First things first: It’s pronounced “Rain-HAM,’’ not “Rain-um.’’

“We pronounce the ‘h,’ ’’ said Donald McKinnon, who moved to town with his new bride, Kathy, in 1962. “Coming from Woburn, I used to say it wrong. I sometimes forget I’m (practically) a townie now.’’

McKinnon’s wife hailed from Stoughton, “so we went down to her neck of the woods rather than mine,’’ he said. They initially moved to the Pleasant Field neighborhood, which was largely starter homes in those days, and relocated to their current street in 1969, raising three children.

“It’s a good little town to live in,’’ said McKinnon, 84, comparing Raynham’s location to a baseball field, where Taunton Green (Raynham was originally part of Taunton) is home plate and Routes 44 and 138, which contain quite a few retail and commercial spaces, form the first- and third-base lines.

McKinnon, who was a selectman from 1973 to 2012 (a bridge over the Forge River is named in his honor) and taught business and management subjects for 29 years at Taunton High School, said the commercial properties help keep residential taxes in check in this town of about 13,000. He is also proud to report that most residents receive water and sewer services from the town, and “we believe we have the best town administrator in Massachusetts in Randall Buckner,’’ he added.

Newcomers move to Raynham because “it’s an affordable town, the police and fire departments are second to none, and it’s got all of the amenities one would need,’’ McKinnon said. He praised the athletic opportunities in town, including equestrian activities, and said many families appreciate the educational system.

And still, despite all of these draws, “it’s the best-kept secret in Massachusetts,’’ he said.

Rachel Lebeaux can be reached at rachel_lebeaux@yahoo.com.