestone is a great place overall.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Welcome to Candlestone Assisted Living & Memory Care! This isn’t just a place to reside — it’s a place where our community members truly shine, and we are glad to share this experience with them. Our senior living options include assisted living and memory care. Throughout each service level, we...
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Photo of Independence Village of SaginawCommunity card badge
3333 Photos available
2424 Floor plans available
9.8
Review score
102 reviews
9.8
Review score
102 reviews
5 star
62%
4 star
26%
3 star
8%
2 star
2%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
I made one call in the morning to A Place for Mom and by early afternoon the same day we had an appointment at Independent Village on McCarty Rd. One introduction meeting and a look at the facilities and...
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Welcome to Independence Village of Saginaw! This isn’t just a place to reside — it’s a place where our community members truly shine, and we are glad to share this experience with them. Our senior living options include active adult and independent living. Throughout each service level, we strive...
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Photo of Shields Comfort Care
22 Photos available
Pricing promotions available
8.9
Review score
9 reviews
8.9
Review score
9 reviews
5 star
89%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
11%
See all reviews
My wife is in the memory care unit at Shields Comfort Care and I am beyond appreciative of the care she receives there. I never have to worry if she is ok. She loves the food and especially loves the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
See details
Photo of Community Village
1212 Photos available
8.0
Review score
1 review
8.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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My husband mother after her fall a year ago was doing well until she fell again and was very confused. Found out she has progressive Dementia and was going to need more help than my husband & I could do. My...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
See details
Photo of Babions Foster Care
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Merrill Fields
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of The Roosevelt House
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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Photo of Avielle Haven
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
See details
Photo of Union Court Assisted Living
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Barton Woods Assisted Living
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Barton Woods Assisted Living
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Great staff, beautiful facility!!
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Mckellar Assisted Living
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of St Louis AFC
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Cost of independent living in Merrill, MI

The average cost of senior living in Merrill is $3,857 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Maple Rapids, MI with an average of $2,969 per month.

Independent living costs in Merrill, MI, vs. nearby cities

Merrill, MI
$3,857/mo

Independent living costs in Merrill, MI, vs. state and national averages

Merrill, MI
$3,857/mo
U.S. national average
$4,157/mo

Independent living costs in Merrill, MI, vs. other senior living options

$4,508/mo
Independent Living
$3,857/mo

Independent living costs in Merrill, MI, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$3,588/mo
Studio
$4,729/mo
1 Bedroom
$4,309/mo
2 Bedroom
$4,316/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$1,962/mo

Senior living costs in Merrill vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Merrill, MI
Column state: Michigan
Column national: U.S.
Community typeMerrill, MIMichiganU.S.
Independent Living$3,857/mo$3,737/mo$4,157/mo
Assisted Living$4,399/mo$4,397/mo$4,707/mo
Memory Care$4,508/mo$4,607/mo$4,941/mo
Independent Living
Merrill, MI:$3,857/mo
Michigan:$3,737/mo
U.S.:$4,157/mo
Assisted Living
Merrill, MI:$4,399/mo
Michigan:$4,397/mo
U.S.:$4,707/mo
Memory Care
Merrill, MI:$4,508/mo
Michigan:$4,607/mo
U.S.:$4,941/mo
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Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Merrill, MI, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Merrill and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Merrill, MIMI stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Merrill, MI

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Merrill have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Merrill, MI$1,338/mo$1,322/mo+1.2%
Michigan$2,627/mo$2,476/mo+6.1%
National$3,059/mo$2,898/mo+5.6%
Merrill, MI
2024 average cost:$1,338/mo
2023 average cost:$1,322/mo
Percent change:+1.2%
Michigan
2024 average cost:$2,627/mo
2023 average cost:$2,476/mo
Percent change:+6.1%
National
2024 average cost:$3,059/mo
2023 average cost:$2,898/mo
Percent change:+5.6%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about independent living in Merrill

Recent reviews for independent living in Merrill

Bavarian Comfort Care in Bridgeport, MI

4.8
Bavarian was very welcoming when my family came to the community. Everyone made sure they say hi to use and checked to see if we needed anything. My grandmother loves to play bingo and the NASA astronaut visit via zoom was so cool.

Edgewood Assisted Living Center in Saginaw, MI

5.0
My mother lived at Edgewood for 2 1/2 years. The staff was extremely caring. The dining room had very good food and would accommodate when she didn't care for offerings. (she didn't like seafood). They often had special events for holidays for family to be included. They had activities from ...
Read more

Arbor Grove Assisted Living and Memory Care in Alma, MI

5.0
I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! We are all family here!

Merrill independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Merrill independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Merrill, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Merrill independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Merrill partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Merrill, MINational
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
25%
34.4%
No sugar
No sugar
16.7%
30.9%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
16.7%
33.5%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
16.7%
10.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Merrill independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Merrill communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Merrill, MINational
Professional chef
Professional chef
16.7%
36.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
16.7%
43.4%
Room service
Room service
8.3%
36.9%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
8.3%
17.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Merrill independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Merrill offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Merrill, MINational
Activity director
Activity director
25%
45.1%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
16.7%
28.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
8.3%
33%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
25%
47.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
25%
48.8%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
25%
54%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
25%
42.9%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
16.7%
38.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
8.3%
41.8%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
25%
47.1%
Live performances
Live performances
25%
46.7%
Dances
Dances
25%
33%
Fitness center
Fitness center
8.3%
39.4%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
25%
46.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Arbor Grove Assisted Living and Memory Care, Swanhaven Manor and Independence Village of Midland are the top-rated independent living facilities near Merrill, Michigan. See full list of communities.

There are 13 independent living facilities near Merrill, Michigan. See the full list.

The best independent living facilities near you in Merrill, Michigan are Arbor Grove Assisted Living and Memory Care, Bayfield Assisted Living and Memory Care and Independence Village of Midland. These independent living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.

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