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Life in Southern Maryland
Lord Baltimore had the right idea when he began his colony in 1634 in St. Mary's City. The first settlement founded by British Catholics on religious tolerance, Maryland's "St. Mary's City" flourished as the state's capital until 1695. An agrarian society supported by waves of immigrants, St. Mary's City's people withstood disease, attacks, revolution, invasion, and civil war. Today, St. Mary's City is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and Maryland's western shore is the focus of intense archaeological study. The seat for St. Mary’s County Government remained in St. Mary's City until 1654. From that time, county court was conducted in the homes of various gentlemen in the Leonardtown area, then called "Newtown." In 1708, the original log courthouse was constructed in Leonardtown, which was used until 1736 when a brick courthouse was constructed and used exclusively until 1999. Currently, there is a complete Governmental Center in the heart of Leonardtown housing an even newer courthouse facility. For more information on the history of St. Mary’s County, visit the website of the Historical Society.
 | Located just across the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge, Calvert County is bounded by the Chesapeake Bay on the east and the Patuxent River on the west. Calvert County contains about 219 square miles of land and is only nine miles wide at its broadest point. The extensive beachfront makes Calvert County an excellent place for fossil hunters seeking the remains of sea creatures that inhabited the region millions of years ago. Fossilized scallop shells and shark's teeth are still commonly found at Calvert Cliffs along with native and colonial artifacts at Jefferson Patterson Park.
Although its first identified settlers were members of the Piscataway Nation, Cecil Calvert received the royal charter from Charles I for establishment of a settlement in 1632. The colonists from England began arriving in 1634. Led by Cecil's brother, Leonard Calvert, the English gentry were followed to Calvert County by the Puritans, Huguenots, Quakers and Scots.
Charles County was established in 1658, although it was not the first County in Maryland to bear the name. An earlier Charles County named in 1650 only lasted until 1653, when the Province's lines were redrawn. Named for Charles Calvert, son of Cecil Calvert, the County's first settlement was at Port Tobacco, which served as the county seat and was a major commercial center until well into the 1800's. A silt-choked waterway and a new railroad spur built through a relatively new town led the citizens to move the County seat to its present day location of La Plata. Historians will find a wealth of resources here. Charles County boasts an almost complete set of land and probate records dating from colonial times to present. Like the rest of Southern Maryland, Charles County history includes prehistoric fossils, Native American settlements and Colonial plantations as well as events surrounding the Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.
 | The region known as "Southern Maryland" includes Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties. Southern Maryland is currently the fastest-growing geographic region in the state of Maryland. The area's strong population and economic growth is due, in part, to area dynamics and the close proximity to the Nation's Capitol. Calvert and St. Mary's counties are among the leaders in growth in the region with a combined projected population increase of 81% over the next two decades due to the Department of Defense's efforts to consolidate military activities at Patuxent River Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). The 1991 and 1993 decisions of the federal defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission changed the face of Southern Maryland forever. Thousands of new administrative, engineering, and high-technology research and development jobs representing several hundred million dollars worth of programs were reassigned to Patuxent River, nearby Dahlgren, and Indian Head naval installations. These decisions made in the early 90’s, are expected to continue impacting Southern Maryland well into the twenty-first century.
The tremendous appeal of our region is partially due to the area's dynamics. Our residents enjoy the scenic landscape of a rural atmosphere that is strong in its tobacco, corn, and soybean industries. Any visitor to St. Mary's County will be enchanted to see the horse-drawn carriages and traditional dress of the members of the resident Amish community, who migrated here from Pennsylvania. Hearkening back our roots, the Amish shun telephones, electricity, refrigeration and most other modern conveniences, while promoting self-reliance and community cooperation as an expression of faith. Amish-made furnishings are known for their affordability and craftsmanship. Pesticide and chemical-free Amish-grown produce and home baked goods are abundantly available at roadside stands.
Recreation and Leisure
 | With hundred of miles of scenic waterways, our area is known for its boating, sailing, and fishing. The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries abound with our famous Chesapeake Bay oysters, Rock fish, and Maryland blue crabs. Our Maryland State Parks and county recreation areas offer natural environments for camping, hunting, hiking, picnicking, as well as sporting activities and special events. The best source of information on Maryland’s outdoor activities is the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Several challenging golf courses reside in Southern Maryland as well; the Air Station’s Officer’s Club facility being one of the area’s finest, as are the White Plains golf course in Charles County or the Chesapeake Hills Club in Calvert.
