CASS COUNTY, MO
County Offices
102 East Wall Street
Harrisonville, MO 816-380-8102
www.casscounty.com
Chamber of Commerce
323 Main Street
Belton, MO 816-331-2420
www.beltonmochamber.com
Those who prefer the quiet, scenic countryside to the fast pace of a metropolitan environment will want to explore Cass County. From its rural beginnings, the county is emerging a progressive and viable economic force rather than a cluster of small bedroom communities populated by commuters.
In Cass County’s small towns, you’ll find Midwestern friendliness and traditional values in close proximity to some of the finest social, cultural, educational, and recreational amenities anywhere in the nation. Imagine an area that combines natural beauty, a low cost of living, efficient transportation and room for expansion—and you have some idea why Cass County is a “hot spot” for new business and residential development.
Cass County’s diverse economic base includes biotech firms, retail trade, healthcare organizations and manufacturers. With quality transportation corridors, plenty of land for expansion, and a low cost of doing business, Cass County is equally attractive to well-established corporations and entrepreneurs launching a new business. Retail and commercial activities is on the rise and beautiful new industrial parks are cropping up in many of the county’s cities and towns, particularly Belton and Harrisonville.
In addition to a network of local highways, Interstate 71 and Highway 291 provide easy connections to major interstates throughout the metroplex. The Kansas City International Airport is 45 to 60 miles from Cass County, although local services include air freight at Richards-Gebaur Airport and general aviation at the Lawrence Smith Memorial Airport in Harrisonville.
Services
Cass County youth receive a superb education in public schools districts that are recognized in Missouri and nationwide for their progressive programs and unwavering commitment to excellence. Area schools blend a strong core curriculum with special programs for the challenged and gifted, early childhood education, “parents as teachers,” career education, and a myriad of extra-curricular activities that include athletics, drama, speech, debate, and media.
Cass County offers opportunities for private and parochial education, as well as a wide selection of options for seeking a higher education close to home. While some may prefer to take advantage of the local branch of Longview Community College or the Cass Career Center vocational school, the metroplex offers a variety of colleges and universities—both public and private. Many of these institutions offer graduate work including professional degrees in law, medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
Cass County residents can be assured of first-rate healthcare at a number of quality institutions throughout the metroplex. Locally, the Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville provides state-of-the-art care in the highly personalized atmosphere of a community hospital. For the ultimate in convenience, clinics sponsored by the Medical Center bring the expertise of metroplex specialists to Cass County’s doorstep.
Lifestyle
With Cass County’s ideal location in the southern quadrant of the metroplex, cities like Belton, Raymore, Harrisonville, and Peculiar are all experiencing phenomenal growth. While it’s true that business and industry are beginning to migrate to Cass County in ever increasing numbers, many residents are commuters to employment centers in adjacent Jackson and Johnson Counties. An excellent network of highways and freeway connections are enhanced by ride-sharing and carpooling programs.
The real estate market in Cass County could best be described as offering quality housing at affordable prices, whether your choice is a well-kept older home along the shaded streets of a long-established neighborhood or a custom build on generous acreage. Bright new subdivisions are multiplying quickly, many of them surrounded by open space and a tranquil “country” feeling. While prestigious brick structures line the charming town squares, new shopping strips and expanded services ensure newcomers of a progressive, self-contained community life. School booster groups, civic organizations, recreational clubs and social groups play a vital role in Cass County, where small-town values and concern for others create an inviting, welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Regardless of your interest, you’ll be surrounded by opportunities to become actively involved in your community or share your favorite leisure sport with new friends.
Along with the intriguing blend of historic homes and modern construction, Cass County offers a superb array of recreational amenities. Local parks offer lush grounds for picnics or relaxing, as well as hiking trails, tennis courts, ball fields, and playgrounds. A number of golf courses provide challenging greens, including an exclusive country club and golf course that has traditionally hosted one of the PGA tournaments for seniors.
Some of the most popular fishing and boating lakes in the metroplex are located nearby, such as Lake Winnebago or RainTree Lake. Other possibilities include Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake, Hilldale Lake, and Longview Lake. With the county’s southern location in the metroplex, Cass County residents also enjoy a head-start when making the trip to the expansive Missouri lakes region, which is one of the prime weekend getaway spots for Greater Kansas City.
Belton
Municipal Offices
816-331-4331
www.belton.org
Chamber of Commerce
816-331-2420
www.beltonmochamber.com
Nationally recognized as the hometown of Dale Carnegie and temperance leader Carrie Nation, Belton today is a modern city with good schools, popular shopping spots, grand historic architecture, and streets graced by large shade trees. Boasting its own school district, Belton High School was the only Missouri school to receive the Governor’s $5 million “Break the Mold” grant for innovative programs and bold new student services. New housing developments provide newcomers with attraction options for modern construction. Although Belton claims five shopping areas of its own, residents are just minutes from the vast array of metroplex attractions and venues. Amenities include playgrounds, tennis courts, sports fields, parks, and swimming pools. Nearby is the Loch Lloyd Country Club with an 18-hole PGA course as well as tennis courts and swimming pool. Lake Jacomo and Longview Lake offer boating and fishing opportunities close to home.
