The Best Assisted Living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

taylor shuman Taylor Shuman Senior Tech Expert & Editor

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It’s easy to see why Milwaukee is such a great place to live, with its fantastic dining options, rich arts culture, and beautiful waterfront locations. Milwaukee is also home to many assisted living communities, so it’s an excellent choice if you need a little extra care and support.

When it comes to assisted living, it’s essential to find a community that’s the right fit not only for your budget, but also for your care needs and personality. Assisted living facilities vary significantly in terms of the care available, their environments, and their locations within the city, all of which can shape your lifestyle and experience with the community.

To help you find the right place for you or a loved one, we’ve outlined some of the best assisted living communities in Milwaukee. We’ve ranked those communities based on factors like care availability, staffing, and amenities. Additionally, we’ve compiled facts about senior living in Wisconsin and included some tips to help you decide which community is best for your preferences and needs.

How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Milwaukee

Since there are dozens of great assisted living communities in Milwaukee, our team of experts spent over 50 hours researching facilities to narrow down the list to our top picks. We used the following factors to evaluate and select the best assisted living communities the city has to offer:

  • Cost: Cost can vary significantly across communities, but we looked for assisted living communities that justified their costs by delivering real value. We also considered factors such as entrance fees and what care was included in base fees. Costs listed come from each community’s website or conversations with staff.
  • Available care: We looked at the types of care that each community offered, including how easily residents can access medical appointments. We also considered whether a community is able to meet residents’ increasing and evolving care needs.
  • Amenities: Amenities can help residents lead more fulfilling lives, and some amenities, like pools and gyms, can contribute to resident health. We looked for communities that provided plenty of amenities to support an engaging and active lifestyle.
  • Location: The community’s location in Milwaukee can impact not only the community’s environment, but also the medical and entertainment resources available to residents. We considered how each community’s location would impact resident life.
  • Staff: Staff plays a key role in resident safety and wellness. We looked for communities that hire talented, knowledgeable staff, and that maintain an appropriate staff-to-resident ratio.
  • Reviews: While ranking each community, we read dozens of reviews to get plenty of input and feedback about life at each community. We looked for common themes in these reviews and shared them in our write-up.

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  • 1. Eastcastle Place

    A Neighborhood Location Ideal for Entertainment

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    2505 E Bradford Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Eastcastle Place

    Source: Eastcastle Place

    Highlights

    • Amenities include a bank and general store, underground heated parking, beauty salons and barber shops, and complimentary private and group transportation.
    • Lots of activities are offered, including Eastcastle Chorus, cocktail hours, swimming, and cultural and musical events.
    • Comprehensive assisted living services include a 24-hour emergency response system, medication management, weekly housekeeping, and weekly flat linen service.
    • Eastcastle Place Health & Rehabilitation Center provides comprehensive therapies and support to inpatients and outpatients.
    • Small pets are welcome for pet-friendly living.

    Overview

    With its location in Wisconsin’s East Side, Eastcastle Place gives residents unique access to this distinctive and active neighborhood. The historic beauty of the location is evident in its architecture. The assisted living community is just a few blocks from Lake Michigan, rivaling Saint John’s On The Lake’s appealing destination at a more affordable price point. North Downer Avenue and East Brady Street are nearby dining hot spots, and the East Side is rich with cultural activities, including Jazz in the Park, Music Monday at Lake Park, Milwaukee Oktoberfest, Bastille Days, and more. The location alone offers residents no shortage of fulfilling activities and outings.

    » Related reading: Active senior living communities

    But Eastcastle Place offers plenty of on-site benefits, too. Residents can choose from three studio floor plans, as well as one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment options. The Eastcastle Chorus, book clubs, writing workshops, swimming, movie nights, poetry club, and history roundtables are just a few of the community’s available activities. On-site amenities include heated underground parking and surface parking, libraries, a creative arts studio, a bank and general store, and restaurant-style dining in multiple venues. These amenities allow residents to stay active and engaged within the community.