The St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks>, Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation and Charles County Department of Public Facilities provide an ever-changing calendar of year round activities for both adults and children. Youth classes in art, music, drama, crafts, dance and sports are provided at school community centers throughout the area. Adult education and recreation classes such as aerobics, cake decorating, dog obedience, painting, woodworking and yoga offer a varied program for adults. Roller skating rinks are located in Northern Calvert County and in Waldorf. For more passive entertainment, Lexington Park houses a 6-screen Loews Cineplex. In Waldorf, Loews also has a large, multiscreen theater, and Prince Frederick offers a large Apex Theater. Enjoy live theatrical performances in La Plata at the Port Tobacco Players Theater. The local acting troop stages shows and popular plays year round.
 | For more information on St. Mary's County history or activities, we recommend contacting the Historic St. Mary's Commission at P.O.Box 39, St. Mary's City, MD 20686; 301-862-0990 and the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce at 6260 Waldorf Leonardtown Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659; 301-884-5555. For more detailed information on Calvert County, contact the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce at 410-535-2577. The Charles County Chamber of Commerce may be reached at 301-870-3089.
Shopping and Dining
The region’s largest shopping mall is located in neighboring Charles County within a comfortable 30-minute drive of most locations in Southern Maryland. As the home of the 1.2 million square foot St. Charles Towne Center mall and more than 20 other shopping centers, Charles County has become known as the "Shopping Capital of Southern Maryland." The mall is anchored by Sears, J.C. Penney, Kohl's, and The Hecht Co., which has expanded to hold two anchor positions. Inside, there are 120 specialty stores. Outside and nearby, shoppers will find a T.J. Maxx, Pier One Imports, Value City Furniture, Toys 'R' Us, and a nine-screen Cineplex Odeon Theater. BJ's Wholesale Club opened on a large pad behind St. Charles Towne Plaza and, the latest addition to the area is a 117,000 square foot Target Store.
Several small shopping centers and stand alone shops serve St. Mary’s County with the Lexington Park area having the greatest concentration of facilities. Belk, Peebles, Wal-Mart, Ames, K-Mart and Target all operate stores in the county with PetSmart and Staples. Currently, there are several quality grocery stores such as Superfresh, Food Lion, Giant and McKay’s. Additionally, Woodburn’s Groceries, known for their quality butcher shop, is just across the bridge in Solomons with a newly opened section featuring an extensive gourmet food selections.
In Calvert, the major shopping hub is located in the central town of Prince Frederick, where Peebles, Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Giant Foods operate amid a larger number local shops, In Dunkirk, to the north, you'll find an expanding retail environment as well.
 | Most locals and tourists visitSolomons Island for evening recreation, boat charters, and for interesting day trips. The appeal of Solomons is the simplicity of a small 128-year old fishing village, settled comfortably around a deep, protected harbor rimmed with busy marinas. Bordered by the Riverwalk on one side, visitors can wander down the main street lined with small white and gray houses of weathered wood, casual restaurants, pot-pourri-scented gift shops, and a general store that offers bait, tackle, hot coffee, ice and rental boats. At Christmas time, residents look forward to the Solomons Island Christmas Walk where all the shops, bars, and restaurants host a combined open house over the course of a weekend.
In the spring time, Island businesses participate in the annual "Spring Launch" festivities beginning with the opening of the Tiki Bar and continuing throughout the weekend with special festivities on the Island. This Solomons Business Association sponsored event is usually attended by more than 8,000 locals and tourists alike. Additionally, Solomons Island offers several museums, including the Calvert Marine Museum home to the relocated historic Drum Point Lighthouse, and an interesting collection of locally found marine fossils and War of 1812 relics.
 | Maryland is for crabs, and Southern Maryland has a long tradition of enjoying delicious fresh seafood. Whether it's Captain Billy's in Pope's Creek, Evan's Seafood on St George Island, Stoney's in Broome's Island or any of the many other fine seafood restaurants in the area, you're sure to find more than one place to tempt your palette. Several fine restaurants have recently opened in Solomons, but that’s not the only place in Calvert County to go for an enjoyable meal. Between Solomons and Dunkirk there are several well-known places to dine that are slightly off the beaten path. Check out the Old Field Inn, located in Prince Frederick, or Mamma Lucia's in Dunkirk or bay front dining at the Rod 'N' Reel in Chesapeake Beach.
