City View in the Square Co-Op Apartments in Kalamazoo, MI

Pros

• They have been fabulous.
• The whole experience was wonderful.
• The apartment is very nice.
• The people who work at this complex are very nice.
• A friendly place to live.
• Maintenance is excellent.
• Safe and secure in a rejuvenating neighborhood.
• There are many resources for support, activities, hobbies, and fun.
• This is a wonderful place to live and to call home.

Cons

• There were ongoing thefts by some residents in the building.
• The staff at City View are described as untrustworthy and capable of stabbing residents in the back.
• The complex has bedbugs, cockroaches, silverfish, and other pests, with pest control viewed as ineffective.
• The co-op transportation rides are unreliable and often unusable.
• There were concerns about toileting practices that made a resident uncomfortable.
• There was a spite eviction used to hinder the resident's ability to move forward.
• A resident's car was towed from the building while they were working there.
• There were water intrusion problems that took a long time to get resolved.
• The air conditioner location is a major drawback.

Review

City View in the Square Co-Op Apartments is best suited for independent seniors who want an affordable, community-driven living option where they can participate in governance and daily operations. It rewards residents who are comfortable volunteering, taking on informal leadership roles, and helping shape events, meals, and routines. The setting is ideal for those who prize proximity to groceries, transit, and neighborhood services, plus the feel of a tightly knit co-op where neighbors know each other and many day-to-day tasks are collaborative rather than outsourced. It is not the right fit for someone who relies on regular, hands-on assistance, on-site meals, or a pristine, pest-free environment managed with strict corporate oversight.

Those considering alternatives should weigh traditional assisted living communities or private-market rentals that offer daily caregiving, predictable staffing, and guaranteed meals. For seniors requiring consistent help with activities of daily living, medical oversight, or a strict, professionally managed environment, City View's co-op model can feel uneven or insufficient. A number of reviews flag concerns about safety, governance dynamics, and maintenance responsiveness, which can be troublesome for residents who expect a seamless, care-forward experience. If a highly structured atmosphere, clean pest-free assurance, and unwavering staff reliability are top priorities, explore other options before committing.

The most compelling positives center on affordability, accessibility, and social opportunity. The apartments are reasonably sized, and the rent remains a practical consideration for many households. Location is a standout feature: the building sits in a walkable area with farmers markets nearby, and it offers frequent transportation options, including a complimentary Friday shuttle to Walmart and regular city bus service, with the complex owning a van for occasional trips. On-site resources - service coordinators, a resident-run store, and volunteer opportunities - give residents practical ways to manage paperwork, coordinate small-scale services, and stay engaged. The safety framework is meaningful too: fire sprinklers, secured entry, and a neighborhood that supports neighbors who look out for one another.

However, several recurring downsides temper the appeal. Pest infestations - bedbugs, cockroaches, silverfish, and other unwelcome visitors - detract from comfort and raise legitimate health concerns. There are persistent reports of interpersonal friction, including perceptions that staff or leadership can be unsupportive or even untrustworthy, which erodes confidence in day-to-day interactions. While many residents describe warmth and friendliness, other accounts speak to abrupt shifts in how residents are treated after stepping into leadership roles, as well as situations where privacy and respect around daily care can feel compromised. Dining is not provided by City View, which means meals depend on external arrangements or personal routines, a gap that can be noticeable for residents seeking a more complete, on-site service package.

Maintenance and operational inconsistency further complicate the picture. Water intrusion, slow repairs, and occasional service delays have been cited, along with the occasional inconvenience of actions like car towing. These issues matter more for residents who need dependable, timely attention to upkeep and logistics, and they highlight the tension between the benefits of a self-governing co-op and the realities of volunteer-led management. For families weighing this option, a candid assessment of the governance structure, the reliability of leadership, and the current pest-control status is essential. It is also prudent to verify air-conditioner placement in specific units, since a noted drawback is the location of the cooling system, which can influence comfort in hot seasons.

In the final assessment, City View functions as a viable choice for independent seniors who value community, ownership, and cost-effective living, provided that tolerance for governance-driven operations, occasional friction, and pest-related concerns is high. It excels for residents who want an active social calendar, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and robust local transit options, all within a walkable Kalamazoo setting. Those who need regular caregiving, guaranteed meals, or a consistently pristine environment should look elsewhere - whether at traditional assisted living or other, more professionally managed options. The decision comes down to balancing independence, community belonging, and cost against maintenance reliability, pest control, and the stability of staff and leadership. If the priorities align with a cooperative, engaged lifestyle and the budget allows for potential trade-offs, City View warrants serious consideration.

This part of Kalamazoo, Michigan offers a convenient and vibrant community for senior living. With various healthcare facilities such as Bronson Internal Medicine and Kalamazoo Community Mental Health in close proximity, residents have access to quality medical care. The area also boasts a range of dining options including Brite Eyes Brewing Co. and Blue Dolphin, providing diverse culinary experiences. Additionally, the presence of Bronson Park and nearby transportation hubs like Amtrak and Kalamazoo - Battle Creek International Airport offer opportunities for leisure activities and easy travel. Places of worship such as Milwood United Methodist Church and Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church provide spiritual support within the community. Overall, this neighborhood presents a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking comfort, convenience, and amenities in their daily lives.

Physicians

• Heard Stephanie L Md Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Kalamazoo (0.4 miles)
• Bronson Internal Medicine Hospital Specialists (0.5 miles)
• Bronson Neuroscience Center - Kalamazoo (0.6 miles)
• Bronson Pediatric Cardiology (0.6 miles)
• Bronson Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Specialists - ENT (0.6 miles)
• Bronson Advanced Cardiac Healthcare (0.6 miles)
• Bronson Family Medicine Downtown (0.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Bronson ProHealth - John St (0.5 miles)
• Bronson Hand & Elbow Surgery Specialists (0.6 miles)
• Textile Systems (1.4 miles)
• Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital (1.5 miles)
• Borgess Medical Center (1.9 miles)
• Borgess 1 North (2 miles)
• Borgess 3 North (2 miles)

Cafes

• Brite Eyes Brewing Co. (0.6 miles)
• Water Street Coffee Joint (2.5 miles)
• Sweetwater's Donut Mill (3.1 miles)
• Tim Hortons (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kalamazoo Long Term Care (0.6 miles)
• Midtown Market Pharmac (0.9 miles)
• Park Street Market (1.4 miles)
• Park Street Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Sindecuse Health Center Pharmacy (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Blue Dolphin (0.8 miles)
• Green Top Tavern (0.9 miles)
• 600 Kitchen and Bar (1 miles)
• HopCat (1 miles)
• Old Dog Tavern (1.1 miles)
• Kalamazoo Beer Exchange (1.1 miles)
• Bell's Eccentric Cafe (1.1 miles)

Parks

• Bronson Park (1 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (1.2 miles)
• Kalamazoo - Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Milwood United Methodist Church (2 miles)
• Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church (2.5 miles)