Why Travis Kelce Chose This Ohio Town Over NYC

Lucía Torres · 2026-09-17

### A Hidden Gem on Lake Erie Just 10 minutes north of Cleveland, along the shores of Lake Erie, sits Bratenahl, Ohio—a quiet village known for its Gilded Age mansions. Once the summer playground of Midwest industrial titans, it's now home to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. He closed on a $5.35 million estate this spring with help from The Agency Cleveland's David Ayers and Nick Zawitz. So why would a superstar choose Northeast Ohio over New York or LA? According to David and Nick, it's all about normalcy. ### The Allure of Normalcy "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." Bratenahl has always been a haven for the wealthy. At the turn of the century, steel and iron magnates built grand Victorian summer homes on Lakeshore Drive—now Millionaires' Row—to escape the city bustle. One of the most striking estates, former home of industrialist Samuel Mather, now houses The Shoreby Club, a prestigious members-only retreat. With its historic homes and quiet community feel, Bratenahl offers a slower pace for the uber-wealthy—and perhaps a taste of normal life. ### Location, Location, Location For jetsetters, Bratenahl's central location is a huge plus. "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 get astounding value throughout Ohio. "The houses we see in Bratenahl you would see in Westchester for $50-$70 million," adds 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 traction that a new branch is opening soon in Columbus, continuing to serve luxury buyers with an unmatched white-glove, boutique experience. ### Local Listings Worth a Look If you're curious about the Cleveland market, here are three properties that stand out: - **3083 Oxbow Road, Richfield, OH 44286** – 3 beds, 7 baths. Contact Nicholas Zawitz at 440.567.7068. - **8900 Eagle Road, Kirtland, OH 44094** – 7 beds, 10 baths. Contact David Ayers at 917.519.0622. - **3450 Roundwood Road, Hunting Valley, OH 44022** – 14 beds, 16 baths. Contact David Ayers at 917.519.0622. To learn more about Bratenahl and see available listings, reach out to David Ayers and Nick Zawitz at The Agency Cleveland.