St. Mary’s also has many restaurants, some offering "fine dining." A couple of the more historic and interesting restaurants in the county include The Roost in Lexington Park. Nearby in Waldorf, Charles County has many "chain" restaurants" such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Outback, Ruby Tuesday’s, Pizzeria Uno’s, Chili’s, and Chuck E. Cheese for the kids. Charles County also offers a variety of local restaurants specializing in international cuisine. Enjoy Chinese food at Hunan Star in La Plata, Japanese food at the Sakura Steak and Seafood House in Waldorf, or eat Mexican-style at Loredo's in White Plains. But why limit your opportiunities? The region hosts many local eateries that offer delightful dining experiences just waiting to be discovered.
Regional Attractions
 | In addition to our local historic sites like St. Mary's City,Port Tobacco, Calvert Cliffs, and the beautiful Sotterly Plantation, unlimited "big city" leisure opportunities abound within an easy commute of Southern Maryland. Families can take in the grandeur of Washington D.C., our nation's capitol, from atop the Washington Monument and visit all the traditional places, the Smithsonian Institution and other famous museums such as the Freer Gallery, the National Air and Space Museum, or the National Gallery of Art. The National Mall, the White House the Capitol Building, the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials are close by. Be sure to visit the National Archives, which houses original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The young and the young at heart enjoy the National Zoo, home for a pair of rare Giant Pandas. The Kennedy Center hosts the greatest performers from our nation and from around the world and is home to the National Symphony Orchestra. Washington has several great theaters with a full season of shows available for your entertainment.
Wonderful family memories can be created during outings in Historic Annapolis, Old Town Alexandria, and Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where the good ship Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides" is moored. The Inner Harbor is also home to the National Aquarium, and as long as you're there, why not take in the Walters Art Gallery, which is a twenty minute walk north, and well worth the trip. Don't forget to visit Fort McHenry, whose stubborn defenders inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. Historically a center for the performing arts, Baltimore is the site for the Baltimore Symphony, and several very highly-regarded theaters.
The area is a rich environment for the sports enthusiast. Local softball, football, and bowling leagues are very popular and are available for almost any age level. Ski slopes are a few hour's drive away in Western Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Soccer, archery, baseball, football, rugby, golf, cycling, running, and almost every sport in between are organized and available in the region. Racing fans will want to check out the Maryland International Raceway in Charles County. The area has extensive chartered fishing opportunities and has recently gained popularity as a site for professional bass fishing tournaments. Professional sports fans will enjoy the close proximity to pro teams based in both Washington and Baltimore. The Redskins, Ravens, Wizards,Orioles, Nationals and Capitals all play home games close by, and college-level teams featuring schools such as Georgetown and the University of Maryland are readily accessible. Double and Triple A baseball teams are based within easy reach, and local sports arenas host a varied schedule of entertainment, from figure skating to music concerts, all year long.
The Chesapeake Bay
Among the most famous bodies of water in the entire world, the Chesapeake Bay looms large in Southern Maryland's life and culture. The Bay's watermen are a culture in and of themselves, carrying on old family traditions as they live and work. Those fortunate enough to see one of the original skipjacks in full sail are in for a thrill they will not soon forget. Only recently have those that remain begun to benefit from restoration and preservation efforts.
Even though their numbers have dwindled, hardy oyster fishermen are still regularly seen working the beds each year from their distinctive boats. Their efforts, along will local fishermen and crabbers ensure Southern Marylanders will continue to benefit from the Bay's generous offerings of seafood. (See our shopping and dining section above).
But the Bay provides much more than dining or recreational opportunities. There is a timeless serenity about it that touches the soul. From the fossiles embedded in its shores to the eagles soaring above its dark blue waters, the Bay is sure to fill your senses with the very essence of life in the region. Once you're in Southern Maryland, we're sure you'll count the Chesapeake Bay among your favorite places to be.
Business Environment
St. Mary's County is the home of over 1,575 businesses that employ in excess of 20,119 people. The major employers include DynCorp, Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Allied-Signal, C-Cubed, Compliance Corp., Eagan McAllister Assoc., Eagle Systems, Information Spectrum, Lockhead Martine, Lundeberg School of Seamanship, MACI, Mantech, St. Mary's Hospital, Sabre Systems, PRB, BAE, Veridian, and the NAWCAD, which employs over 12,000 military and other federal service employees. The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development is an excellent source of state and regional information as is the Census Office. St. Mary's County's business environment information contact the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce.
