Summit Place by Cardinal Group: Off-Campus Housing Near USC

What Summit Place offers and where it is

Summit Place is an off-campus residential community built and managed by Cardinal Group, located near the University of South Carolina's campus in Columbia. The property houses students in apartment-style units with shared and private bedroom options, designed as an alternative to on-campus dormitories. It sits within walking distance of USC's main campus and the Five Points entertainment district, putting students near classes, restaurants, and nightlife without living in university housing.

The community includes amenities typical of purpose-built student housing: furnished units, high-speed internet, fitness facilities, study spaces, and common areas. Lease terms align with the academic calendar, so students can rent for a single semester, a full year, or multiple years depending on their needs and Cardinal Group's current offerings.

Key Takeaways

• Summit Place is privately owned and managed by Cardinal Group, not by USC, so you rent directly from the company rather than through the university housing office.
• The property offers both shared and private bedroom layouts, with leases that typically run on academic-year schedules.
• Location near Five Points and USC's campus means shorter commutes to classes and easy access to dining and entertainment.
• You will need to contact Cardinal Group directly to learn about current availability, pricing, lease terms, and move-in dates.

How to find current pricing and availability

Cardinal Group manages Summit Place's leasing directly, so pricing, floor plans, and open units change throughout the year. The company typically opens leasing for the following academic year in the fall and winter, with availability shrinking as the semester approaches. Contacting them early — especially if you are planning to live there for the first time — gives you the widest choice of units and move-in dates.

You can reach Cardinal Group through their website or by visiting the property in person. Staff can walk you through floor plans, explain what utilities and services are included in rent, discuss lease lengths, and answer questions about parking, pet policies, and community rules. Many students find it helpful to tour the space and ask about the current student population before committing to a lease.

What to expect in the lease and move-in process

Off-campus leases differ from university housing agreements in important ways. Cardinal Group's lease is a legal contract between you and the company, not between you and USC. You are responsible for paying rent on time, maintaining the unit, and following community policies. If disputes arise — over deposits, repairs, or lease terms — you work directly with the company's management, not through a university housing office.

Before signing, read the lease carefully and ask about what happens if you need to break it early, how maintenance requests are handled, what the move-out inspection process looks like, and whether your security deposit is refundable. Understand which utilities are included in rent and which you pay separately. Ask about guest policies, quiet hours, and any fees beyond base rent (parking, pet fees, amenity fees). These details vary by lease and can significantly affect your total housing cost.

Parking, utilities, and other costs to factor in

Rent at Summit Place covers the unit itself, but other expenses depend on what Cardinal Group includes in the lease. Some leases bundle utilities like water, trash, and internet; others require you to pay them separately or cap what the company covers. Parking may be included, assigned for an additional fee, or available on a first-come basis. If you have a pet, Cardinal Group may allow them under specific rules and fees.

When comparing Summit Place to other housing options, add up the full monthly cost: base rent plus utilities, parking, pet fees, and any other charges. This total is what you will actually pay each month. Ask Cardinal Group for a breakdown of what is included and what is not before you commit to a lease.

How Summit Place compares to other off-campus options

Columbia has several off-campus student housing communities near USC, each with different layouts, price points, and amenities. Some properties are older converted houses or smaller complexes; others, like Summit Place, are newer purpose-built communities with more uniform amenities and professional management. Newer properties often cost more but may offer better maintenance, more consistent internet and utilities, and newer appliances and furniture.

You might also consider renting a house or apartment directly from a private landlord, which can be cheaper but often requires you to handle your own utilities, internet, and maintenance requests. University housing, if you are still may be able to access, offers the advantage of being on campus and managed by USC staff, though it typically has less privacy and fewer amenities than off-campus apartments. Visit a few properties, compare lease terms and total costs, and think about what matters most to you — proximity to campus, price, amenities, or independence.

Questions to ask Cardinal Group before you sign

Before committing to a lease at Summit Place, clarify the details that will affect your daily life and budget. Ask whether the lease is for one semester or a full year, what the renewal process looks like, and what happens if you need to leave early. Confirm which utilities are included and which you pay separately, and ask for an estimate of what utilities typically cost. Find out how maintenance requests are submitted and how quickly they are usually handled.

Ask about the move-in date, move-out date, and what the move-out inspection process involves. Understand the security deposit — how much it is, when it is returned, and what deductions are common. Ask about parking (included or extra cost, assigned or first-come), pet policies (allowed or not, any fees), and guest policies. If you are planning to live there with roommates, ask how roommate conflicts are handled and whether you can choose your roommates or if Cardinal Group assigns them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Summit Place owned by USC?

No. Summit Place is privately owned and managed by Cardinal Group, a real estate company that develops student housing near universities. While it is located near USC's campus and houses many USC students, it is not part of the university's housing system. You rent directly from Cardinal Group, not through USC's housing office.

Can I live at Summit Place if I am not a USC student?

That depends on Cardinal Group's policies. Most student housing communities prioritize university students but may rent to others if units are available. Contact Cardinal Group directly to ask whether they rent to non-students and what documentation they require.

What if I need to break my lease early?

Early lease termination policies vary. Some leases allow it with a penalty fee; others do not allow it at all. Read your lease carefully before signing, and ask Cardinal Group what the specific terms are. If your circumstances change after you sign, contact management immediately to discuss your options.

Are utilities included in the rent?

It depends on the lease. Some units at Summit Place include utilities; others do not. Ask Cardinal Group for a detailed breakdown of what is included in your specific lease and what you will pay separately each month.

How far is Summit Place from USC's main campus?

Summit Place is within walking distance of USC's campus and very close to the Five Points area. The exact distance depends on which part of campus you need to reach, but most students can walk to classes in 10 to 20 minutes. You can also use USC's bus system or ride a bike if you prefer.