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The James Ferndale

22111 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220

For pricing & availability:
(866) 374-4058
8.3
Review score
30 reviews
Add review
8.3
Review score
30 reviews
  • 5 star
    64%
  • 4 star
    13%
  • 3 star
    10%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    13%
See all reviews
8.9
Review score
546 reviews
12 facilities
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The James Ferndale
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The James Ferndale
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THOMAS N

Sibling of resident/client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!!

[name removed] is outstanding and made our move-in process a breeze! The facility is contemporary, extremely clean and cheerful! Great location next to the St. James Catholic Church, right in the heart of Ferndale! All staff met so far have been great! Hats off to Executive Director, [name removed] is great too!

Read all reviews

The James Ferndale

Located in Michigan’s lower peninsula, adjacent to Detroit, America’s Motor City and the heart of Motown, is The James Ferndale community. Booming with Michigan history and culture, we’re a renovated 1920s red brick, multi-story schoolhouse outfitted with the latest modern conveniences. Start living a carefree life at The James Ferndale in Ferndale, Michigan, while we take care of the burdens of daily chores for you. Experience truly independent living as an older adult in the comfort of our 55-plus community atmosphere.

Take time to enjoy life with your fellow Michiganders at the unique restaurants, shops, and markets located just blocks away in downtown Ferndale. Explore the 125-acre Detroit Zoo, and learn about more than 235 species of animals. Rev your engines with a day trip to Detroit to see one of the many car events, car cruises, or car museums. Take a walk in Henry Ford’s footsteps at the automotive industry historical sites located throughout the city. Or, find your rhythm in Hitsville, USA at the Motown Museum. The bustling metro provides a fun backdrop for your independent life at The James Ferndale.

Community Amenities and Services

Focus on your passions while we handle the day-to-day tasks for you....

Senior living options offered

  • Independent Living

The James Ferndale

Pricing

Total monthly costs depend on room type, select services, and the level of care needed

Base fees by care type

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*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.

Reviews

for The James Ferndale

8.3 out of 10
Review Score30 reviewsWrite a review
Overall Experience
4.1
Cleanliness
4.4
Friendliness
4.3
Care Services
3.6
Staff
4.3
Meals & Dining
3.5
Activities
4.1
Value for Cost
4.1

A Place for Mom has scored The James Ferndale with 8.3 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, The James Ferndale has 30 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.1 out of 5.

Filters

1-20 of 30 reviews

Last Updated: 8/1/25

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer
Care Received
Verified Review

A Place For Mom has verified the person writing the review and their connection to the community.

Anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

August 1, 2025

3.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review

Review for The James Ferndale

I did recommend the James for the following reasons: 1. The cleanliness. 2. The units are very nice. 3. The staff my family dealt with was very professional and easy to deal with. 4. The amenities such as outings, access to movies and other entertainment. The issues are as follows: 1. Charge to deliver meals. 2. No one to take residents to movies and other on site gatherings. 3. Someone from the system who oversaw renting the spaces called me and indicated that I should sign on because the spaces were running out. I later learned that not only were the spaces not running out, there were a few empty units. The person who called me was eager to get the space rented due to the receipt of a bonus. I paid for time we didn't use the unit to save the space (I believe the unit was empty 10 days before we were prepared to move in). The unit was very nice as was the person who signed us in ( not the same as the person who called to encourage us to move in before we were ready).

THOMAS N

Independent Living

Family/friend

July 2, 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

Outstanding!!

[name removed] is outstanding and made our move-in process a breeze! The facility is contemporary, extremely clean and cheerful! Great location next to the St. James Catholic Church, right in the heart of Ferndale! All staff met so far have been great! Hats off to Executive Director, [name removed] is great too!

Anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

May 28, 2025

3.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
4.0
Friendliness
3.0
Value for Cost
2.0
Care Services
2.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
2.0

Changes to meal provisions agreed to in lease

2 months into our lease they took the three meals a day that were agreed to in the lease down to 20 meals a month. They also stop serving hot breakfast 3 days out of the week and wanted to charge residence and additional $[fee removed] for every meal beyond 20 for the month. don't know if they had an ownership change or management change but the kitchen staff was cut from 8 down to 2. The hours were cut down for meals as well. Also long time staff were replaced.

Margaret

Independent Living

Toured community

May 15, 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Staff
5.0

Treated Like Family

I didn't know what to expect when I walked into The James. I've known the area for years and knew it only as a school. I knew that it was time to downsize from my empty nest. Upon entering I met [name removed] and one-by-one all of my worries calmed, my questions were answered, my concerns melted away. She continues to treat me with every bit of the same kindness and warmth that I experienced that first moment. Since that day, I've known I have a presence at The James looking out for me. Who I can come to. Who will always help me feel safe and welcome.

June K

Independent Living

Resident/client

May 15, 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
4.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
3.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
3.0

No complaints

I personally do not have any issues with The James. I have been a resident for 4 years and have never had any complaints. I enjoy the residence and work to know them all by name so we can feel like a family.

Ann B

Independent Living

Family/friend

May 7, 2025

1.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
1.0
Friendliness
1.0
Value for Cost
1.0
Care Services
1.0
Activities
1.0
Staff
1.0
Meals & Dining
1.0

Bedbugs

The downhill slide in every area began at the beginning of 2025 and has become completely untenable. Building filthy, infested, uninhabitable and most areas closed off, residents ORDERED in writing to stay in their rooms. Lack of staff and management has lied over and over again

Tammy D

Independent Living

Family/friend

March 29, 2025

1.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
3.0
Friendliness
1.0
Value for Cost
1.0
Care Services
1.0
Activities
3.0
Staff
1.0
Meals & Dining
1.0

Rent increase, meals cut

Current management has gutted services while raising rent. Building is poorly maintained and heat not working during coldest winter days. Lease signed that stated meals included but now charging an extra $[removed] month for meals. Many residents have moved. This used to be a warm, welcoming place.

Anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

March 13, 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
4.0
Care Services
4.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
4.0
Meals & Dining
3.0

Our experience

The food was just average. The facility itself was very accommodating. Great location. Activities could use some better ideas. All in all it was a good resource for seniors.

David I

Independent Living

Family/friend

March 7, 2025

1.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
4.0
Friendliness
3.0
Value for Cost
1.0
Care Services
1.0
Activities
4.0
Staff
4.0
Meals & Dining
1.0

Overpriced and Overpromised

Over priced, over promised and looking for anyway to cut corners. Food quality has consistently diminished over the last year and now they are limiting how many meals are included and have the audacity to call them complementary. No longer serving a hot breakfast, rather putting out a pot of oatmeal and sugary pastries. The management is telling residents that they should be utilizing their full kitchen and cook for themselves. Their management team has been replaced several times and now only cares about the bottom line and not their residences. This all happened within 60 days of a rent increase. We have asked a number of times to speak to the people who make the decisions. We have been told that they will “absolutely call you back and address your concerns” but no one has called us back. They charge a premium to rent there and it is not worth it anymore. You would be better off moving your parents to an [community removed] because that is same quality that The James is now. I would look

Tammy A

Independent Living

Family/friend

February 20, 2025

1.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
3.0
Friendliness
1.0
Value for Cost
1.0
Care Services
1.0
Activities
1.0
Staff
2.0
Meals & Dining
1.0

Downhill

The James used to be a wonderful, cozy atmosphere where administration cared about residents. Since Associated Management now manages the building, everything has gone downhill. Rents raised while amenities cut. Unhelpful, rude administration personnel who hide in their office and do not engage with residents. Everyone is missing the prior management company Parallel Management and the former administrator.

Katrina

Independent Living

Family/friend

July 25, 2024

3.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
4.0
Friendliness
3.0
Value for Cost
4.0
Care Services
3.0
Activities
3.0
Staff
3.0
Meals & Dining
3.0

Review for The James Ferndale

The James is a beautiful independent living facility and the apartments are really lovely. The food quality varies from ok to very good, with the norm towards the ok end. The activities are ok. They are pretty average and what you expect from most places. The front desk staff is polite, not friendly, but always polite. Maintenance is very responsive and very kind to the residents. Housekeeping is ok. Apartments are cleaned, floors mopped, toilets and bathrooms are cleaned and bedding is changed every two weeks. No dusting is done. Most places clean weekly. I go in once a week to dust, clean, remove garbage, etc. The residents are great caring people. The James caters to the independent lifestyle and does not have the resources in place for assisted living.

Anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

July 16, 2024

4.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
4.0
Care Services
4.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
3.0

Our experience

Everyone there has been great. They did recently switch management companies To me, it looks like they have some great choices on the food menu, but my mom complaints. I would recommend The James Ferndale to others looking for independent living.

Audry

Independent Living

Family/friend

May 13, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

Review for The James Ferndale

This is a great place. I recommend it highly.

Sarah N

Independent Living

Resident/client

May 3, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

Life as a Princess

Coming up on a year here I can say the James is call I hoped for and more. Excellent staff, friendly neighbors, no cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, utility bills! After years of marriage, family, employment, I'm living the life of [name removed] right here in "fashionable downtown Ferndale"!

Stacy

Independent Living

Family/friend

February 26, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

Review for The James Ferndale

The staff is fabulous! They provide transportation. The apartments are large & beautifully done. We picked this community because of the price and location.I would absolutely recommend! If my mom didn't have Alzheimer's she would still be there.

Sonya

Independent Living

Family/friend

January 23, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
4.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
4.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

Our Experience

The staff at The James Ferndale are phenomenal. They really seem to care about the residents. The move-in process was very easy. I was able to get a full-size bed and a dresser into their elevators. They also have carts available to help you get things from your car to the elevator. The food there is phenomenal. The cook is wonderful. The building itself is very clean. It does not smell the way some senior citizens communities would smell. I cannot give any information regarding the new Executive Director or the Activities Director since the management company has changed. I would highly recommend The James Ferndale. The management company has changed, so I cannot provide insight in terms of changes, or anything else that may occur as a result of this change.

Jennifer M

Independent Living

Family/friend

November 9, 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
4.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
4.0
Activities
4.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
4.0

Review for The James Ferndale

I think it's a warm contemporary living space with fun apartments located, and a great part of Ferndale. I think it's a great fit for someone who's open minded about living an active life.I can tell you that my dad's not necessarily an active guy but I can see that there's lots of people that are there that wanna be.

Katrina

Independent Living

Family/friend

August 23, 2023

4.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
3.0
Activities
3.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

If you think you're too young for independent living, try this place

The location is great. The food is exceptional. The residents are on the younger side of other places so the activities, food, amenities are more active.

Kristi

Independent Living

Family/friend

March 13, 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

Our family's experience

The James Ferndale was a wonderful place. I rate them 5 on everything. Everyone was so friendly and being able to get a haircut done there was a bonus since I was not able to get her out of here place before she passed away.

Audry

Independent Living

Family/friend

March 10, 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

This is a wonderful community! The building is very clean with no foul or medicinal smells in the hallways, common areas, or bedrooms. The staff is great to work with. I would recommend the community to others for their loved ones.

The James Ferndale

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The features and amenities that are displayed on this page contain marketing information provided by the community. A Place for Mom has not confirmed the completeness of the provided information, and cannot guarantee its accuracy. If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom. A Place for Mom uses the term “assisted living” to indicate that the community provides some level of assistance with daily living activities. It does not indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care.

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