Of Calvert County's 75,000 people, more than 18 percent hold college degrees. Calvert offers access to one of the largest, most divers, and highly skilled pools of professional, management, and technical labor in the nation. In excess of 50% of the county's workforce, however, commutes outside the county for employment. Among the largest employers in Calvert County are Baltimore Gas & Electric, Calvert Memorial Hospital, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, DynCorp and Direct Mail Management. For more information on business in Calvert County, Contact the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce at 410-535-2577 or the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at 800-331-9771.
Charles County supports over 2,500 businesses and employs in excess of 29,000 workers. Just 15 miles from the Capital Beltway, the county is ideally situated to act as a gateway between the Washington metropolitan area and the rest of Southern Maryland. The largest employers include Besche Oil, Chaney Enterprises, Civista Medical Center, Applied Ordinance Technology, Automated Graphics Systems, and the Southern Maryland Oil Company, however, more than 35 businesses have payrolls surpassing 100 workers. Home to over 125,000 people, most workers commute to jobs outside of the Southern Maryland area. Much of the workforce is located in the St. Charles planned community in the north, while the southern and western portions have largely retained their agricultural/pastoral character. The Charles County Chamber of Commerce can provide more information.
The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Patuxent River
 | The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is a land, sea, and air test laboratory complex responsible for evaluating naval aviation's advanced weapons systems. Originally established in St. Mary's County as the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in 1943, the station quickly grew with the addition of the Naval Air Test Center in 1945, and the evolution of the Navy Test Pilot School in 1948. Today, the NAWCAD, the Flight Test and Engineering Group, and approximately fifty tenant activities are responsible for most of St. Mary's County job growth.
Government
Both St. Mary's and Calvert Counties are governed by an elected five-member Board of County Commissioners. The entire voting population in their respective counties elects all Commissioners for four-year terms. The "commissioner" form of government charges these elected offices to be responsible for the establishment of all County policies, the enactment of new ordinances, the review and approval of annual budgets and work plans for all departments and agencies receiving County funds as well as the appointment of all department heads, and members of boards, commissions, and committees. The commissioners conduct public hearings and make decisions on land use matters including zoning, water and sewer categories, and appeals for the Planning Commission. Additionally, they are responsible for purchasing and
maintaining County property, approving road construction and maintenance, and representing our county in state and federal matters effecting our communities. In the 2002 elections, Charles County decided to adopt Code Home Rule, one of two forms of home rule permitted under state law. The new form of government went into effect in 2003, and retained many of the characteristics of Commissioner Rule. It will allow the local Commissioners to create impact fees, along with enacting certain types of local legislation without awaiting approval from Annapolis. Visit Southern Maryland's Link to Government Informationfor information on Southern Maryland’s state and federal governmental representation.
Public Education
Both St. Mary's and Calvert County Public Schools are governed by a five-member Board of Education. In the St. Mary's County public school system, there are currently 16 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 3 high schools, special education schools, and 1 vocational-technical school. Kindergarten is mandatory for all five-year olds on a half-day basis. In addition, there is a half-day, four-year-old program for students in selected schools. In Calvert County, there are 11 elementary schools, 6 middle schools and 3 high schools, a vocational tech school, a special environmental training program called "CHESPAX," and the Arthur Storer Planetarium. Located at Calvert High School, the planetarium is available students and the community as a unique cultural facility that enables students and visitors to explore their world and our cosmos in ways not possible in an ordinary classroom. Charles County students are served by 19 public elementary schools, 7 public middle schools, and 5 public high schools. Facilities exist for vocational and technical training, adult education, and special education. Children and adults facing developmental challenges will find expert assistance at the Melwood centers throughout the region. For test scores and other public school information call Charles County Public Schools at (301) 870-3814. St. Mary’s County Public Schools may be reached by calling 301-475-4230. For information on Calvert County schools, call the Calvert County Public Schools at 410-535-1700.
Non-Public and Parochial Schools
Several non-public and parochial schools in Southern Maryland serve students from the kindergarten level through high school. Click here for the names and phone numbers of St. Mary’s County private schools, or here for Calvert County private schools, or here for Charles County private schools.
