Community profile

Truewood by Merrill, Modesto

3420 Shawnee Dr, Modesto, CA

Independent Living

4.979 reviewsvia A Place for Mom

About the community

About Truewood by Merrill, Modesto

Stately, Spanish-style exteriors and cozy, homelike interiors welcome residents to Truewood by Merrill, Modesto — an astonishing independent living community in Modesto, California. This multistory community features spacious common areas, incredible amenities, and exceptional services to promote active, engaging lifestyles. The prime location enables residents to easily access the city’s conveniences and attractions. Nearby, residents can shop for groceries at big-box stores, find goods at Vintage Faire Mall, or dine at a variety of restaurants. Residents can also catch shows at the performing arts center or visit the city’s galleries and museums. At Truewood by Merrill, Modesto, residents can take advantage of on-site amenities including an extensive library, activity room, game room, beautifully manicured gardens, salon, and more. Additionally, an activity director keeps residents engaged with a dynamic calendar of events and activities including social parties, fitness classes, art classes, lectures, and off-site excursions. A variety of services enable residents to lead the independent and active lifestyles they desire. Staff also handles the cooking, maintenance, and housekeeping to minimize the stress of daily chores. Plus, residents can choose from pet-friendly studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments to meet their unique needs and ultimately find a place to call home. Related Articles An Active, Engaging Retirement: Top 5 Benefits of Independent Senior Living Communities Independent Living Activities: Promoting a Healthy, Fulfilling Retirement Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: What's the Difference?

Family and resident feedback

4.9 out of 5 from 79 reviews

Read all on A Place for Mom

Recent public reviews can help surface themes to ask about on a tour. Ratings belong to the named review source and are not independently verified by us.

★★★★★

Positive

Overall experience

Truewood is beautifully kept. My mother enjoys participating in bingo, crafts and chair Zumba. She also participates in their weekly outings. She says the food is good and appreciates the chef personally describing each entree. The staff is very personable, caring and attentive. She loves her apartment being on the ground floor with a patio that has landscaping along it. The size is just right for her. She's added a microwave, George Forman mini grill, toaster, coffee maker and minicrockpot as she adjusts to not h

AnonymousJuly 16, 2026

★★★★★

Positive

Friendly staff and residents

My cousin who is 86, is getting along very well. She has made a lot of friends and seems happy. Sometimes I have been to lunch there and the food has been very good. Other times it is just OK. The desserts are always good.

Response from the community

Hi Toni, it's great to hear that your cousin has made friends and is happy at our community. Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review.

April 26, 2026
Toni TApril 20, 2026

★★★★★

Positive

Truewood by Merrill, Modesto

Facility is nicely appointed. Front desk staff are welcoming and friendly. Staff is responsive and supportive. It is safe. Every effort is made to make one feel at home. Laundry services are very reasonable. The only negative is that they don't have a transport van that is wheelchair accessible

See category ratings
Cleanliness
5.0 / 5
Friendliness
5.0 / 5
Value for Cost
5.0 / 5
Care Services
5.0 / 5
Activities
4.0 / 5
Staff
5.0 / 5
Meals & Dining
4.0 / 5
Response from the community

Hi there, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We appreciate it greatly!

April 24, 2026
TMeloneApril 16, 2026

★★★★★

Positive

It’s not for my Mom. She needs assistance, and this facility is more independent. I really liked the way it looked and the people were very nice.

See category ratings
Cleanliness
5.0 / 5
Friendliness
5.0 / 5
Value for Cost
5.0 / 5
Staff
5.0 / 5
Response from the community

Hi Teresa, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review! We hope your mom finds a perfect community for her.

April 24, 2026
Teresa DApril 15, 2026

★★★★★

Positive

Review for Truewood by Merrill, Modesto

Everyone is nice and helpful. I would recommend to others.

Response from the community

Hi there, thank you for recommending us to others! We appreciate it greatly.

March 23, 2026
AnonymousFebruary 23, 2026

★★★★★

Positive

Top notch!!

This is an exemplary community! The community is extremely clean, and very well taken care of. Attention to detail is at the forefront with maintenance & staff. All employees are very loving and know & watch out for each resident. And the activities, are first class! The kitchen and activity director go over and above to make holidays and events extra special for residence and their families. My aunt has been a part of this community for well over 2 years and I visit 2-3X a week. I cannot say enough good about t

See category ratings
Cleanliness
5.0 / 5
Friendliness
5.0 / 5
Value for Cost
5.0 / 5
Care Services
5.0 / 5
Activities
5.0 / 5
Staff
5.0 / 5
Meals & Dining
5.0 / 5
Response from the community

Hi Sandy, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. It's wonderful to hear that your aunt has been living with us for so long, and that you've been able to visit so often! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.

March 23, 2026
Sandy FFebruary 20, 2026

Verified overview

What we know from public sources

Care options
Independent Living
Public price status
Published starting price available
Last source check
August 1, 2026

Source-published features

Amenities and services

Grouped so you can scan what affects day-to-day life before opening an operator page.

Meals & dining

  • Vegetarian
  • Room Service
  • No Sugar
  • Meals Provided
  • Guest Meals
  • Restaurant Style Dining
  • Professional Chef
  • Low / No Sodium
  • International Cuisine

Health & wellness

  • Staffing & Ancillary Services

Services & convenience

  • Covered Parking
  • Uncovered Parking
  • Complimentary Transportation
  • Resident Parking Available
  • Property Convenient to Public Transit
  • Transportation at Cost
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Cats Allowed
  • Laundry Service / Drycleaning
  • Housekeeping
  • Beautician
  • Grocery Shopping and Errands
  • Spanish
  • American Sign Language
  • English

Activities & engagement

  • Christian Services
  • Activities On-site
  • Activities Off-site
  • Happy Hour
  • Wine Tasting
  • Devotional Activities Offsite
  • Holiday Parties
  • Walking Club
  • Catholic Services
  • Cards / Pinochle Club
  • Birthday Parties
  • Forever Fit
  • Stretching Classes
  • BBQs or Picnics
  • Live Well Programs
  • Educational Speakers / Life Long Learning
  • Gardening Club
  • Live Musical Performances
  • Devotional Activities On-Site
  • Karaoke
  • Yoga / Chair Yoga
  • Bible Study Group
  • Live Dance or Theater Performances
  • Art Classes
  • Cooking Classes
  • Day Trips and Outings

Outdoor spaces

  • Barber Shop
  • Meeting Room
  • Indoor Common Areas
  • Beauty Salon
  • Outdoor Common Areas
  • TV Lounge
  • Outside Patio
  • Library
  • Movie or Theater Room
  • Arts and Crafts Center
  • Raised Garden Beds
  • Game Room
  • Fitness Center

Apartment & room features

  • Private patio, deck, or balcony
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Full kitchen
  • Bath Tubs
  • Kitchenette
  • Ground Floor Units
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet
  • Garden View
  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Air Conditioned

Published by A Place for Mom. Features can change; confirm those that matter before touring.

Questions to confirm with the community

Additional care fees
Not publicly disclosed
Move-in fee
Not publicly disclosed
Exact unit availability
Confirmation required

Published floor plans

Truewood by Merrill, Modesto | Find With Care