Raytown is a city in Jackson County, Missouri and is also considered a suburb of Kansas City. The City of Raytown is 10.4 square miles located southeast of downtown Kansas City with a proximity that serves as a crossroads to the surrounding communities. Raytown has easy access to I-435, I-470 and I-70 which means that this city is only minutes away from downtown Kansas City, the Country Club Plaza, and several major sports venues.Raytown began as a Santa Fe Trail stop just eight miles south of Independence, and is likely the second oldest town in Jackson County. Originally home to the Osage Indians, several tradesmen eventually established businesses along the trail including a blacksmith named William Ray who built his shop on the Santa Fe Trail. Ray’s blacksmith shop was located at a junction of several trails making this town a meeting place and a vital connection to the west. The settlement around the blacksmith shop was known first as "Ray's Town" and later as "Raytown." Raytown was incorporated as a city on July 17, 1950.Raytown is home to many local, national and international businesses including KCP&L, GE Energy, USA 800, Inc., and Ken-A-Vision Manufacturing Co., Inc. The residents are able to take advantage of a central location to the KC Metro area, a low tax base, and an economy strong in redevelopment and growth.
This is about Raytown as a whole. Or as I like to call it Raytizzle or Raytona Beach! I love Raytown because I live there and because I tell everybody that Raytown is the MOST bang for your buck in the METRO! You can get something pretty sizable, with a decent sized backyard in a quiet neighborhood for around 250k! Full disclosure. I did not grow up in KC so I do not know the extensive history of Raytown but I love it for what it is. It has a lot of underrated little gem neighborhoods, i.e. Wildwood Lakes. Did you know Raytown does in fact have a small lake community? A lot of people don't! I have said since I moved into the area that Raytown is primed to be a BOOM part of the city. That will happen if certain political people are out of the way.But yes, Raytown doesn't have many great restaurants or bars. It does not have a bustling lively mainstreet with boutique shops. But DARN IT it is trying! But it is 15 minutes away from great shopping and entertainment of both Lee's Summit and KC proper. So if you are looking for a no frills town that has the potential to be something special and you truly want the most bang for your buck, Raytown is your spot!!!