Luxury Assisted Living in Milwaukee: Our Top Picks for 2024

Milwaukee is a bustling city on the shores of Lake Michigan that offers the perfect backdrop for an urban senior living in a city that is easy to navigate. Midwesterners are known for their hospitality and Milwaukee doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find welcoming neighbors who are ready to help out whenever you need it. It’s no wonder why so many older adults are turning to Milwaukee and the surrounding suburbs as their retirement destination. And there is a growing number of beautiful new assisted living facilities in this region, meaning there is virtually no trade off between location, environment and culture - you can find it all right here in Milwaukee.
 

Retiring in Milwaukee, WI

Beyond Milwaukee’s small-big city charm, it also offers services catered to vibrant senior living for the over-65 population. Milwaukee consistently ranks among one of the best cities to retire to in the nation thanks to its older population (about 25% of the city’s residents are seniors) and its outstanding healthcare systems and providers. Further, the state of Wisconsin does not tax Social Security income, though it does tax withdrawals from retirement plans. While a 2023 Seniorly Study on The Most Affordable States for Retirees placesWisconsin at 33rd, its ranking is driven primarily by a 2022 Kiplinger assessment of property taxes, which it deems high relative to other states.

And assisted living costs in the Milwaukee areas are relatively reasonable; the average monthly cost for assisted living communities comes in around $5324, according to a 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Study. Although this is about 15% higher than the the average in nearby cities like Chicago, Madison and Cincinatti, we think that the value of senior living in this area can still be found in many Milwaukee communities. 
 

The best senior living in Milwaukee

Urban retirees will love exploring the senior living communities throughout the city. These communities provide unique amenities and access to everything the city has to offer. For suburban retirees, senior living communities feature a more small-town atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are some of the best assisted living facilities in Milwaukee and the surrounding area.

Eastcastle Place

In the heart of Milwaukee’s East Side, Eastcastle Place has been delivering quality senior living with personalized attention for more than 130 years. The community is a Life Plan Community and provides a full continuum of senior care services all on one campus: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
 

Residents at Eastcastle Place not only live in an ideal location, they can also take advantage of any of the community’s luxury amenities and services, including restaurant-style dining in multiple venues, concierge services, creative arts studio, and rooftop garden terrace. In addition, residents enjoy onsite medical services, including an on-site dental office. Eastcastle engagement programming is also top-notch, offering both day and overnight travel programs to help residents make the most of easy access to the city.

HarborChase of Shorewood

Located in the premier northeastern suburb of Shorewood, HarborChase is a high-end senior living community with luxury amenities and exceptional hospitality. The community provides memory care and assisted living services. HarborChase offers a unique transitional dementia care program called The Sound, as well as The Cove, a program designed specifically to serve those living with more advanced forms of dementia. We also love their "Pledge of Love", an oath that all associates take to protect residents from COVID and other airborne illnesses. The quality of assisted living care here is phenomenal, as online reviews demonstrate.
 

The residents at HarborChase of Shorewood enjoy amenities and services that include chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and laundry services, and healthcare services onsite. In addition, residents can participate in events and activities that include day excursions, cooking classes, and art workshops. Plus, as a pet-friendly assisted living community, you'll have plenty of furry friends to keep you entertained.

Saint John’s on the Lake

Located on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, Saint John’s on the Lake provides sweeping views, welcoming neighbors, outstanding hospitality in a luxury senior living setting. The community provides a variety of senior care solutions all on one campus: independent living, skilled care, and assisted living services.
 

Residents at Saint John’s on the Lake enjoy access to amenities including the community’s own Museum of Wisconsin Art on the Lake, flexible dining options, fitness coaching, indoor pool and whirlpool, and creative arts studio. In addition, residents are just steps from the lake and can enjoy outdoor walking paths and parks.

Milwaukee Catholic Home

While Milwaukee Catholic Home is rooted in Catholic traditions, it does welcome residents of all faiths and traditions - one of the few faith-based senior living communities in the Milwaukee area. The community provides a variety of senior care solutions in its two main buildings: independent living, assisted living, and skilled care services.

