I've lived there for 5 years and highly recommend it. Mario is an excellent responsive manager and Ed and Mary keep everything running well and keep the building clean and in good repair!!! read more

I have been a resident of CityWatch apartments for over seven years, and while the location is fantastic--within walking distance of grocery stores and the Alaska Junction, with reasonable rent for the area--the recent decline in the overall quality has prompted us to leave CityWatch and share my experience here. Unfortunately, the current state of the apartment, under the management of Mario, is no longer suitable for families, especially those with children. One of the significant issues is the decline in air quality due to residents smoking cigarettes and weed indoors, which not only violates the lease agreement but is also against local laws for multifamily rental apartments. As the manager, Mario has the authority to enforce no-smoking rules, but he seems unwilling or unable to put in the effort to address this issue. Rather than tackling the problem, Mario resorts to placing blame on tenants who raise concerns, going as far as suggesting that multi-family living is not suitable for them and even advising them to consider moving out. This was particularly disheartening, especially given the contrast with the previous manager, Piia. When I reported three separate instances of indoor smoking to her, she responded promptly and handled each case professionally. As a testament to her effectiveness, all three residents ceased smoking indoors immediately and permanently. Several residents have expressed concerns about Mario's inaction against indoor smoking, and his explanations included not being able to identify the source, not being able to inspect homes, denial of any detectable odor, or simply disregarding the complaints, are unsettling. Despite numerous complaints and even escalation to the management company, he insisted that there was no indoor smoking occurring. While denying the existence of indoor smoking and attributing the smell to lingering odors on residents' clothes from smoking outdoors, Mario started using air fresheners exclusively in residential hallways. There are no air fresheners in main hallways, staircases, and elevators--areas one must go through before reaching residential hallways. This is a clear indication that the odor is originating from indoor smoking, rather than lingering smells from outdoor smoking. The decline in cleanliness extends to the common residential areas. Unlike the previous management and maintenance team, Mario and his team neglect to clean residential hallways. The marks and stains from trash and dog waste stay on hallways for months. Prospective tenants should be aware of the building's age and insulation issues. Cold air and smoke smells can seep in through outlets, expect higher electric bills and no way to block the smell coming to your units. During apartment tours, I recommend checking random floors, as well as the trash rooms and recycling areas in the garage, to get a comprehensive understanding of the living conditions at CityWatch. Ask to visit hallways at different hours of day and on different days of the week. While CityWatch apartments boast a convenient location and reasonable rent, the decline in quality under the current management, particularly regarding indoor smoking and cleanliness, is a significant drawback for families and long-term residents like myself. read more

I've been a resident here for a little over a year. When we first moved in, it was a solid 5/5 star property. The former property manager, Piia, and the maintenance crew, were wonderful and this felt like a cared for and safe community. We received a new property manager and new maintenance crew around 3 months ago and, while there is something to be said for a transition period, at this point it is clear that the quality at City Watch has steadily deteriorated. There have been a lot of changes and issues including the elimination of package delivery, building doors being unlocked/accessible to non-residents during late nights, non-residents sleeping in the lobby, garage break ins, elevators breaking down and being inaccessible for days (currently on day 5 with no elevator in one of the towers), lack of communication from management and the garage to be inaccessible for at least 3 days in January (the only reason I know this is because a resident shared this info). Of course, things happen. Elevators break down, break ins happen, packages can't always be delivered, etc. But what is disappointing has been the steady degradation of the services and amenities previously offered by CW, and the building and area no longer feels safe and secure. I would encourage those seriously considering CW to look at other apartments in the area as well, as most units in the area are similarly priced with more safety, security, and amenities. We had truly felt like we had found the best priced and best cared for property in West Seattle, and it is so sad that we are now having to consider leaving when our lease is up. While the complex is pretty centrally located and decently priced, it no longer feels as though residents are being placed first. read more

I am relocating to Seattle from the EC, didn't want to live right downtown where I work. West Seattle is super close on the Rapid Transit bus line. So happy I found Citywatch Apts on 41st Ave! Right at the Alaska Junction, everything is so close and convenient! The management company/manager has been very responsive to all my questions and requests. She has a great sense of urgency, and is always just an email away! The apt is nice, not high end finishes, but a great space for the money. And location, location, location! I moved in, in Sept and am loving it! Thanks Citywatch for making my transition so easy! read more

I was in a hurry to move about a year ago - and was put at ease the minute I walked into the management office at City Watch. After reading several apartment reviews for various other places saying the management was terrible and non-responsive, that made me nervous to pick an apartment. But the apartment manager at City Watch, Piia, was amazing from the first introduction. The apartments are nice - nothing high end but a great space for the money. The location is also perfect, as it is close to shops, grocery stores and the bus lines. It is quiet and the neighbors are friendly. Non-smoking building too! Piia responds to all my questions and requests immediately. She really cares about the tenants and is always just an e-mail away! This just puts my mind at ease knowing she is on top of everything. Thanks City Watch for making my transition so easy! read more

