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The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

197 Howe Street, Methuen, MA 01844

For pricing & availability:
(866) 374-4058
9.1
Review score
27 reviews
Add review
9.1
Review score
27 reviews
  • 5 star
    70%
  • 4 star
    11%
  • 3 star
    15%
  • 2 star
    4%
  • 1 star
    0%
See all reviews
8.7
Review score
1413 reviews
36 facilities
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The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community
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The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community aerial view of community
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Kate

Resident/client

5.0 out of 5 stars

This is a GREAT community

This is an independent living facility. Quality of care is a confusing question. Medical services are on site, but each individual makes their own decision about what they need. This facility does have a Health and Wellness event once a year to educate the residents. It's very well run. Very informative. We are very happy we chose to be here. We love being in the main house, and enjoy our independence and yet we belong to a community.

Read all reviews

The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

At The Woods at Merrimack, residents will enjoy their golden years to the fullest within a community thoughtfully designed to accommodate residents’ diverse needs and desires. Situated in the gorgeous Merrimack Valley, residents can enjoy living near Merrimack Valley Golf Club, restaurants, stores, parks, and medical facilities. And just a short drive from Boston, residents get access to the city’s great attractions and serene nature spots.

The resort-style community truly offers it all. From beautifully manicured grounds featuring game courts and a putting green to interior common areas featuring a restaurant-style dining room and cozy lounges, residents have access to everything they need to enjoy a well-lived retirement. Join a community that focuses its energy on making residents happy, today!

The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community Details

The community enables residents to spend their time however they please, and that means dining whenever they’d like. With the community 24/7 dining, residents get to enjoy freshly prepared meals at their leisure. The community also offers concierge services designed to help residents find whatever they may be looking for. Additionally, door-to-door transportation is available, so residents can schedule shopping trips, medical appointments, and cultural events with ease.

When it comes to satisfying residents’...

Senior living options offered

  • Independent Living

The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

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 Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

9.1 out of 10
Review Score27 reviewsWrite a review
Overall Experience
4.4
Cleanliness
4.5
Friendliness
4.6
Care Services
4.1
Staff
4.5
Meals & Dining
4.1
Activities
4.3
Value for Cost
4.3

A Place for Mom has scored The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community with 9.1 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community has 27 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.4 out of 5.

Filters

1-20 of 27 reviews

Last Updated: 8/29/25

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.

Kate

Independent Living

Resident/client

August 29, 2025

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

This is a GREAT community

This is an independent living facility. Quality of care is a confusing question. Medical services are on site, but each individual makes their own decision about what they need. This facility does have a Health and Wellness event once a year to educate the residents. It's very well run. Very informative. We are very happy we chose to be here. We love being in the main house, and enjoy our independence and yet we belong to a community.

JL

Independent Living

Family/friend

July 1, 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review

Great place for my aunt

All around absolutely wonderful! Food is great, staff and residents are so friendly. Great decision!

Anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

April 21, 2025

2.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
4.0
Friendliness
2.0
Value for Cost
2.0
Care Services
1.0
Activities
2.0
Staff
1.0
Meals & Dining
2.0

Our experienc with The Woods

There is a great group of residents. Before the management change, there was a great positive fun culture- that has been completely eroded. I think the thing that troubles me most is how they talk to the residents. Management is rude, condescending and regularly threatens kicking people out- they've asked 2 people to leave in the past 6 weeks. There are lots of things to improve on but they need to get this basics right before they can focus on anything else.

Anonymous

Independent Living

Resident/client

December 16, 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 Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

We picked because of the location overlooking golf course. Most attractive compared to other options. Nice entry, large rooms, washer, dryer in apartment and access to meals.

Anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

November 8, 2024

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

Quality of Dining Experience

Cleanliness- sometimes surprised that there are dust balls on my mother's floor and pink growing in the bathroom. Quality of care - insufficient nutrition. Where is the 21 gm of protein at each meal, fresh fruit, etc. ? Dining- disorganized staff, long waits, wrong orders, running out of ice cream. Value for cost: would be higher if the kitchen woes were fixed. Paying a lot of money for insufficient meals and insufficient meal time service. Never thought I'd have to be buying my mother fresh fruit, yogurt, soup, etc to supplement her mail plan. The kitchen, food quality and dining service are the big issues.

Anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

October 30, 2024

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

Our family would recommend, friendly staff, wonderful location, beautiful surroundings and cheery atmosphere!

It is new and clean so cheery atmosphere. Not "depressing" I like the amount of respect given to the residents. Finally the location is quiet and scenic but close to shops and medical facilities. When it comes to the meals and dining, they are having a hard time keeping a chef

Deanna M. Bergeron

Independent Living

Family/friend

September 18, 2024

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

All moved in !

Mom moved in about a month ago & is settling in nicely & joined weekly Bingo !! Still a big adjustment, but she is VERY happy with her decision! She’s close by, making new friends and all the freedom she wants without the hassle of home ownership and worrying about property related issues or expenses. We’re so glad we found The Woods - most affordable option for independent living around !! Note- This facility doesn’t have a “care team” nor have I participated in any activities.

