5 Things to Know About Cottage Living at a Life Plan Community

March 7, 2023 / Blog / Solutions Advisors

For many people, homeownership stands as one of life’s true joys. But what happens when maintaining a home begins to feel like a chore?

If you enjoy owning your home, you may not have considered a move to a new cottage on the campus of a Life Plan community. Once you begin looking into the advantages, you may find an overwhelming amount of information. To help simplify your search, we’ve created this brief primer on the top five things to know about cottage living on the campus of a Life Plan community.

1. You’ll Enjoy a Low-Maintenance Lifestyle

How do you plan to maintain your independence and vitality in the future? If you prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle that does not include household chores — one that gives you plenty of time for the activities you enjoy — an independent living cottage may meet your needs.

In an independent living cottage, you trade the significant responsibilities of home maintenance for beautifully landscaped grounds, access to inviting common areas and a private residence specifically decorated to your liking. On-site team members tend to the daily tasks that make a house a home, from changing light bulbs and cleaning to mowing the grass and making repairs.

When the time comes for spring cleaning, you get to continue enjoying your normal daily activities as you leave the hard work to the team members who work in the community.

2. You Choose the Floor Plan That Suits You

You may think that if you move to an independent living cottage, you will have only limited options for your residence. Nothing could be further from the truth!

In an independent living cottage, you can select from an available floor plan for the space and layout that best fit your personality and needs. In addition, The Cottages at Buffalo Hill offer two-bedroom options with new, open floor plans and modern finishes such as new stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and a full-size washer and drier.

Once you choose the ideal space for your needs, it’s yours to decorate as you choose with treasured furnishings and artwork. 

3. You’ll Benefit From a Range of Services and Amenities

Living in an independent living cottage provides various services and amenities available right on campus. These services reduce daily responsibilities so you can spend your time with activities and people you enjoy. Landscaping, security, housekeeping, maintenance and dining are among the many services offered.

In addition, you have access to a wide range of amenities to enjoy. On-site amenities such as a library, Bistro and Lounge, heated swimming pool, garden areas, a spa and activities rooms allow you to enjoy socializing and practicing your favorite hobby. Meanwhile, you (and your family when you decide to invite them) can enjoy a delicious, chef-prepared meal in beautiful dining venues, along with stimulating workouts in the on-site fitness center.

You will also gain peace of mind from around-the-clock security personnel and security technology, so when you choose to visit your favorite vacation spot or travel to see family, you can be secure in knowing your home is still being cared for while you are gone.

4. You Need Never Feel Lonely or Bored

In your independent living cottage, you will find endless opportunities for socializing, learning, having fun and engaging with others. Your community will offer a full schedule of interesting programming, including lectures, performances, socials, discussions, courses and more.

In addition, you can build friendships by using the amenities throughout the community. If you enjoy exercise, you’re likely to meet like-minded individuals in the workout area and fitness classes. For those who enjoy engaging in stimulating conversation, you can chat with friends at dinner or invite friends to your own homemade (or take-out) dinner in your cottage.  

If you consider yourself an introvert, living in a cottage offers the privacy you may crave. When you’re ready to get out and meet people, you can do so at your own pace.

Visit our photo gallery for an insight into the community and some of the residents. 

5. You’ll Have Access to Additional Assistance

Even if you live in an independent living cottage, can manage all of your daily activities, and do not need frequent medical assistance, you can access additional assistance — if and when needed. In a community such as Immanuel Lutheran Communities, with a full continuum of care, you can be confident that high-quality medical care is available if your health needs should change. 

When you choose an independent living cottage with a continuum of care available on the same campus, you ensure an easy transition between levels of support. 

The Cottages at Buffalo Hill, on the campus of Immanuel Lutheran Communities, offers a full continuum of services along with stunning views, a beautifully landscaped campus, and a variety of services and amenities to meet the needs of the active older adult who wants to continue to enjoy life, on their own terms and at their own pace. 


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