I lived living at City Watch Apartments!! Piia, the manager, is the best manager I have ever had! She's personable, thorough, quick to respond to messages and very transparent with everything! She knows everyone's name in the building and greets them whenever she sees them. She's gone above and beyond for me time and time again, including calling me from her home while snowed in! I had to move due to life changes, but I highly recommend Piia and City Watch Apartments to anyone who loves a great place to live in West Seattle! read more

I have lived at City Watch nearly 3 years now and am extremely happy here. I love the proximity to the Junction, shopping and transportation, so it's incredibly convenient. But more important, I love the building and my home here. Piia and Kevin in the office are absolutely a delight to deal with. They respond quickly to emails or phone calls and I don't think I've ever had a maintenance request that wasn't handled same day unless they had to order something. They know my name when they see me in the hallway and are always pleasant and helpful. The maintenance guys are exceptionally helpful, friendly, and they know to not let my cat loose in the hallway when they come in without my telling them. One of the reasons I ended up renting here was that I had a regular appointment with a practitioner in their lobby medical suites, and every time I was there I remarked how the building looked so clean and well cared for, and the people coming and going from the resident elevators looked like decent, professional people. So it looked like a place I'd like to live, and I was definitely right. I have one of the smaller apartments - 637 sq. feet - but it's the perfect size for one person, especially with a walk-in closet. (Not all units have walk-ins, but mine does.) I enjoy having a washer/dryer right in my unit, and the convenience of the garbage/recycling chutes right on my floor. When packages are delivered, the office staff brings it upstairs and places it in front of your door - so convenient and appreciated! There is also a lovely rooftop deck with tables and umbrellas and lounge chairs and BBQ grills. It's never particularly crowded, which is nice. Because the first floor is offices, the residential elevators are locked and you need a key or to be buzzed in. I do find this confuses first time visitors who visit me, especially as the location of the elevators are not obvious when you walk in, nor the fact that there are 2 towers, so you need to know which elevator you're headed to, and not accidentally taking the garage elevator. This also requires people to be buzzed in twice after hours, first at the main door, and then at the elevator door. I do have to fetch people who are lost, especially delivery people. But if that's the worst thing about living there, it's not bad. The neighborhood is noisy, but that's to be expected living so close to Alaska Junction. It seems exacerbated by the fact that my apartment faces 41st, which is where the Safeway is. So you do get a lot of early morning truck noise from deliveries. Coming from New York City originally, the noise doesn't phase me. But there does seem to be a lot of turnover in the building, and I wonder if that contributes to it. There do not seem to be a lot of children in the building - probably also a function of the busy neighborhood - but you'll definitely be sharing elevators with dogs from time to time. I do have a deck, but being on the top floor, I do not use it very often as it doesn't have a roof/cover. All the other decks have a "roof" in the deck above them. But being on the top floor, I don't have that. So there's no cover from sun or rain. So I never use it. I'm very happy here and hope to live here for a while. Rents in the neighborhood are rising significantly, so I'm not sure what the current lease renewals will look like. Keeping fingers crossed that I don't get priced out. I've lived in a lot of crappy places with poor management over the years, and this has been a breath of fresh air to not be living in that situation for once. I'm definitely loving my time at City Watch. read more

We have really enjoyed living at City Watch and are only moving due to our family growing and needing a third bedroom for the baby. The staff and maintenance men are super friendly and helpful! The location is perfect; you can walk to the junction and grab a bite to eat or a drink at the Beer Junction. I would highly recommend City Watch! The apartments are great, updated and very roomy! read more

I can't recommend this place highly enough. I've done nothing but thoroughly enjoy my time here. The managers really respect their tenants, and that'll manifest whenever any issue would arise. Piia in particular has been nothing short of extraordinary. Not only are issues resolved quickly and calmly, but it's refreshing to have a manager that sees their tenants as human beings, and not just rent payers. It's a beautiful thing. even when I got locked out of my apartment at 4:00am, they weren't dicks about letting me back in. I still feel so bad about that, haha If the neighborhood wasn't getting so expensive, I can see myself living here for years on end. But that's not on them. I just appreciate the humanity and respect from everyone on the team. It's a refreshing antithesis to a gloomy trend read more

Pia is a hardworking woman who cares about her tenants. Through out my fiancee and I stay, she has always been professional, considerate, and cordial. The maintenance staff are cool guys, very down to earth and the apartment community is a chill place to be read more

