Named as an homage to the country's third-largest state, the community of California is known to Southern Maryland locals for hosting some of the larger business districts in Saint Mary’s County, as well as a popular landing spot for military employees at the nearby Naval Air Station Patuxent River. It's also a huge hub for watersports and Chesapeake Bay crabbing. "We've got a lot of water here," says MaryAnne Crewse, a California resident and Realtor who sells for O'Brien Realty. "15 minutes from everywhere here is water, rivers all heading into the Chesapeake." As with many coastal towns, much of California is built for and around the water, both to take advantage of the scenery and the wide range of activities. "There are great opportunities here for people that like to boat, crab, fish or sail," Crewse says.
California’s population has grown 8.7% from 2010 to 2020, according to the U.S. Census. Naval Air Station Patuxent River is a major employer, with jobs for around 17,900 people, including 9,800 civilian workers.
Unbeatable views along the Patuxent River in California.
Founded in 1943 the Naval Air Station Patuxent River is Lexington Park’s largest employer.
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Boating, fishing and a playground at Saint Mary’s River State Park
St. Mary's River State Park can be found at the St. Mary's River Watershed's northern end, and it features the 250-acre St. Mary's Lake, which has become a popular freshwater fishing spot. With boat launches, picnic tables and a playground, it's a nice spot to cozy up on a lazy afternoon. Elsewhere, Myrtle Point Park offers hiking and views of the Patuxent River along the bayside. Hikers can cross a wooded trail east to find themselves at a sandy beach with inviting waters. Then there's Town Creek Park, with a public playground, tennis courts and a pool that has memberships for residents. Many locals also own motorboats that they use to cruise around the Patuxent or Potomac rivers.
Myrtle Point Park in California Md. has a great beach on the Patuxent River.
Large boat ramps and a dock make putting a boat in as simple as it can be at St. Mary's River State Park, in Leonardtown, Md
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Wildewood has single-family homes, Myrtle Point offers townhouses
Home prices vary from $250,000 to $900,000, depending on square footage and proximity to the Patuxent River. Buyers can browse a market full of Colonial Revivals, ranch-style homes, townhouses and condos. Homes closer to the shoreline are hard to find, with some featuring boat docks that provide convenient access to bustling waterways. "Our market has been competitive and stayed competitive since 2019, and our inventory has stayed low as long," Crewse says. Smaller subdivisions within California have their own distinct curb appeal. “Wildewood is a unique development,” says Edward Tully, a California local who's a Realtor with Re/Max One. “They have an older section with lots of trees and a newer section that’s almost like a storybook community. There are pools, houses are close together and everyone knows each other." Tully also mentions that shopping at Wildewood Center is nearby, while adding that Myrtle Point's condos and townhouses have better proximity to the retailers on Solomons Island.
California experiences four distinct seasons, with muggy summers and snowy winters. There is a minor flood risk in California, especially for properties closer to the Patuxent River to the east, the Potomac River to the west or along the area’s rippling waterways.
New townhomes at Myrtle Point are close to everything in California.
Newer colonial style homes are still being built in Wildewood Md.
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U.S. National Oyster Festival is a county tradition
California and its coastal communities have a history of drawing upon one another for inspiration, affiliation and a broader sense of community. This is especially true when it comes to activities, shopping and annual events offered in a uniquely St. Mary's County way. "There's always an oyster festival," Crewse says, alluding to the U.S. National Oyster Festival, held for more than five decades at St. Mary's County Fairgrounds. The oyster-packed celebration features a shucking contest, entertainment and an oyster cook-off. Musical events also float along the coast. While the Calvert Marine Museum just across Thomas Johnson Bridge is renowned for hosting all manner of maritime history and exhibits, it's nearly as well-known for its Waterside Music Series, which brings in some big-name acts. Since 1995, folks have gathered in scenic Solomon's Island by the bay to see artists like Brothers Osborne, ZZ Top, and Earth, Wind & Fire. "The last concert I went to there, Heart was playing," Crewse says. St. Mary's College of Maryland also has a concert series of its own.
A shopping hub in Saint Mary's County
California is where most Saint Mary’s County residents stop for shopping. At the intersection of Three Notch and St. Andrew's Church roads, First Colony Center is the primary hub for big-box retail and groceries. Less than a mile north is Wildewood Center, with retailers just a stone’s throw from the homes at Wildewood. Though the area has many chain eateries, locals can dine at established seafood restaurants on nearby Solomons Island and enjoy classic Chesapeake Bay dishes, from blue crabs to rockfish.
California Md. has many retail and restaurant chains for all your shopping needs.
California is know for all of it's retail options along Three Notch Road.
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Quality Saint Mary’s County schools
Saint Mary's County Public Schools serves California children, and it's rated with an A-minus by Niche. The school district offers additional programs at each of its high schools to enhance students' educational experiences, operating an Academy of Finance, an Academy of Performing and Visual Arts, a Career and Technology Center, initiatives centered on Global International Studies and STEM, and a Fire and EMS Cadet Program. St. Mary's County is also home to the historic St. Mary's College of Maryland, which was founded in 1840.
Esperanza Middle School in California Md. gets a B+ rating from Niche.
Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School, Leonardtown Md.
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Not much crime in California
According to FBI statistics, the California-Lexington Park Metropolitan Area saw drops in violent and property crime rates from 2018 through 2020. The area’s violent and property crime rates are also below the national average.
A little longer than expected
Three Notch Road runs north-south through California for wider access to Saint Mary’s County and Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Patuxent Beach Road runs east-west, so locals can reach Solomons Island and Calvert County points of interest in minutes. For public transit, there are Saint Mary’s County buses that run along main streets.
Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge will take you across the Patuxent River to Solomon’s.
Catch the STS bus in Wildewood shopping center and connect with MDOT MTA’s Commuter Bus.
As the Rookie of the Year in my first year in real estate for Saint Mary’s County, I am proud to be a member of The Stachelczyk Shemeta Deighan team with 50 combined years of experience. We are a family team that values trust, integrity, and personalized service. As a lifelong Maryland resident, I have a deep understanding of the Southern MD market and am knowledgeable in estate transactions, military relocation, and working with buyers and sellers. I am passionate about helping people achieve their real estate dreams and make finding/selling your home easy. Let me put my expertise to work for you!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