Residents at Milwaukee Catholic Home enjoy access to amenities such as a community car and driver, movie theater, fitness center, putting green and patio. In addition, residents can dine in any of the community’s restaurants or grab a beer at Flatley’s Pub or the Marquette Lounge.

Heartis North Shore

Near the Milwaukee River and with Lake Michigan nearby, Heartis Village offers a beautiful senior living setting in a prime location. The community provides assisted living and memory care services.

The Heartis Village North Shore lifestyle includes access to amenities and services designed to make wellness more convenient and life even more fun. Heartis promotes a sense of independent living through luxury amenities residents can enjoy, which include all-day dining with chef-prepared entrees, an art studio, theater, library, fitness center, walking paths, and a even a spa.

Archwood Senior Living

Located in Kenosha County, about 45 minutes south of Milwaukee, Archwood Senior Living is the perfect combination of cozy settings and personalized attention. The community specializes in providing assisted living services to residents through deep focus on individuality, promoting a sense of independent living for all residents.

Residents at Archwood Senior Living enjoy an intimate community focused on building relationships between residents and team members. Amenities include chef-prepared meals, visiting physician office hours, shared outdoor spaces, and a busy life enrichment calendar of events.

St. Rita Square

Located in Milwaukee’s Lower East Side, St. Rita Square offers a senior living home in an unbeatable urban location. The community provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services.

Residents at St. Rita Square enjoy top-of-the-line amenities including underground parking, wellness suite, and stellar views of the city’s skyline. In addition, the dining at St. Rita Square is especially exceptional. Restaurant-style dining is offered throughout multiple venues in the community including a trattoria with wood-fired pizzas.

The Waters of Oak Creek

Located in Drexel Town Square, a walkable destination with dining and shopping opportunities, The Waters of Oak Creek provides a mix of urban and suburban senior living. The community provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services.

Residents at The Waters of Oak Creek live an active and connected life thanks to a vibrant life enrichment program and welcoming neighbors. In addition, amenities include The Waters Spa & Salon, health and wellbeing center, community courtyard and theater.

Harbour Village

Nestled among 7 acres in historic Greendale Wisconsin, Harbour Village offers a beautiful home, exceptional services, and award-winning hospitality. This local community provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services.
 

Residents at Harbour Village enjoy access to amenities and services that include restaurant-style, chef-prepared dining, fitness center, and outdoor walking paths. In addition, residents can participate in any of the events or activities offered daily at the community.  Their commitment to exceptional service begins with Extraordinary Impressions®, their culture of gracious hospitality which is overseen by a dedicated Health and Wellness Navigation team.

Heritage West Allis

Heritage West Allis takes a hands-on approach in providing a vibrant and homelike atmosphere for their assisted living and memory care residents. Designed by architect Milo Pinkerton, Heritage West Allis has created a comfortable and inviting environment for residents, families, and staff members.

Their all-inclusive life enrichment calendars feature physical, mental, and spiritual activities that residents and family members can enjoy. Additionally, Heritage West Allis is equipped with modern amenities, such as movie theaters, heated pools, beauty salons, game rooms, and convenience stores, as well as outdoor spaces such as enclosed patios, grilling locations, and walking paths. The campus-like layout of the community also allows its residents to age in place as their health needs change. With its close proximity to shopping, entertainment, and other venues, Heritage West Allis provides its residents with an active lifestyle and the opportunity to socialize.

Finding great assisted living communities in Milwaukee, WI

We all want to focus on independent living, irrespective of our unique challenges and circumstances. And these senior living facilities that cater to individual engagement and daily purpose are exceptional examples of senior living done right. No matter if you are searching for luxury assisted living in the city of Milwaukee or in the quieter surrounding suburbs, you will be able to find options to consider. As you begin your search, ensure you are touring communities multiple times so that you can meet key staff members and see what life is like at the community during different times of day. And feel free to ask for a virtual tour -often times virtual tours will help you narrow down your list of potential options.