On the shores of Lake Erie, just 10 minutes north of Cleveland, lies the hamlet of Bratenahl, Ohio, a quiet stretch of lakefront land known for its Gilded Age mansions. Once the playground of the Midwest’s industrial titans, the town is now home to none other than Kansas City Chiefs tight end (and newlywed) Travis Kelce, who closed on a $5.35 million estate this past spring with the help of The Agency Cleveland’s very own David Ayers and Nick Zawitz.

Many are wondering why celebrities and high net worth individuals seem to be flocking to the Midwest, but to David and Nick, the answer is simple: normalcy (or something akin to it).

The Midwest, and Bratenahl specifically, is no stranger to wealth. At the turn of the century, magnates of the steel and iron industries set their sights on Lakeshore Drive (now known as Millionaires’ Row), painstakingly building grand Victorian summer homes to escape the hustle and bustle of Cleveland and other nearby cities. One of the most striking examples of this architectural grandeur, and the former estate of industrialist Samuel Mather, now houses The Shoreby Club, a prestigious members-only establishment.

With its historic homes and quiet community feel, this now well-known town recalls a simpler time and offers a slower way of life for the uber-wealthy, perhaps even an opportunity for a normal one.

“I think Cleveland and the surrounding area is overlooked a lot, and that’s part of the appeal. This is a hidden gem of a place,” says Ayers. “These highly visible people can potentially access a level of ordinary that they wouldn’t be able to access in a lot of other places. Add in the Midwestern values, phenomenal schools, the tight-knit community—those kinds of elements are priceless.”

Aside from the feeling of home you get in Bratenahl, the central location is a huge plus for jetsetters. “I don’t think people realize where the Midwest is located, especially Cleveland,” Zawitz explains. “We’re just a 45-minute flight to LaGuardia. And you can get to Chicago in an hour. We’re close to Nashville, Indianapolis, and a 2.5-hour flight to Naples, Florida, and 2 hours to Miami.”

The perks don’t end there. Buyers can find astounding value for homes throughout the Buckeye State.

“The houses we see in Bratenahl you would see in Westchester for $50-$70 million,” added Zawitz. “I’ve had people genuinely ask, ‘Do I get all that for $3 million? Along with the acreage and the lake access?” The answer is yes. The Agency Cleveland has seen so much recent traction, in fact, that a new branch is opening soon in the Columbus area, continuing to serve luxury buyers with an unmatched white-glove, boutique experience.

To learn more about Bratenahl and to see available local listings, contact The Agency Cleveland’s David Ayers and Nick Zawitz.