Nanjemoy

Nature is a way of life in Nanjemoy, a slow-paced town 40 miles south of Washington D.C. with undeveloped woodlands and virtually no commercial activity. "It's like going back in time," says Sarah Swann, Realtor with Baldus Real Estate. "If you're looking for a rural area that's quiet and peaceful, that's Nanjemoy."

With the deeply wooded town bounded mainly by Nanjemoy Creek to the east and the Potomac River to the west and south, locals can enjoy an abundance of nature excursions. The hundreds of decommissioned World War I ships sunken at Mallows Bay sink you in the history of Nanjemoy. Kayakers are known for exploring the national marine sanctuary off the Potomac River to catch a glimpse of the skeletons of these century-old relics that peak above the water during low tide. "When you think about Nanjemoy, Mallows Bay is the first thing that comes to mind," says Swann. "It's the most popular spot in the area for locals and tourists." Purse State Park is about three miles south, with access to Wades Bay from a quarter-mile trail. The undeveloped park attracts both hunters and fishermen. But what really makes this area unique is the large number of fossils you can hunt for along the narrow shoreline, many of which come from sharks and fish. There's more nature to be explored over by Nanjemoy Creek at Friendship Farm Park, which offers yet another area to fish.

It's not just the parks, river and creek that make you feel close to nature. Nanjemoy is full of long, woodsy state routes and backroads with single-family homes on multiple acres of land. Ranch-style homes from the late 1900s are the most common, ranging from $300,000 to $450,000. The area has also seen a slight uptick in newer construction catering to those who want to live in a more modern house but away from modern society. These larger Colonial Revivals and Craftsman-style homes offer around 2,000 to 2,500 square feet of living space, selling for $550,000 to $650,000. Many homes are fixed on one to three acres of open and forested land. But if you need more than that, you'll find some homes with more than 10 acres.

Nanjemoy is home to two spaces that give the town a sense of community, including the Melwood Recreation Center and Nanjemoy Community Center. The rec center prides itself in welcoming kids of all abilities to attend camps, ride horses, explore the ropes course and enjoy lots of other outdoor activities. Locals can visit the community center to play outdoor basketball and have fun on the playground. Inside, folks have free access to play billiards, work out in the fitness room and use the internet in the computer lab. The community center has celebrated Nanjemoy Heritage Day every year since 2002, bringing people together for a parade, car show, live music and many other fun activities to honor the town's heritage.

Locals can visit one place in town to eat, drink and hang out: Nanjemoy Country Store & Bar. Stop by for casual grub like pizza, burgers and wings and stay to sing your heart out or watch your neighbors perform during open mic and karaoke nights on the weekends. You can bet they always have an event for holidays, including Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Halloween costume parties and Thanksgiving gatherings. While you're there, you can grab some homemade goods and convenience items from the market. For more dining and shopping options, locals drive about 20 miles to White Plains, which is full of big box stores and restaurants.

Kindergarten through fifth-grade students don't have to travel as far as they attend Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School, conveniently located in town. The elementary school has a B- grade from Niche and sends students off to General Smallwood Middle School, which has a C+ grade. The middle school is 13 miles away in Indian Head, as is Henry E. Lackey High School, which has a B- grade.

A town that's a wilderness in its own right, Nanjemoy takes you away from the commotion of the city and into your own haven of natural beauty.

Written By

Nicolas Stuart

Photography Contributed By

Jesse Snyder

Video By

Adam Barkley