8 reasons why Ohioans love Hocking Hills.
For decades, Hocking Hills has been Ohio’s best-kept secret — a place where nature lovers, hikers, and weekend adventurers escape for fresh air and stunning scenery.
But in recent years, it’s become something more: a real estate hotspot, especially for buyers from Columbus who are looking for second homes, vacation rentals, or permanent escapes from city life.
So why are so many Columbus-area residents investing in Hocking Hills real estate? Let’s break it down.
1. Location, location… Escape.
One of the biggest draws is simple geography. Hocking Hills is just over an hour southeast of Columbus, making it the perfect “close but far enough” getaway.
For buyers who want to be able to leave work on Friday and be at their cabin by dinner, the location is unbeatable.
Unlike destinations that require hours of driving or flights, Hocking Hills offers convenience without sacrificing that “out-of-the-city” feel.
Many Columbus professionals, families, and retirees are realizing they can have the best of both worlds: city access during the week, and forest tranquility on the weekends.
2. A Built-in tourism market.
Each year, millions of people visit Hocking Hills to explore Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and countless other trails and attractions. With this steady flow of visitors, the region has a thriving short-term rental market.
For investors, this is gold. Cabins, chalets, and vacation homes consistently book out on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, often months in advance. Seasonal demand is strong year-round — fall foliage, winter hiking, spring wildflowers, and summer adventures keep the calendar full.
This means that even if buyers from Columbus don’t live in Hocking Hills full-time, they can easily generate income when they’re not using the property themselves.
3. Investment potential and rising values.
Real estate in Hocking Hills is limited by nature — literally. Much of the land is preserved as state parks or protected areas, so the supply of private property will always be restricted.
Pair that with rising demand from Columbus buyers and national investors, and it creates strong upward pressure on home values.
Over the past several years, cabins and custom-built homes in Hocking Hills have appreciated significantly. What used to be “just a cabin in the woods” is now a valuable asset that often doubles as a profitable business.
Buyers who purchased five or ten years ago are seeing excellent returns, both in terms of property value and rental income.
For Columbus buyers worried about putting money into an overheated city market, Hocking Hills offers a compelling alternative with long-term upside.
4. Lifestyle upgrade: from traffic to tranquility.
For some buyers, it’s not just about ROI — it’s about quality of life.
Living in Hocking Hills means swapping freeway noise for the sound of waterfalls, replacing office views with forest skylines, and enjoying dark skies where you can actually see the stars. Even for part-time owners, the mental reset of having a second home in nature is priceless.
Columbus families use their cabins for weekend retreats, retirees make the move for a slower pace, and professionals who now work remotely see Hocking Hills as an ideal permanent home.
The lifestyle is rustic yet comfortable, with modern amenities just a short drive away in Logan or Lancaster.
5. Diverse real estate options.
One reason Hocking Hills appeals to such a wide range of Columbus buyers is the variety of properties available:
Rustic cabins and chalets for weekend escapes.
Luxury lodges designed for large groups and premium rentals.
Custom-built homes on wooded acreage for privacy and seclusion.
Vacant land for those who want to design their dream cabin.
Unlike urban neighborhoods where homes often look the same, Hocking Hills properties are as unique as the landscapes they sit on.
6. A community that balances small-town charm with big town attractions.
Hocking Hills isn’t just about hiking trails. Locals enjoy farmers’ markets, small-town festivals, wineries, breweries, and art fairs. There’s a real sense of community — one where neighbors look out for one another but also welcome the constant flow of new visitors.
For Columbus buyers who want the peace of small-town life without giving up culture, the region strikes a perfect balance. And when you do need more? Columbus, Lancaster, and Athens are all within easy reach.
7. Year-round appeal.
Unlike some vacation areas that only shine in one season, Hocking Hills has year-round appeal:
Fall: breathtaking foliage and crisp hikes.
Winter: frozen waterfalls, snow-dusted trails, and cozy cabin living.
Spring: wildflowers and rushing waterfalls after the thaw.
Summer: boating, ziplining, and camping under the stars.
This isn’t just good for lifestyle buyers — it’s also a major advantage for investors who want to keep rental calendars full.
8. The “Columbus connection.”
Perhaps the biggest reason Hocking Hills is so hot right now: Columbus buyers are driving the market.
Families in Dublin, New Albany, and Upper Arlington are buying weekend cabins.
Retirees from Bexley and Worthington are downsizing into full-time Hocking Hills living.
Young professionals in the Short North and Arena District are pooling resources to buy income-producing properties.
With so many Columbus buyers eyeing the region, demand continues to rise — and those who get in early are positioned to benefit most.
Explore Hocking Hills real estate.
Whether you’re considering a vacation home, an income-producing cabin, or a permanent move, Hocking Hills offers a rare mix of natural beauty, community charm, and financial upside.
The Mancini Group specializes in helping Columbus buyers navigate this unique market. We’ll guide you through available listings, evaluate investment potential, and make sure you find the property that fits your goals.
The Mancini Group
mandy@themancinigroupsells.com
614-796-5077
