Living in the American Heartland

It’s said that Ohio lies at “the heart of it all.” But what does that beloved phrase really mean? If you’re considering a relocation to the region, you’ll be drawn in by the affordability of southeast Ohio and will ultimately stay for the high quality of life.

High Quality of Life with a Low Cost of Living

Life in southeast Ohio reveals why millions of Americans choose to call the Buckeye State home. With beautiful public lands, quaint towns, affordable homes, and plenty to do, there’s lots to love when considering a move to Ohio’s southeast counties.

The overall cost of living in Ohio is 8% lower than the national average. Looking at individual metrics, housing is 12% lower, monthly utilities are 2% lower, health care is 4% lower, transportation is 5% lower, and general goods and services are 10% lower than average. These statistics on Ohio’s affordability take into account the major metropolitan areas of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, and the cost of living in southeast Ohio is even lower, on average, than the rest of the state.

Buying a house is significantly more affordable in Ohio compared to other parts of the United States. The state’s average starter home price in 2024 was $164,570, making home ownership possible on an annual income of just $39,416. Many Americans across the country need to more than double that income to start their homeowner journey. The median cost of a house in the United States for 2025 was slightly above $400,000, requiring an annual household income of over $100,000.

Hiking, Camping, and Life Outdoors

With 26 state parks, 245 hiking trails, and 64,000 acres of national forest, there are endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors in southeast Ohio. Ohio is one of only seven states that allow free admission to all its state parks.

Hocking Hills State Park boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. With waterfalls, caves, and natural rock formations, visitors can hike to Rock Bridge, Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, the Cantwell Cliffs, and more. Kayaking, camping, and disc golf are also popular.

Southeast Ohio is home to the state’s only national forest. The Wayne National Forest has opportunities to hike, fish, camp, and boat. Mountain biking, hunting, and riding horses on the 300 miles of trails make the forest a local favorite in the southeast region.

Southeastern Ohio is home to part of the state's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, built by Native Americans 2,000 years ago, can be visited in Chillicothe and elsewhere around the state. The large earthen enclosures are believed to be sacred constructions from Ohio’s indigenous peoples, connected to astrological events.

Central to America’s Waterways and Highways

The Ohio River is a large part of life in southeast Ohio. Acting as the state boundary along 451 miles of Ohio’s eastern and southern borders, most towns and cities in the southeast are within an hour’s drive from the river’s amenities. The Ohio River Museum chronicles the rich history of the Ohio River’s impact on southeast Ohio and the entire Midwest. Visitors are taken back in time to learn about the origins of river use as well as the bustling steamboat era.

If you’re looking to relocate close to other desirable parts of the United States, then southeast Ohio is a great choice. Over half the population of the U.S. lives within 500 miles of the region and many major U.S. cities are accessible within a day’s drive. Southeast Ohio is also relatively close to both the Great Lakes as you head north and the Appalachian mountain range to the south.

Choose southeast Ohio as your next destination for investment, work, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Sources:

https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/oh/

https://www.realtor.com/advice/hyperlocal/salary-you-need-to-buy-home-ohio/

https://www.investopedia.com/this-is-the-salary-you-need-to-buy-a-house-in-every-us-state-8779119