    Eastcastle Place also offers comprehensive care that’s versatile enough to meet most residents’ needs. The assisted living services include Wi-Fi, weekly housekeeping and flat linen service, medication management, and three chef-prepared meals per day served in a restaurant-style dining room. The community uses a 24-hour emergency response system, which gives residents and their families peace of mind knowing that they can get help in the event of a fall or other medical emergency. We’ve reviewed dozens of medical alert systems, and we know just how important response systems are to preventing serious injury. We love when communities offer these systems!

    » Learn more: Best medical alert systems

    Small pets are welcome, so if you’re worried about having to find a new home for your pet when you transition to assisted living, Eastcastle Place might be a great fit for you. We love the fact that pets are allowed since pet ownership provides older adults with important health benefits. Pets can help relieve feelings of loneliness, form connections with other people, and even speed up recovery after an illness or injury.1 Some communities like Villa St. Francis don’t allow pets, so we appreciate this pet-friendly policy.

    Types of Care

    Eastcastle Place offers independent living and assisted living services, as well as short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing, and memory care. Additionally, the Eastcastle Place Health & Rehabilitation Center works with Milwaukee hospitals to deliver senior rehabilitation services and specialized treatments. Services include behavioral health, optometry, podiatry, and audiology services, as well as speech therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The availability of this specialized care means that older adults can access a comprehensive suite of supports and therapies without needing to travel far for appointments.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Eastcastle Place has received largely positive reviews. Many reviews praise the staff for their professionalism, kindness, and willingness to help. In fact, the staff and the quality care they provide are the focus of most reviews. Other positive reviews called the community “beautiful” and clean. A few negative reviews stated that the community was understaffed and that communication with family members was lacking.

  • 2. Villa St. Francis

    Supportive Faith-Based Assisted Living

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    1910 W Ohio Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Villa St. Francis

    Source: Villa St. Francis

    Highlights

    • Residents can choose from seven apartment types
    • Devotional services, pastoral care, and on-site chapel available
    • Features a 24-hour security and emergency call system
    • Physician visits weekly and podiatrist visits monthly
    • Massage therapist is available to help improve circulation and treat medical conditions

    Overview

    Faith is a central element in many people’s lives. Assisted living communities like Villa St. Francis can support that, allowing you to maintain the same faith-based living that you practiced before moving to assisted living. Villa St. Francis offers a variety of spiritual experiences to support beliefs and practices of multiple faiths. While other assisted living communities, such as St. John’s On The Lake, have a chapel, faith takes a much more central role at Villa St. Francis. Residents can attend daily liturgy, weekly interfaith nondenominational services, and more. Additionally, pastoral care personnel offer faith-based programs and visit residents during move-in as well as those who are hospitalized or in rehab, establishing an important line of spiritual support.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Considering a faith-based senior care community? Read our guide on faith-based senior care and assisted living.

    Residents can choose from seven apartment types, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Weekly housekeeping and bed linen services are included, as are cable television and on-site amenities and programming. The community has a 24-hour security and emergency call system. This is particularly important since approximately 36 million falls are reported each year.2 Residents can enjoy an active social life with on-site and community events including daily fitness activities, lectures and presentations, guest musicians, and shopping trips. There’s even bird watching in an on-site aviary, which is a unique amenity we haven’t seen before!

    Types of Care

    Villa at St. Francis offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. The availability of respite care makes this community a great choice if you’re looking for a faith-based setting to support you spiritually and physically during a short-term stay. Respite care allows caregivers to take a break and enjoy some much-deserved rest. This can help prevent caregiver burnout and contribute to high quality care in the long-term.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Many reviews of Villa St. Francis are very positive. Reviewers frequently praise the quality of care received and the communication from staff. Several reviews note that the community is clean and well-kept, and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Some negative reviews state that the rooms are small, and several reviews criticize the community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to issues across the senior living industry, so this is a fairly common theme.

