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Welcome
to De Soto, Kansas....Celebrating 150 Years
What is
the history of De Soto?
What is the population of De Soto?
How has the city prepared for future growth?
What community events are held in De Soto?
What educational opportunities are in De Soto?
What recreational activities are in De
Soto?
About De Soto
Welcome to De Soto! Located in America’s heartland, De Soto,
Kansas is a great place to live and work. De Soto is in the
northwestern portion of Johnson County and is strategically
positioned to provide the advantages of a Johnson County location
with the lifestyle benefits and close business relationships of a
small-town community. An abundance of recreational
and cultural activities, beautiful neighborhoods and a low cost
of living await, all delivered
with friendly attitudes and warm smiles.
History
The City of De Soto was laid out in the spring
of 1857 and was named for the Spanish explorer, Hernando deSoto.
In 1858, John Possum, a Shawnee Indian, and Hattie Possum sold
80 acres to John F. Legate, S. Todd and Stratton and Williams
for $1,200. The next sale was 80 acres to the De Soto Town Co.
in July of 1861 for $1,176. The land, part of the Louisiana Purchase,
cost the U.S. 3 cents per acre. It was given to John Possum who
sold the first tract at $15 per acre. Originally, Shawnee Street
was the “main street” of town because it ran down to
the river and ferry crossing. In addition, Major James B. Abbott
is remembered as one of the town’s pioneer landowners and
the builder of Abbot Hall, located at 83rd Street and Peoria.
Today, Abbot Hall is the town museum.
With the construction of the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant De
Soto boomed in the early 1940’s with people coming from all
over the United States to work at the plant. Over the years, the
community has steadily grown and new residential, commercial and
industrial development have brought new residents and employers
to the once agricultural-based community.
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Growth
Residential Growth
De Soto has experienced
an abundance of growth and ranked 6th in the State of Kansas for
percentage increase in population over the last decade. With a
population of 5,659, De Soto offers metropolitan advantages along
with small town flavor. De Soto’s housing market is among
the most affordable in Johnson County with an average home value
that is 20% below the county average. Several new subdivisions
are being planned in our growing community while keeping in mind
the importance of our small-town values. Citizens moving to the
area enjoy a quiet community while having the advantage of easily
commuting to jobs through the Kansas City area. De Soto offers
a wide variety of housing opportunities, such as starter-home
subdivisions, golf course communities and homes with acreage.
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Economic Growth
The De Soto area’s well-diversified economy
helps ensure continued growth and stability with its employment
base of nearly 3,900. De Soto provides job opportunities close
to home, a stellar educational system, excellent value for the
housing dollar, professional municipal services and recreational
activities. De Soto’s strategic location and quality labor
force has fueled accelerating economic growth, as reflected in
its retail sales, which more than doubled in just five years.
De Soto’s Future
The City of De Soto, in conjunction with the
De Soto Economic Development Council and the De Soto Chamber of
Commerce, are preparing for the future growth and development
or our community. The City recently commissioned the EDC to perform
a Targeted Industry Study and a Community Housing Assessment. These studies assist in determining
which types of industries and housing would be most successful and desirable
in our community. This also allows the city to determine its own
future. The City is also updating its Comprehensive Plan Update
and Incentive Policy. Together, these three entities will ensure
De Soto’s growth and quality of life for many, many years
to come.
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Quality of Life
Community Events
De Soto residents take part in annual events
such as the De Soto Day’s Festival and the Fourth of July Celebration. Civic organizations also conduct
many events
throughout the year. To view a list of community activities, be
sure to refer to the Community Events.
Education
The De Soto Unified School District #232 continues
Johnson County’s tradition of national caliber public education
and is committed to providing a world-class education for every
student; recent test scores and student honors confirm their reputation
for academic excellence. The district is widely recognized for
its state-of-the-art technology, available to staff members and
students, kindergarten through grade 12. Presently, networked
desktop computer offer Internet access in every classroom. Laptops
are also being introduced to students as a way to enhance their
learning experience in the classroom and at home. As such, the
district is moving to a wireless system to meet the needs of students
and preparing the demands of the technology driven future workplace.
In addition to USD #232, De Soto is in close proximity to a wide
variety of private schools. For a complete list, please contact
the Chamber Office.
De Soto also benefits
by being along the K-10 Highway, which provides quick and easy
access to the acclaimed Johnson County Community College and the
University of Kansas.
Parks & Recreation
Acres of city and county parks generate an
abundance of year-round activities in De Soto with such amenities
as walking trails, brand new state-of-the-art aquatics facility, tennis, basketball and a
volleyball court. In addition to parks, De Soto has a wide variety
of children’s and adult sporting activities. For more information
on the park system and activities, contact the De Soto Parks &
Recreation department at (913) 583-1182 ext. 127 or go to the
Community Events page.
Safety
Safety is an important priority in De Soto.
Crime rate is well below national averages, and police protection
is provided by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. The City
has two fire stations and provides round-the-clock fire protection.
De Soto Fire Department provides tours for youngsters and assists
the community with special events.
Shopping and Entertainment
De Soto residents enjoy a wide variety of
cultural and entertainment opportunities that are offered in the
greater Kansas City metropolitan area, all within a short and
convenient driving distance. Such activities include the Kansas
Speedway, The Woodlands Racetrack, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas
City Royals, the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum and the Country Club
Plaza.
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