Michael M

Independent Living

Family/friend

August 26, 2024

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

New, Modern Community with Great Staff!

My Mom just relocated here and is settling in nicely with the community and staff. She loves the food and the programming. She is finding the community to be welcoming and supportive. There are many residents her age and in similar situations which makes her feel as if she fits. Her apartment is very modern and has a full kitchen which was a deciding factor on choosing the Woods. She could use more space but part of the challenge is pairing back some of her possessions from when she was in a much larger house. The outdoors and grounds are well maintained and provide a serene setting for the residents. The staff has been very helpful in getting her acclimated and oriented to all that the community has to offer. I would highly recommend the Woods to anyone looking for independent living for themselves or a loved one!

Anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

June 19, 2024

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

great resident community- management and amenities have lots of room for improvement

Total change of management in the first month, total change in the own staff shortly after, food is just ok, activities are ok but wish there was more age appropriate activities and better use of outdoor space/ there is pickleball course that no one can use

RD

Independent Living

Family/friend

May 15, 2024

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

Review for The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

I would highly recommend it and go on to explain my mother's experience and the positive aspects of the facility.

Pam D

Independent Living

Family/friend

May 7, 2024

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

Review for The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

I would say it was the perfect fit for my mom. She enjoys majority of meals and activities. Staff and residents are very friendly. It is expensive but cheaper than others with older apts and less activities.

Gina

Independent Living

Family/friend

March 6, 2024

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

Definitely recommended

I would definitely recommend to others! My mother-in-law tells me weekly to daily about how happy she is that she hasn't even had the chance for sadness regarding the death of my father-in-law or having to sell her house. Then she realizes it's because she feels like she's made all the right decisions since. She can't say enough about the food. Absolutely loves it. The amount of space is just right and, compared to other places we looked at, she has a full kitchen! She participates in the gatherings, such as happy hour bingo and the voting that takes place regarding representatives of the two different buildings.

Nina

Independent Living

Resident/client

January 19, 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

Recommended

We are new residents at The Woods. There is a true sense of community here. There are so many activities available to participate in. This is an A+ facility!

LG

Independent Living

Family/friend

November 14, 2023

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

Review for The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

Very nice, pleasant and great activities. I picked this community because it was a little more affordable compared to others.

Anonymous

Independent Living

Resident/client

October 5, 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

The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community review

Good morning my experience at the Woods at Merrimack was outstanding the facility is immaculate. The care of the residence could not be better. The staff goes over and above to meet the needs of the residence. My experience was wonderful, however due to medical reasons. I needed to get closer to home introversion medical care

Ralph

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

Great staff, highly recommend

Great experience. My mother is very content. They do a great job. Management is always there for her. Everyone seems on the same page. The maintenance crews have been very helpful. [name removed] the manager and [name removed] the assistant manager and [name removed] in sale's all do an excellent job.

Jim

Independent Living

Family/friend

October 28, 2022

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

The Woods at Merrimack review

Mom's become quite popular with the staff and residents and it appear she is a few years younger than her peers. The sense of community and companionship is wonderful. The staff has made it wonderful for me mothers transition

anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

October 17, 2022

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

Fantastic Facility

They were very outgoing and receptive to my loved one's needs. They showed curiosity about her needs as opposed to just telling us what they have available. [name removed] and [name removed], the directors, are fantastic. I can't say enough good things about The Woods at Merrimack. It's independent vs. assisted living, which is exactly what my loved one needed. And I wasn't even aware that that existed until I happened to visit there. That saved us a lot of money not paying for services that she didn't need in assisted living. The apartment is beautiful and brand new. It has granite countertops and demonstrates lots of attention to detail. It feels like home, and she loves it there.

anonymous

Independent Living

Family/friend

October 10, 2022

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

nice community!

Cleaning of the apartments is just okay, need to really clean shower stall. With the meals and dining they are understaffed, to too slow, too much rice, many food overcooked. Was told mahjong was an activities and that was the selling point. No such activity so we were mislead.

Linda

Independent Living

Family/friend

September 8, 2022

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

Spectacular facility, friendly staff

The facility is new and very clean. It's a beautiful, quiet spot. The atmosphere is very welcoming and positive. The staff is very helpful. I was concerned about dad's transition, but he's done really well. The staff is very friendly. The price is great, we got in on a good deal. It's affordable and much nicer than a lot of others. We had a long search and are very happy we chose this one. Dad is in independent living, so he doesn't have to use the dining. But he does go over to dining sometimes and likes it. They're open for long hours, which is great. They also serve a variety all day, so you can even go have breakfast food in the afternoon, etc. The director checks in with the residents and is hands on and very accommodating and open to residents wants. The residents recently requested that they start a cornhole team and the director worked with them to make it happen. They have a variety of activities and even a movie theatre. Housekeeping is once a week and they do a great job. I would definitely recommend the facility to others!

The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community

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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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