  • 3. Wilson Commons

    Senior Living Without Endowment Fees

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,030 per month

    ADDRESS

    1500 W Sonata Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53221

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Wilson Commons

    Source: Wilson Commons

    Highlights

    • No endowment fees or long-term commitments required
    • Picturesque views of Wilson Park
    • On-site amenities including a full service hair salon, library, and fitness room
    • Call-pendant technology for resident safety
    • Pet-friendly living

    Overview

    Wilson Commons made our list because of its upfront, simplified pricing model. Many senior living communities don’t offer clear pricing information online or over the phone, making it difficult to know which facilities will fit your budget as you research. Wilson Commons is upfront about its prices, which start at $4,030 per month. We like this simplified and straightforward pricing structure, which is a more affordable alternative to the growing costs of senior living.

    While Wilson Commons is more affordable than luxury communities like Saint John’s On the Lake, it still offers plenty of benefits. Residents can use the on-site fitness room, full service hair salon, library, and walking trails. A chapel hosts Catholic masses and Lutheran services, and most apartments feature a scenic view of nearby Wilson Park. Faith-based services and nature can both contribute to resident health, so we’re big fans of these amenities! There are also plenty of activities, outings, and free scheduled transportation, so residents can easily access nearby shopping, restaurants, and grocery stores.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Worried about the cost of senior living? Check out our guide on how to find affordable senior housing.

    Types of Care

    Wilson Commons offers independent living and assisted living services. A call-pendant program offers safety and reassurance to residents and family members, and nursing staff is on site 10 hours per day. On-call nursing support is available 24 hours a day. While Wilson Commons offers caregiving services suitable for assisted living, the lack of more advanced and specialized care means this community may not be a long-term solution for residents with advancing care needs. If you’re looking for a community that can meet your changing and increasing care needs, an option like Eastcastle Place may be a better choice.

    Feedback and Reviews

    The majority of reviews about Wilson Commons are highly positive. Many reviews describe the staff as being professional, friendly, and “amazing.” Numerous reviewers state that their parents are thriving while living at Wilson Commons. The community has received some negative reviews, including reviews that state the food choices are limited and taste bad. Some reviewers were unhappy with the care their loved ones received. Remember that every person’s experience will vary, so it’s important to visit the facility for yourself and ask plenty of questions.

  • 4. Ascension Living Alexian Village

    Comprehensive Living and Care Services

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    9301 N. 76 St., Milwaukee, WI 53223

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Ascension Living Alexian Village

    Source: Ascension Living Alexian Village

    Highlights

    • Amenities include fitness center, day spa, Skylight Bar, and restaurants
    • Assisted living includes three meals per day and access to a snack and beverage station
    • Activities include happy hour weekly, local transportation, pastoral and spiritual care, and more
    • Physicians, psychiatrists, podiatrists, and audiologists visit the community
    • Access to visiting lab and mobile X-ray services as needed

    Overview

    Ascension Living Alexian Village offers an array of senior living services, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a community that can meet your changing health care needs. In addition to independent and assisted living, the community offers skilled nursing and short-term and long-term rehabilitation services. The 60-acre campus offers these health care services to allow residents to safely age in place, even as their care needs evolve.

    The campus is home to plenty of amenities for a fulfilling and engaging lifestyle. The fitness center has personalized workout programs to help keep residents active. Day spa services include a whirlpool, rain shower, foot soaks, facials, and massages. Who doesn’t love a spa day? The community’s Skylight Bar is a great area to meet and socialize with friends, and residents can choose from several on-campus restaurants for dining. We love when communities provide plenty of dining options!

    » Learn more: Senior living amenities

    The community’s location also provides easy access to Milwaukee. The nearby north shore suburbs of Mequon, Cedarburg, and Menomonee Falls offer plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. On-campus activities include wellness courses, visiting expert lectures, religious services, and more.

