Argent Cottages: Independent Living in Summerville
What Argent Cottages offers
Argent Cottages by Hawthorne Residential is an independent living community in Summerville designed for adults 55 and older. Residents live in private cottages on a shared campus rather than in traditional apartment buildings, with access to common amenities, activities, and support services on-site. The community sits near downtown Summerville, close to shops, restaurants, and medical facilities.
The cottages themselves are standalone homes, not stacked units. Each has its own entrance, parking, and outdoor space. Floor plans range from one-bedroom to two-bedroom layouts, and residents own or lease their cottages depending on the arrangement they choose. This setup appeals to people who want the independence of a private home with the convenience of community services nearby.
Hawthorne Residential operates multiple communities across the Southeast, and Argent Cottages follows their model of blending residential privacy with shared programming. The community is not a nursing facility or assisted living environment—it serves people who are active and independent but want the social and practical benefits of a managed community.
Key Takeaways
- Argent Cottages is an independent living community for adults 55 and older located in Summerville, with private cottages rather than apartments.
- Residents have their own homes with private entrances and parking, plus access to shared amenities, activities, and on-site services.
- Floor plans include one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages, with options to own or lease depending on your preference and financial situation.
- The community is managed by Hawthorne Residential, a regional operator with multiple independent living communities in the Southeast.
- Argent Cottages is designed for people who are independent and active, not for those requiring daily medical care or assistance with daily living tasks.
Cottage layouts and what's included
The one-bedroom cottages typically feature a bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen, and living area with a patio or small yard. Two-bedroom units add a second bedroom and often a second bathroom, giving couples or residents with guests more space. Each cottage has its own heating and cooling system, so residents control their own comfort and utilities.
Standard features usually include a kitchen with appliances, washer and dryer hookups or in-unit laundry depending on the floor plan, and storage space. Many cottages have screened porches or patios. The exact finishes and upgrades vary by unit age and renovation status, so touring the specific cottage you're interested in matters.
Rent or purchase price depends on the floor plan, location within the community, and current market conditions at Argent Cottages. Contact the community directly for current pricing, as costs change seasonally and with availability.
Amenities and community activities
Argent Cottages maintains common areas for residents to gather, including a clubhouse, fitness center, and outdoor spaces. Regular activities and social events bring residents together—these typically include fitness classes, card games, dining events, and outings to local attractions. The specific calendar of activities changes seasonally.
Many independent living communities also offer optional services like housekeeping, meal plans, transportation to medical appointments, and maintenance support. At Argent Cottages, some of these services are included in your monthly fee, while others are available for an additional cost. Ask the community what's bundled into the base rent and what costs extra.
The Summerville location means residents are near Summerville Medical Center, local shopping on Main Street, and parks like Azalea Park. This proximity is practical for both daily errands and medical needs.
Ownership versus leasing options
Argent Cottages offers both purchase and rental arrangements. Some residents buy their cottages outright or with financing, which gives them ownership equity and potentially lower long-term costs. Others lease month-to-month or on longer terms, which offers flexibility and no maintenance responsibility beyond the interior of the home.
If you purchase, you own the cottage but typically pay a monthly community fee that covers access to amenities, activities, and common area maintenance. If you lease, your monthly rent includes these services. The choice depends on your financial situation, how long you plan to stay, and whether you want to build equity in the property.
Financing options and lease terms vary, so discuss both paths with the community's sales team to understand the total cost of each approach over your expected stay.
Who independent living is right for
Independent living communities like Argent Cottages work best for people who are active, healthy, and able to manage their own daily care—cooking, cleaning, medication, and personal hygiene. If you need help with these tasks regularly, assisted living or memory care is a better fit. Argent Cottages is not a medical facility and does not provide nursing care or daily assistance.
The community appeals to people who want to downsize from a single-family home, reduce home maintenance, and gain social connection with peers. Many residents are newly retired or semi-retired and want the freedom to travel or pursue hobbies without worrying about yard work or home repairs.
If you live alone and value having neighbors nearby for social reasons, or if you're a couple looking to simplify your living situation while staying independent, this model often works well. Visit during a community event to see whether the social atmosphere and activity level match what you're looking for.
How to visit and learn more
Argent Cottages welcomes tours by appointment. Call the community directly or visit their website to schedule a time. Tours typically include a walk through the common areas, a model cottage or available unit, and a conversation with a community representative who can answer questions about pricing, lease terms, and services.
Bring a list of questions about what's included in your monthly fee, what utilities you pay separately, pet policies, guest policies, and the process for moving in. If you're considering purchase, ask about financing options and what happens if you need to sell later.
Many people find it helpful to visit more than once—once for the formal tour and once to drop by during an activity or meal time to see residents in action and get a feel for the community's actual daily rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be 55 to live at Argent Cottages?
Yes, Argent Cottages is restricted to residents 55 and older. This age requirement is standard for independent living communities and allows the community to tailor activities, services, and programming to that demographic. If you're younger but interested in a similar living model, ask the community whether they have any exceptions or whether they can recommend other options.
What happens if I need medical care or assistance later?
Independent living is designed for people who remain independent. If your health changes and you need daily assistance, nursing care, or memory care, you would need to move to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. Some Hawthorne Residential communities operate multiple levels of care on the same campus, so ask whether Argent Cottages has partnerships or sister communities that could help with a transition if needed.
Are pets allowed?
Most independent living communities allow pets, but policies vary by community and sometimes by unit. Some limit the number, size, or type of pet. Contact Argent Cottages directly to learn their current pet policy before you commit to moving with a pet.
Can I lease month-to-month, or do I have to sign a long-term lease?
Lease terms vary. Some communities offer month-to-month flexibility, while others require a minimum lease period—often 12 months. Ask about the current lease options when you tour, as policies can change based on occupancy and market conditions.
What's the difference between buying and renting a cottage here?
Buying means you own the property and build equity, but you pay a monthly community fee and are responsible for property taxes and insurance. Renting means you pay monthly rent that covers amenities and services, but you have no ownership stake and more flexibility to leave. The total cost of each option depends on purchase price, financing rates, rent levels, and how long you stay.