Harrisonville
Municipal Offices
816-380-8900
www.ci.harrisonville.mo.us
Chamber of Commerce
866-380-5271
www.harrisonvillechamber.com
Exceptionally well-developed for its population, Harrisonville is poised for a continuation of the rapid growth that has characterized the city in recent decades. Newcomers will discover a multitude of civic, religious, recreational, and cultural involvements that are designed to meet the interests and needs of all ages. Commerce and industry are keeping pace with residential development, drawn by excellent transportation facilities, prime industrial parks, and land for expansion. Serving as a retail and commercial center for Cass County, Harrisonville boasts six shopping areas with one enclosed mall and a number of office complexes. US Highway 71 provides a four-way link to major interstate systems. The city is home to a community college branch campus and a major healthcare facility. Several nursing homes have given the city a reputation as a regional healthcare hub. While Kansas City attractions are only minutes from home, the city excels in recreational amenities. Wonderful parks filled with first-rate facilities combine with nearby lakes for boating, water sports, and fishing. Few towns can rival Harrisonville for its ability to capture the best of small-town living with a high quality of life and close proximity to leading urban amenities.
Lake Winnebago
Municipal Offices
816-537-4140
http://cityoflakewinnebago.com
Chamber of Commerce
816-331-2420
www.beltonmochamber.com
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City, this panoramic community revolves around the wonder of natural beauty and some of the finest outdoor recreational amenities found in the entire metroplex. Whether you select a vacation home at Lake Winnebago or decide to make this serene haven a year-round home, housing options are exceptionally attractive and amazingly affordable when compared to resort cities and towns across the nation. Area youth are served by the highly respected Lee’s Summit school district, making this an ideal choice for families as well as young professionals and retirees. The pristine 400-acre lake surrounding the city serves as the focal point for local recreation, offering opportunities for fishing and boating. Close to home are lush parks, golf courses, swimming pools, hiking and bridle trails, tennis courts, playgrounds and ball fields. Newcomers can select a choice lot for a custom build or choose from a wide variety of existing homes that range from modest bungalows to luxurious mansions.
Peculiar
Municipal Offices
816-779-5212
www.cityofpeculiar.com
Chamber of Commerce
816-779-2223
www.peculiarchamber.com
The first thing newcomers will wonder about the town of Peculiar is the origin of the unusual name. Prior to the Civil War, this sleepy hamlet submitted a list of names to the Postmaster General. When he countered that they were already in use, the townspeople asked him to choose any name at all as long as it was a little peculiar. Today, Peculiar is gaining in popularity as an attractive rural village that offers an alternative to the hectic metropolitan pace. Commuters are drawn to its lovely natural surroundings and quiet, well-maintained neighborhoods. They also appreciate living in close proximity to the cultural, educational, and recreational amenities in the metroplex. Nearby parks provide playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas. Numerous golf courses are available within a short distance. Lakes for boating, fishing and water sports are also accessible.
Pleasant Hill
Municipal Offices
816-540-3135
www.pleasanthill.com
Chamber of Commerce
816-540-2070
http://pleasanthillmochamber.com
The rapidly growing city of Pleasant Hill brings together the relaxed pace of a rural lifestyle and the amenities of an expanding community. Many of the city’s vintage buildings are being restored to their former glory, adding charm to the cityscape. Many of these historical structures now house charming antique and specialty shops. The Pleasant Hill Historical Society’s museum features a 1904 stone front made from materials taken from the three-story tower of an 1866 mansion. The city is proud of the lush park north of the central business district that offers tennis courts, picnic facilities, a golf course, numerous sports facilities, and a community swimming pool. Depot Park is a favorite gathering place for live musical entertainment at the bandstand as well as local festivities and celebrations. From Fall Fest to homecoming activities and holidays laced with country charm, few places offer a more idyllic hometown than Pleasant Hill.
Raymore
Municipal Offices
816-331-0488
www.raymore.com
Chamber of Commerce
816-322-0599
www.raymorechamber.com
What began as a busy railroad town has transformed into a Kansas City suburb with a rural feeling, expanding retail activity and prime land suitable for beautiful new homes and businesses. Raymore is one of fastest growing cities in the metroplex, boasting a top school district, a pleasingly low cost of living, and an easy 24-mile commute to the urban amenities of the metroplex. Charming in many aspects, Raymore named its north/south streets after Presidents of the United States, while the east/west streets carry the names of trees. The rapidly growing commercial base includes a convenient discount department store along with a number of stores and services in a modern shopping center. The construction industry will undoubtedly continue to boom in Raymore well into the new millennium, expanding both residential and business sectors. Golfers will find several golf courses within a ten-mile radius. Beautiful parks offer a variety of amenities including an exercise trail, ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, shelters and picnic areas, and playgrounds.