    Types of Care

    Ascension Living Alexian Village offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. The assisted living service is comprehensive, including three daily meals, medication management, care coordination, visiting physicians, psychiatrists, podiatrists, and audiologists, and access to lab and mobile X-ray services. While some communities, like Wilson Commons, offer just a few types of care, Ascension Living Alexian Village’s comprehensive health care offerings can meet the needs of more residents who have complex care requirements.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Most reviewers are very pleased with Ascension Living Alexian Village, and they describe the environment as being happy and welcoming, and the staff as being professional and helpful. Several reviewers note that guests can eat affordably while visiting. Several negative reviews describe issues such as family members receiving poor or inattentive care, and lack of communication from staff.

  • 5. Saint John’s On The Lake

    Luxury Assisted Living With a View

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    1840 North Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Saint John’s On The Lake

    Source: Saint John’s On The Lake

    Highlights

    • Variety of services including religious services, a fitness coach, transportation for shopping and trips, flexible dining options, and more.
    • Many amenities like guest suites, aquatic center, on-site bank, salon and spa, fitness center, Museum of Wisconsin Art on the Lake, thrift shop, chapel, woodworking shop, and Taylor’s Restaurant.
    • On-site physician, clinic, dental, and podiatry services
    • On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapies
    • Gives back to the community with the Community Impact Fund

    Overview

    Saint John’s On The Lake is a luxury retirement community with exceptional amenities and services. Its name refers to its location on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, which makes for stunning views from the community’s three towers. The assisted living neighborhood, Canterbury, features one-bedroom and two-bedroom luxury apartments. Residents also have access to amenities including an aquatic center with indoor pool and whirlpool, a chapel, catering services, a library and tech center, an outdoor plaza, a parlor with a fireplace, and a fitness center.

    This community features some unique amenities that are uncommon in other senior living communities. Features like an on-site bank, thrift shop, woodworking shop, and guest suites elevate the living experience for residents. Taylor’s Restaurant is known for its fine dining, while a bistro provides a more casual dining option. The community even features the Museum of Wisconsin Art on the Lake. This museum offers guests and residents a glimpse into the museum’s larger collection without having to leave community grounds. If you’re used to an active, culturally rich, and vibrant lifestyle, such amenities can help you maintain that lifestyle while receiving necessary support. Just keep in mind that this luxury community likely costs significantly more than the other communities on our list.

    » Related Reading: A guide to senior apartments

    Life at Saint John’s On The Lake is not only engaging and active, but also designed to support each resident’s wellness. LifeStreams, the community’s wellness program, provides residents with opportunities to continue their existing interests and develop new ones. Massages are available on-site, as is a medical resources clinic. Residents can also access physician, dental, and podiatry services on-site, and physical, occupational, and speech therapies are available. We appreciate that most assisted living communities provide on-site services so residents can receive care in the comfort of their own home.

    Types of Care

    Saint John’s On the Lake offers independent living and assisted living. The facility also offers Independent Living Plus, a hybrid form of independent living with scheduled, personalized care visits. Additionally, the community offers individualized memory care, rehabilitation, and short-term and long-term skilled care in its Windsor neighborhood.

    Versatile care options make this community ideal for older adults who don’t have significant care needs yet but want a community that can meet those needs as they evolve. Many older adults might find the community’s Life Care contract appealing. The contract guarantees residents’ access to assisted living and skilled nursing health care services. The contract requires a one-time entrance fee and a monthly fee. If the resident’s health status changes and they need extra care, their monthly fee stays the same, except for the additional cost of meals. This option can be highly appealing given the climbing costs of health care.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Saint John’s On The Lake has received overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple platforms. Many reviewers state that their parents have thrived since moving to the community, and several reviews say the food at Taylor’s restaurant is delicious. One review stated that the North Tower looks like a hospital, while another reviewer stated her grandmother was ignored by staff. Such negative reviews are rare.

