Ben PhilipMercy Ridge Retirement Community is a continuing care retirement community located in Timonium, Maryland. Set on a beautifully landscaped 32-acre campus, it offers seniors a vibrant lifestyle with a blend of independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The community is designed to provide a safe, active, and enriching environment where residents can enjoy the comforts of home while having access to wellness programs, social opportunities, and long-term care if needed.
Mercy Ridge Retirement Community
Introduction & Mission
Mercy Ridge is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) located on the 32-acre Stella Maris campus in Timonium, Maryland, just north of Baltimore. The community is a joint venture between Mercy Health Services (under the Sisters of Mercy) and the Archdiocese of Baltimore, managed by Life Care Services—a national leader in senior-living operations. It’s built around a philosophy of inclusive, faith-inspired hospitality and dignified aging, welcoming persons of all races, religions, ethnic groups, and abilities.
For more than two decades, Mercy Ridge has become known as the “gold standard” in retirement living, dedicated to promoting active, healthier, and longer lives in gracious surroundings.
Location & Setting
Set on 32 beautifully landscaped acres, Mercy Ridge offers a serene, park-like environment with walking paths, gardens, courtyards, and open spaces—all intentionally designed to foster activity and social connection. Its location on the Stella Maris campus also means residents benefit from on-site pastoral care, health services, outpatient therapy, and rehabilitation resources if needed.
Nearby conveniences include Johns Hopkins Medicine at Green Spring Station, local pharmacies like Walgreens, and dining options such as Nautilus Diner and Starbucks, offering easy access to day-to-day amenities and medical care.
Types of Living: Independent, Assisted, Memory Care
- Independent Living
For active seniors desiring maintenance-free living, Mercy Ridge offers private one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully included utilities (except phone), complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, and bi-weekly housekeeping and linen service.
Residents have access to three dining venues (including Finnegan’s Bistro), a wellness center, physician services, scheduled transportation, and a wide array of social, cultural, spiritual, and educational programming.
Floor plans include:
- The Clare: 786 sq ft, one-bedroom—entrance fee \$365,000 (100% refundable) or \$319,000 (90% refundable); monthly fee: \$3,524
- The Galway: 1,001 sq ft one-bedroom with den—entrance fee \$413,000 or \$362,000; monthly: \$4,353
- The Carlow: 1,109 sq ft two-bedroom—entrance \$459,000 or \$402,000; monthly: \$4,975
- The Dubliner: 1,292–1,313 sq ft two-bedroom with den—entrance \$526,000 or \$460,000; monthly: \$5,750
- The Waterford: 1,603 sq ft two-bedroom with den—entrance \$646,000 or \$564,000; monthly: \$6,217
There’s also a second-person fee (\$1,323 monthly, \$18,000 entrance) when couples share an apartment.
- Assisted Living
Assisted-Living residents enjoy three daily nutritious meals, housekeeping, personal laundry, transportation, and the support of licensed nursing staff available 24/7. Care Assistants help with bathing, dressing, medication cueing, and individualized care plans. An on-site Activities Coordinator and assistant lead recreational and social programming daily.
Pricing for Assisted Living:
- Private Suite: 337–432 sq ft one-bedroom—monthly: \$7,495
- Large One-Bedroom: 496–545 sq ft—monthly: \$9,488
Additional care levels:
- Level One: \$974/month
- Level Two: \$1,702
- Level Three: \$2,432
- Level Four: \$3,162
- Memory Care (Dementia)
The Dublin Court neighborhood provides secure memory care tailored specifically for seniors with cognitive impairments. One-bedroom private units (\~270 sq ft) are offered via an all-inclusive monthly fee of \$11,204. Programming emphasizes life-skills, self-esteem, wellness, and structured activities in a safe, garden-like setting.
Services, Amenities & Lifestyle
Mercy Ridge is known for luxurious yet practical amenities designed to foster a balanced lifestyle of independence, wellness, and community. These include:
- Fitness room, spa, sauna, wellness centers
- Swimming pool, jacuzzi, walking paths, outdoor common spaces
- Movie theater, arts room, game room, library, activity spaces
- Gardens, courtyards, and resident-run clubs
- Dining options with chef-prepared meals, dietary accommodations, on-site or room service, and allergy-sensitive menus
- Transportation and parking, emergency alert systems, concierge services, and move-in help
- Housekeeping, laundry, family-support services, inter-campus shuttles
Mercy Ridge uses a digital communication system called CATIE (Communication and Access to Information Everywhere), which is a touchscreen portal in each apartment—or portable—for:
- Daily check-ins
- Viewing schedules, menus, announcements
- RSVP’ing to events
- Interacting with staff, family, or each other
- Ordering services or items
- Reducing reliance on printed communication
Staff report that CATIE has improved efficiency, workflow, resident satisfaction, and reduced waste, allowing improved focus on resident care.
