Tucked away in the woods, our cabins are the ultimate in cozy getaways. Imagine replacing a loud honking car with the soothing sound of rustling leaves or a babbling brook. Then mix the earthy scents of wood and wildflowers. If this sounds like heaven to you, you are not alone. According to his home rental company Evolve, the popularity of cabins has increased 37% since his 2021, making this type of property an excellent investment. To help potential his second homeowner, the company recently released a report on the best places to buy a cabin in the United States.
“We are looking at destinations that will benefit both investors and guests,” said Louis Olds, Director of Real Estate at Evolve. Travel + Leisure. “For investors, we identify locations with attractive returns and strong guest demand. Consider amenities such as fireplaces and hot tubs.”
So, without further ado, here are the 12 best places to buy a cabin in the US and escape the stress of everyday life.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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Known as the gateway to America’s most popular national park, the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a year-round playground for travelers seeking outdoor adventure. With miles of hiking trails with spectacular scenery, picturesque mountain vistas, and access to family-friendly amenities and attractions, this destination draws vacationers from all over the country. So it’s no wonder cabins here are in high demand. Evolve estimates that the average homeowner earns him $39,715 a year, with some earning a whopping $105,000.
hocking hills, ohio
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Hocking Hills may not be a household name, but this amazing, unremarkable region southeast of Columbus, Ohio, is a nature lover’s dream. Weathering of the Black Hand sandstone in the area has created beautiful caves, waterfalls and canyons over time, making the Hocking Hills an exciting hiking destination. Vacationers looking to unwind amidst lush forests and scenic vistas will not be disappointed. There are also many options for potential homeowners. Homes range from small and cozy to sprawling multi-million dollar log cabins. And according to Evolve, you can make nearly $40,000 a year if you decide to rent a second home.
Fairbanks, Alaska
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Alaska conjures images of pristine nature where wildlife roams freely. And this is exactly what you will find in Fairbanks. He’s the second largest city in the state, he’s two hours from Denali National Park and Preserve, and he’s home to six million acres of pristine wilderness, including the tallest mountains in North America. To maximize your (and your potential renters’) experience, you can choose from classic Focus your search on log cabins.
Bryson City, North Carolina
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One of North Carolina’s most charming small towns, Bryson City has a lot to offer, with a downtown area lined with independent shops, restaurants and breweries. Travelers flock here primarily to access natural treasures such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. You can also enjoy all the outdoor activities and beautiful scenery that come with it. The cabins here are a hot commodity, with a median listing price below his $250,000, making this area perfect for first-time investors and those looking for an affordable vacation home.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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The downtown area of Eureka Springs, with its Victorian buildings and winding streets, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But beyond its unique architecture, the town has much to offer nature lovers. Surrounded by two rivers and his three lakes, this Ozark town treats cabin residents and renters with an endless list of water heir activities, mountain trails and idyllic scenery throughout the year. Evolve estimates an annual cap rate of 6.4%. This, combined with the low median home price ($238,451), means you can make about $22,000 a year from your Eureka Springs cabin.
Lake George, New York
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The Adirondack is a seasonal playground for New Yorkers, offering visitors a welcome respite from city life. Known as “the birthplace of American vacation,” Lake George has been the crown jewel of the region and a go-to vacation destination for generations of Americans since at least his 1800s. Swimming, hiking, and water activities abound here, so investing in a secluded cabin is easy. Well worth the investment here, especially when compared to other popular mountain destinations near New York City. With high cap rates (6%) and relatively affordable housing ($351,712), Lake George is a great destination to own a cabin.
Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota
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With hundreds of lakes, rivers and dense forests, it’s no wonder Brainerd Lake is known as “Minnesota’s Playground” and is one of the best places to own a vacation home in the United States. A top spot for golf lovers. When you purchase a cabin here, you can wake up to idyllic mountain and lake views, cool breezes and birdsong. Plus, if you’re in the investment property market, he suggests Evolve focus your search on lakefront cabins with docks, cozy fireplaces, and game rooms.
blue ridge, georgia
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About 90 miles north of Atlanta, this old-fashioned mountain town offers access to over 100,000 acres of forest, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, vineyards and unforgettable, breathtaking scenery. The rolling hills outside the Blue Ridge are dotted with farms, luxury lodges and cabins, offering unique stay and investment opportunities. To increase your profit potential, look for cabins with large windows and beautiful views. You can earn close to $30,000 a year.
Asheville, North Carolina
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Known as a premier food destination with an excellent hospitality scene and historic architecture, Asheville is often ranked among the best cities in the United States. Tucked away in a mountain range, it offers outdoor adventures, endless mountain views, and epic hikes. Naturally, Asheville’s appeal to both types of travelers means that cabin rental possibilities in the Blue Ridge Mountains are even greater. His top Evolve tip for buying a home here is to look for proximity to the city’s downtown without sacrificing privacy, amenities, or beautiful natural surroundings.
Dover, Vermont
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Originally a summer vacation destination, Dover’s lush mountains, scenic lakes and ponds were visited in the hot months until the development of Mount Snow Resort in the 1950s, making the town a favorite with winter sports fans. It didn’t bore anyone. And with spectacular fall foliage, Dover is now the quintessential New England four-season destination.
Cabins in the area have a modest cap rate of 3.9%, but you can still make over $25,000 a year if you decide to rent a property. To appeal to potential renters, be sure to offer proximity to Mount Snow and a variety of fun amenities such as fire pits, game rooms and fireplaces.
livingston, montana
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One visit to Livingstone is enough to make you want to move here full-time. The town of Montana sits on the banks of the Yellowstone River and is surrounded by spectacular scenery. With Yellowstone National Park nearby, this town’s vibrant arts scene, family-owned restaurants and laid-back atmosphere will satisfy those seeking a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty.
To make the most of your second home here, choose a cabin with ample fishing opportunities, panoramic mountain views, and close proximity to Yellowstone.
Grand Lake, Colorado
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Who can say no to a majestic view of a lake towering over the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains? Colorado’s largest natural body of water, Grand Lake, is bustling with activity during the summer months. But winter brings a different kind of fun to the lake’s scenic shores. Known as the snowmobiling capital of Colorado (you can even ride a snowmobile on the town roads). Visitors can also enjoy epic adventures when the temperature drops.