City View at St. Margaret's Loft in Kansas City, KS

Pros

• The apartments are nice.
• It is a nice place to live.
• The office staff is very nice and keeps the place well kept.
• Penny is an awesome manager who cares for residents and goes above and beyond.
• The property is clean, spacious, and affordable, with a top-notch management team.
• City View of St. Margaret is a beautiful place.

Cons

• They dislike the outside and think it needs renovation.
• They believe people shouldn't hang out outside because it makes the place look bad when people party during the day.
• They report roaches, mice, and harassment from other tenants, and say they were penalized for paying rent early.
• They say mold is coming from the heating and air conditioning vents and that management denies it.
• They describe the building as mold- and bed-bug-infested and worry about safety due to inaction by management.
• They claim homeless people are coming in and out of the building and that security cameras or guards are not provided.
• They note there are only two working security cameras, which they consider insufficient.
• They feel the management does not care and is not addressing ongoing issues.

Review

City View at St. Margaret's Loft is best suited for active, independent seniors (generally 55+) who want modern, loft-style apartments with generous layouts and a strong on-site management presence. The property is a compelling match for residents who prize updated interiors, a city-view rooftop, and an affordable rent supported by tax-credit programs. Those who want a social, "residents first" atmosphere - where management strives to be responsive and approachable - will find the experience aligns with their expectations. It suits someone who values convenience and a bright, spacious home more than pristine exterior grounds or perfect pest-free assurance.

That said, several caveats push many families to consider alternatives. Anyone who cannot tolerate recurring pest and safety concerns should look elsewhere. Multiple reviews flag mold, bed bugs, roaches, and even reports of safety vulnerabilities tied to homelessness in the building - issues that should be non-negotiable for buyers of any senior-living option. Prospective residents should also be mindful of frequent management turnover, which can translate into inconsistent policies, rent adjustments, and variable service levels. If a consistently secure, quiet, and meticulously maintained environment is required, other communities may deliver that steadiness more reliably.

The strongest positives here are tangible and meaningful in daily living. Inside, units are described as nice and updated, with some residents highlighting a loft-like feel and ample living space (including two-bedroom configurations around 650 square feet). The rooftop access and natural light are repeatedly praised, turning the apartment into a welcoming retreat within an urban setting. The management team - especially Penny, seen by residents as an outstanding, responsive administrator - consistently earns favorable remarks for listening, accessibility, and follow-through. Maintenance, when the unit is promised to be fixed, is cited as quick and pragmatic, reinforcing a practical sense of care. For those relying on budgetary incentives, the property's tax-credit framework offers meaningful relief that can stretch retirement income further.

However, the main drawbacks cannot be dismissed or minimized. Pest pressures - mold in some units, bed bugs, roaches, and even mice - coupled with safety concerns and reports of unauthorized exits and limited security, form a real counterweight to the positives. Several reviews describe management's inconsistent approach due to turnover, as well as a perception that security investments (such as cameras and guards) are insufficient. Noise is another routine irritant (for example, early-morning disturbances), and practical amenities - like storage space and closet capacity - appear tight in many layouts. Heating and cooling controls are not fully flexible, which may frustrate residents who crave precise climate control, and some residents note that outside upkeep and shared spaces could be more inviting.

These dynamics suggest a clear calculus: for seniors who value pleasant, updated interiors, a strong, approachable management team, and affordable rents, City View provides a compelling home base, especially if the new manager maintains momentum and pest-control improvements. The pros - modern apartments, a social atmosphere, programmatic warmth from Penny and staff, and the potential cost savings - offset many daily-life benefits against the risk of pest and safety issues. Yet the offset only holds if pest control, security, and management stability improve or can be demonstrated as reliably managed over time. In short, the property works for independent seniors who can tolerate some risk, are comfortable with a changing management landscape, and prioritize interior quality and affordability.

If this community is under consideration, approach with a concrete plan. Schedule a thorough unit inspection focusing on mold indicators, signs of pests, and the condition of HVAC systems. Inquire about current pest-control protocols, recent remediation work, and how security is handled day-to-day (camera placement, entry controls, and incident response). Verify the 55+ or senior-living eligibility and confirm any age restrictions, to avoid future eligibility surprises. Talk to several residents about noise, safety, and management responsiveness at different times of day. Finally, compare lease terms, rent escalators, and available floor plans against other similarly priced options to ensure the trade-offs align with long-term priorities: independence, safety, and peace of mind versus interior polish and social access. City View can be a solid, even excellent home when governance and pest issues are actively addressed and the management team maintains its current momentum.

This part of Kansas City, Kansas, offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living needs. With multiple healthcare options nearby including Vibrant Health, KC CARE Health Center, and The University of Kansas Hospital, seniors can easily access medical care. There are also pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS within a short distance for convenience. Additionally, the area provides opportunities for socialization and relaxation with cafes like Blip Roasters and Mildred's, as well as restaurants like Blue Bird Bistro and Pierpont's at Union Station. Parks such as Washington Square Park and Loose Park offer green spaces for outdoor activities and leisurely walks. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of healthcare services, dining options, places of worship, transportation accessibility through Amtrak and KC Streetcar, and recreational opportunities making it a desirable location for seniors looking to live in a vibrant community.

Physicians

• Vibrant Health - Wyandotte Neighborhood Clinics (0.7 miles)
• KC CARE Health Center (3.1 miles)
• Mill Creek Park (4 miles)
• The University of Kansas Hospital - Westwood Campus (4.4 miles)
• Sunflower Dermatology & Medical Day Spay (5 miles)
• Orthopedic Health of Kansas City formerly Drisko, Fee & Parkins ( DFP ) - North Kansas City (5.1 miles)
• Retina Associates, PA (5.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Carniceria El Torito 2 (1 miles)
• Longboards Wraps & Bowls (1.3 miles)
• Blue Bird Bistro (1.9 miles)
• Quaff Bar & Grill (2.2 miles)
• John's Big Deck (2.4 miles)
• Pierpont's at Union Station (2.5 miles)
• Taps on Main (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Blip Roasters (1.7 miles)
• Mildred's (2.4 miles)
• Messenger Coffee Co. (2.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.7 miles)
• Filling Station (3.2 miles)
• Billie's Grocery (3.3 miles)
• Broadway Cafe (3.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• The University of Kansas Hospital Cambridge Tower A Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• The University of Kansas Hospital Cambridge Tower A Retail Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Costco 0375 (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak Kansas City - Union Station (2.5 miles)
• KC Streetcar (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Resurrection Downtown (2.6 miles)
• Trinity United Methodist Church (3.6 miles)
• Central United Methodist Church (5.1 miles)
• North Cross United Methodist Church (6.7 miles)

Parks

• Washington Square Park (2.6 miles)
• Bar K Dog Bar (3 miles)
• Historic Hyde Park (4.2 miles)
• Loose Park (4.8 miles)
• Central Park (5 miles)
• Budd Park (5.9 miles)
• Antioch Park (6.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Children's Mercy Research Institute (2.9 miles)
• Cambridge A Pre/Post (2.9 miles)
• Truman Medical Center (3 miles)
• Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City (4 miles)
• North Kansas City Hospital (5.5 miles)
• Kansas City VA Medical Center : Midwest Biomedical Research (6 miles)