Care & Health Services
Mercy Ridge emphasizes health, safety, and continuity of care throughout life’s stages:
- 24-hour monitoring and emergency alert systems in every unit for both Independent and Assisted Living
- Medication management, supervision, assistance with activities of daily living: dressing, bathing, transfers, incontinence, mobility issues, behavioral concerns
- Physical therapy, diabetes care, hospice and dementia waivers, respite stays, coordination with providers
- On-site nursing staff in Assisted and Memory-Care neighborhoods ensures personalized, responsive support
- Close connection to Stella Maris services—religious, medical, outpatient therapy, home health, hospice—offers peace of mind for future needs
Community Culture & Reviews
Mercy Ridge consistently receives high praise for its welcoming, resort-like atmosphere and exceptional staff. Seniorly gives it an impressive 9.3 out of 10 Community Score based on dozens of reviews, noting strengths in amenities, cleanliness, dining, care services, and resident satisfaction.
Highlights from reviews:
- The property is described as beautifully maintained, like a five-star resort
- Staff are frequently friendly, professional, and responsive
- Dining is praised: delicious meals, courteous service, variety in menus
- Activities—movie nights, music programs, resident-run clubs—are engaging and build community
A few comment on minor service delays in dining or occasional maintenance issues, but overall sentiment is extremely positive
Families appreciate the peace of mind offered by the integrated care continuum and the deep sense of belonging residents feel.
Why Choose Mercy Ridge?
- Full continuum of care on one campus—from independent living through memory care
- Beautiful, well-maintained private-campus lifestyle nestled near Baltimore
- Rich amenities: dining venues, gardens, fitness, arts, activities, concierge
- Faith-based yet inclusive environment, rooted in Mercy Health and the Archdiocese’s legacy
- Strong community culture—residents and families repeatedly cite warmth of staff, cleanliness, and sense of belonging
- CATIE digital platform streamlines communication and engagement across residents and staff
- Operated by Life Care Services, bringing deep expertise and safety protocols across many communities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Mercy Ridge Retirement Community?
A. Mercy Ridge is a faith-inspired yet inclusive senior living community. It combines independent living, assisted living, and memory care, offering a full continuum of care so residents can age in place while enjoying resort-like amenities and a supportive environment.
Q: How many homes are in the community?
A. The community includes about 408 independent living apartments, 35 assisted living units, and 12 memory care residences, creating a neighborhood-style setting within one campus.
Q: What types of homes are available?
A. Apartments come in one- and two-bedroom layouts, with options that include dens, spacious living areas, and private balconies. Sizes range from cozy 700-square-foot units to larger residences exceeding 1,600 square feet. Assisted living and memory care feature private suites designed for comfort and accessibility.
Q: What amenities are available?
A. Amenities include a fitness center, spa, indoor pool, walking trails, gardens, a movie theater, game and arts rooms, multiple dining venues, and concierge services. Residents also enjoy housekeeping, transportation, wellness programs, and 24-hour emergency response systems.
Q: Are there educational opportunities?
A. Yes. Mercy Ridge offers lectures, cultural programs, clubs, and classes. Residents can participate in lifelong learning, attend guest speaker events, and join book clubs or discussion groups that keep the mind sharp and engaged.
Q: What healthcare facilities are nearby?
A. The campus is close to Stella Maris, which provides outpatient therapy, skilled nursing, and hospice care. In addition, Johns Hopkins Medicine at Green Spring Station and other major healthcare providers are located within a short drive, ensuring easy access to advanced medical care.
Q: What shopping and dining options are available?
A. Nearby options include grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants such as Nautilus Diner and Starbucks. On campus, residents enjoy chef-prepared meals in multiple dining rooms and bistros with menus that accommodate different tastes and dietary needs.
Q: What recreational activities are nearby?
A. The Timonium area offers golf courses, parks, cultural attractions, and community events. Within the community, residents can enjoy fitness classes, art workshops, movie nights, musical performances, and gardening activities.
Q: What committees are available for residents?
A. Residents are encouraged to join committees that help shape community life. These include dining, wellness, activities, and garden committees. Participation gives residents a voice in how the community is run and fosters a sense of ownership and involvement.
Conclusion
Mercy Ridge Retirement Community is more than a place to live—it is a place to thrive. With its wide range of homes, engaging amenities, lifelong learning, and proximity to top healthcare and recreational opportunities, it provides peace of mind and an enriching lifestyle for seniors.