  • Eastcastle Place
  • Villa St. Francis
  • Wilson Commons
  • Ascension Living Alexian Village
  • Saint John’s On The Lake

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

While we’ve included some of the best assisted living communities in Milwaukee for you to consider, it’s important to find a community that’s right for you. The following tips may help you explore your assisted living options and start narrowing down your list of potential communities:

  • Consider your care needs: Think about the types of care that you need now, along with care that you may need in the future. Consider the types of assistance that would help make your life easier, plus any safety features that are important to you. Then, look for a community that offers those types of care and safety features.
  • Picture your ideal atmosphere: Give some thought to the type of atmosphere that you most prefer. Perhaps you want to be close to water and nature, or maybe you’d enjoy a thriving, active community.
  • Calculate your budget: Take the time to create and review your budget and determine what you can afford to spend on assisted living. Remember that your care costs may increase in the future, as Medicare doesn’t usually cover assisted living costs. So, when calculating your budget, review your Social Security benefits, long-term care insurance, and retirement savings.
  • Consider location: Think about how each community’s location will impact your life. Can you easily get to local amenities that are important to you, like theater performances or restaurants? Does the location allow friends and family to easily visit?
  • Read reviews: Reviews can give you some insider information, but don’t put too much stock into any one review. Instead, look for common themes mentioned through multiple reviews to get a sense of what life in the community is really like.
  • Visit each community: Once you’ve narrowed down your list of assisted living communities to a few options, visit each community. Visits can give you a better sense of the environment. Plus, you’ll have the chance to talk with staff and other residents. Follow your gut reaction during each visit, and take some notes so you can reflect on the visits later.

What’s Living in Milwaukee Like for Seniors?

As the most populous city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee offers a lively setting and rich culture. Here’s a look at what life is like for older adults living in Milwaukee:

  • Climate: Milwaukee experiences four seasons and a significant range in temperatures each year. The city receives an average of 48.7 inches of snow annually. While winter lovers may appreciate the weather, older adults should make sure that their residence has a good snow removal program.3
  • Health care: Milwaukee has a robust health care system. Advocate Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, located in Milwaukee, is the largest hospital in the entire state. Milwaukee is home to several other hospitals and numerous medical practices.
  • Cost of living: Milwaukee features an affordable cost of living, especially when compared with other cities of similar size. Milwaukee’s average living costs are $100,000, and the median rent is $1,092 per month. In comparison, the living costs in San Jose, California, are $202,580, and the median rent is $2,941 per month. 4
  • Activities: Older adults enjoy plenty of Milwaukee activities. The city features a fantastic selection of restaurants, a theater district consisting of 13 performing arts and live entertainment organizations, numerous events and festivals, and more.
  • Taxes: Milwaukee’s individual income tax rates range from 3.50 to 7.65 percent.5 Milwaukee doesn’t have an inheritance tax.
  • Crime rate: Milwaukee’s crime rate is higher than the national average, but keep in mind that Milwaukee is a large city. Several crime rates, including rates for homicide, aggravated assault, theft, and motor vehicle theft, declined from 2022 to 2023.6

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

According to Genworth, the 2024 estimated median cost of an assisted living community in Milwaukee is $5,818 per month.7 That’s significantly higher than the national median of $4,917 per month. Paying for assisted living in Milwaukee can be expensive, but multiple factors affect what you’ll actually pay for care.

The amount and type of care you need will have a significant impact on your costs. If you have minimal care needs, you’ll pay less, but you should be prepared for your costs to increase if you need more care as you age.

You can also keep your costs down by carefully choosing your room. A large apartment will cost more than a smaller studio apartment, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing your unit.

There are many great assisted living communities in Milwaukee. Some of them have rates starting below that estimated median cost. Take the time to explore different community options, and consider both your budget and what services are included in a community’s rates.

Citations
  1. Cigna. (2024). 6 Unexpected Health Benefits of Pets for Older Americans.

  2. CDC. (2023). Keep on Your Feet—Preventing Older Adult Falls.

  3. Wisconsin State Climatology Office. (2024). Historical Milwaukee Snowfall Data.

  4. Discover Milawaukee. (2024). Milwaukee is Accessible, Affordable, and Ideally Located.

  5. State of Wisconsin Department Of Revenue. (2024). Tax Rates.

  6. City of Milwaukee. (2024). Crime Maps & Statistics.

  7. Genworth. (2022). Cost of Care Survey.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
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As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
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