I've lived at City Watch for almost three years. Piia, the manager, and her team of David, Garrett, and Kevin, are awesome! They keep the building in tip-top shape. And, they are very responsive to requests in case of maintenance needs or to answer questions. This is very valuable for a resident and could easily be taken for granted. The neighborhood is fantastic! I'm within walking distance to all my shopping needs, gyms, yoga centers, and many fabulous restaurants, bakeries, and delis. Public transit to downtown Seattle is very convenient, with the RapidRide bus taking me to 3rd and Pike in four stops and twenty minutes. I highly recommend City Watch Apartments. read more

I had only planned to live at City Watch for one year but ended up staying for six years. The main reason I stayed so long is b/c 1.) the walkability can't be beat and 2.) the way the property is managed. Rent increases were very reasonable and fair unlike many other apartment properties. Piia is an excellent property manager who is quick to respond to any issues I brought up - which was very few in six years. She wants residents to be happy living there and it shows. I would have stayed longer if not for the WS bridge closure. The roof top is a great place to hang out and rarely is anyone else up there so had it to myself more often than not. If you are looking for a place that is well managed, clean, in a great neighborhood, and withing short walking distances to grocery stores, restaurants, and shops, this is the place. read more

City Watch Manager Piia is FANTASTIC! I have lived in many... many.....apartments in several states and Piia is by far the best manager I have ever had. The apartments are older, but I would choose City Watch over any other complex in Seattle. read more

Quite simply, one of the best places I've ever lived. The building itself is a bit odd - it shares space with a host of doctors' offices and commercial spaces - but the location is outstanding. There are literally three grocery stores across the street, and the junction is two blocks away. For those commuting to downtown, the Rapidride comes by every 15 minutes, and every 7 during the morning -- I work downtown, don't own a car, and haven't missed it for a second. Some apartments have an outstanding, though increasingly limited view, as buildings go up around the area and block the view of downtown. Many apartments still have views of the Cascades, however, which is pretty outstanding. The result: this is an increasingly desired location, so there will likely be a host of competitors in the coming weeks and months. And this is where Citywatch really sets itself apart. The staff they have working here are, bar none, some of the best you could ask for. If you've ever had a bad experience with a landlord, living here is really like a breath of fresh air. You know how when you go into an apartment building owned by a large, faceless corporation, and you go in expecting for them to try and f*ck you every chance they get? It's the complete opposite here. Piia and her team really are committed to giving you a quality experience, and I personally have appreciated it, especially considering some of the past places I've lived. Some places go into every interaction with their residents looking to get as much money as they can out of them -- this place looks to try and do what they can to make you happy. What a novel freakin' idea, right? There are a couple of drawbacks to this place - it doesn't feature as many amenities as other places, and the appliances, while nice and functional, aren't that sleek, stainless steel/black finish that every cookie-cutter new place being built in Seattle seems to have. Which I, admittedly, kind of like. However, this is certainly outweighed by the fact that I don't feel dirty writing my rent check every month. Having good people as your landlord is worth its weight in gold. Highly recommended. read more

I previously lived on Capitol Hill during graduate school and once I graduated I moved to West Seattle and found myself at the CityWatch Apartments. I have loved it the past three years! The staff is wonderful, friendly, and professional. Piia, the manager is great about communicating with you if/when you need anthing. The maintenance guys, David and Garret, are terrific, get the repairs done the same day or as soon as possible without any fuss. The location is great! So close to gyms, banks, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, bus lines, downtown, and even just a 15-20 minute drive to the airport. The rent is one of the more affordable in the West Seattle area and the apartments are updated and cozy! There are two rooftops with BBQs for renters to enjoy. This place really can't be beat! read more

We lived in this building over two years and loved it! The only complaint we had was the lack of sunlight because we lived in an interior apartment. The noise in the area is caused by the numerous complexes being built around the area. Once they are finished, it is a fairly quiet place to live. The apartment is conveniently located near 3 excellent grocery stores and numerous restaurants. It is centrally located and 15 minutes from everything in Seattle. It takes approximately 7 minutes to get to the Seahawks (Century Link) stadium. One of the greatest things about the complex is the management team. They were all very professional and actually cared about their tenants. To go above and beyond their duties, they would personally drop off any oversized package at our door instead of forcing us to pick them up from the office. We even became friends with Gharret (custodian?), possibly one of the friendliest people on earth. I would recommend this place to anyone interested in moving to West Seattle. read more

As my year with City Watch draws to a close, I can't help but feel wistful. Ironically, I was on my way to City Views when I first stopped into their leasing office by mistake. After a one year nightmare on Bradford Street, I am kicking myself again and again that I didn't ask Piia to tell me what she had available that fateful day. Read my review of City Views for the compete story. It is a terrible shame that Yelp hides many of the reviews for this wonderful complex due to the New Review syndrome. Read them and believe. City Watch is a vanishing breed in West Seattle, where quick-baked, over-priced cookie cutter apartment traps continue to spread like a man-made virus throughout 98116 and 98126. They have 18 floor plans and two 5 story towers right above a commercial space mostly leased by Swedish at the time of writing this. Piia remembered me from the Day I Went Insane and rented from Bradford Street. Smart, sweet and professional to the core, she quickly found me a very nice 1 bedroom 751 sf unit on a third floor. The terrific aspects of life at City Watch spans quite a list. My balcony overlooked 41st Ave which has some neighborhood traffic but is tree lined, green and idyllic for city living. My unit came with new carpet that was easy to keep clean, for a typical monthly fee they are pet friendly, consistent matching counter tops and cabinet / plumbing hardware throughout, no popcorn ceiling, recessed kitchen lights, matching black frig, stove, micro and dishwasher. My laundry room was enclosed with its own door and the trash / recycling rooms on each floor make disposal easy and convenient. Considering the many gray days each year in Seattle, their units are surprisingly well-lit and there are no less than two grocery stores within walking distance. Gated parking beneath the building is cheaper than the public parking building across the street, but is high enough to keep tenants parking in the ever shrinking number of street spots that I figure will be extinct once Whole Foods opens up next door. Make sure the floor plan you select has enough storage for all your things. That was the one short-sighted mistake I made. The office team of Piia and Kevin, always courteous, respond quickly to email and are consistently on site during business hours to assist you. Garrett and David attend to maintenance needs quickly and professionally as well. They continued to tend my ailing toilet during my stay, removed something I didn't know I should have removed from my dishwasher (brand new), even replaced my water heater and keep the grounds super clean. The price point here is high as befits West Seattle, but considering the quality of the construction, the quality of the apartments and the outstanding staff, City Watch is still more affordable than the newer slicker and more cheaply built buildings that continue to surround them and great value. Check here first! read more

I can echo many of the comments here. I had a great year at City Watch. I was lucky to have one of the second floor units with a generous sized patio. The neighborhood is changing rapidly, but I always felt at home there, and the management and staff treated me fairly and professionally throughout my time there. read more

I've been living at City Watch for a couple of years now and have been more than happy with my stay. Piia (manager) and her staff are very positive, responsive and considerate for maintaining a professional, safe, clean and up-to-date living environment, which is one of the main reasons as to why I continue to live here year after year. If you love Seattle, more specifically West Seattle, and are looking for a great place to stay within this great city, you won't be disappointed with City Watch. read more

City Watch Apartments is a gem. Its strengths are its building management and location. Here's a short story to demonstrate the responsiveness and dedication of the City Watch management. My small family moved clear across the country and out of necessity rented a 1BR from City Watch sight unseen. It was a leap of faith. The transaction was managed over the phone and via the internet, seamlessly, through Piia the manager. When we arrived in Seattle a member of the team, Kevin, met us (at 10PM!) to let us into our space so we could spend our first night in our new home. I thought that was worth mentioning, because as an act of professionalism it's yet to be matched in my experience by any company, apartment-complex, airline or whatever. Since then they've been rapid in their response time and understanding of our needs. As far as amenities go, it's all about location and for the price you're paying this is a very good location. The building sits close to a Trader Joe's, West Seattle Produce, Safeway and QFC (24 hours). It'll be within spitting distance of the soon to be built Whole Foods. It's two blocks away from Alaska Junction, the best Junction (over Admiral and Morgan) and a five minute walk from the Rapid Ride C line to downtown. Additionally, the prices are reasonable compared to a lot of the newer developments. That's because they're not making you pay for an elliptical machine you never use. What you get for your money is good management, good location and a reasonable price. We're glad that we landed at City Watch and you will be too. read more

My family lived here in 2016 when the housing market heated up and we found ourselves in between homes for a period of time. Through the madness the folks at Citywatch were super friendly and accommodating. The apartments are updated and well maintained. In terms of apartments in West Seattle this property is in a prime location and fairly priced. I have and would recommend this place to others. The apartment manager is pleasant, thorough, professional and informative. The maintenance staff is very friendly and do a great job keeping this place looking neat and nice. We certainly enjoyed the great sense of community this place has to offer. read more

I've lived in City Watch Apartments for about a year and cannot begin to explain how happy I am here. I was in a rush to move out of my old building. It was a terribly stressful situation. Piia in the main office of City Watch, from day one, was extremely supportive and accommodating. She made the move-in transition as easy as possible. She took a huge load off my shoulders. The maintenance workers here are extremely efficient and responsive to my maintenance needs. In addition, the apartment is located close to the junction that has plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore. Close to the major bus lines, but not on the main street, it's only a few minutes walk to major commuter buses running downtown. I highly recommend this building to anyone looking for the excitement of Seattle life with the unique quality of a small town feeling! read more