Universities and Colleges
 | The College of Southern Maryland (CSM), formerly Charles County Community College, is a regionally accredited institution that prides itself on delivering quality higher education programs and services to more than 60 percent of the tri-county residents who attend higher education institutions. CSM also offers programs in Europe to Department of Defense (DOD) personnel stationed there through the "Maryland in Europe" program with the University of Maryland University College.
CSM offers an array of associate's degree programs and brokers four-year degree programs locally through partnerships with colleges and universities such as University of Maryland University College (UMUC), Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Towson University, and Capitol College. The college also offers job and career training opportunities, wellness and fitness activities, theater and fine arts programs, and personal enrichment courses, and serves the business community through programs offered by the Economic and Community Development Institute. CSM prepares its students for transfer to four-year colleges and provides them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in a competitive workplace. The college also focuses on workforce development with the participation of local businesses interested in growing and maintaining a healthy economy and community.
 | The College of Southern Maryland is now one institution serving all of Southern Maryland. It operates four campuses in the tri-county area, offering programs in Europe as well. The La Plata Campus, nestled on 173 wooded acres off of Mitchell Road and the Waldorf Center at Old Washington Road, are both located in Charles County. The Calvert County Campus is located in Prince Frederick and the St. Mary's County Campus is situated in Leonardtown.
St. Mary's College of Maryland, founded in 1840, is a public honors college offering the academic excellence of private education with the openness and affordability of public schools. St. Mary's graduates have gained recognition as being among the finest students in Maryland higher education. The average SAT scores of entering freshmen are the highest of any college in the state. The capstone of the St. Mary's experience, the St. Mary's Project, engages seniors in a program of independent research of the kind found only in a few prominent colleges. In 1999, these distinctions led St. Mary's College of Maryland to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the number one public liberal arts college in the nation. For more information on St. Mary's College, check out the website or call 301-862-0380
The Southern Maryland Higher Education Center is a multi-purpose, multi-instructional, and multi-institutional higher education facility located in St. Mary's County. Created to serve the expanding needs of all of Southern Maryland, nine universities participate, including George Washington University, Strayer College, Towson State University, Bowie State University, the University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University. Twenty-three masters and upper division programs are offered. These educational opportunities will serve the needs of the technical population at the NAWCAD and our quickly growing local community. For more information on the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, call 301-737-2500.
For those wishing graduate degrees, several higher education institutions are located at or near NAWCAD, and throughout the region via the University of Maryland's University College, among others. Graduate programs currently offered in the area include: MA and MS degrees in Aerospace Technology, Computer Systems, Computer Science, Contract Management, Electrical Engineering, and Human Resource Management.
Health Care & Emergency Services
Located in Leonardtown, St. Mary’s Hospital serves county residents with state-of-the-art health-care offering the latest surgical, diagnostic and treatment procedures. The members of our Medical Staff are among the most specialized in the area.
The Calvert Memorial Hospital in Prince Frederick is a private, community-based hospital. Certified as a 141-bed acute care facility with an additional 16 skilled bed rehabilitative Transitional Care Unit, the hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, licensed by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For information, call (410) 535-4000.
Charles County is served by the Civista Medical Center, previously known as Physician's Memorial Hospital. Civista consists of a series of regional facilities operating on a not- for- profit basis. The center offers 24-hour emergency care, same-day surgery, intensive care, diagnostic and laboratory services, obstetrics, pediatrics, rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary services, antenatal testing, and a community cancer program.
A rescue helicopter operated by the Maryland State Police is permanently stationed at St. Mary’s airport transporting critically injured people to regional trauma centers such as Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins, the Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Prince George’s Hospital Center and many others.
In addition to medical transport, the Maryland State Police provide airborne delivery of law enforcement, and search and rescue services to the citizens of Southern Maryland. There are currently 8 stations around the state like the one at St. Mary’s Airport. Our local Trooper 7 spends over 400 hours a year airborne conducting over 350 medivacs and 700 law enforcement/search and rescue missions each year.
Calvert Control is part of a wider Public Safety program which provides assistance to citizens in Calvert County needing emergency services. The volunteer fire department has 7 company locations throughout Calvert County, Advanced Life Support teams and Rescue Dive teams. The Sheriff's Department is located in the main Courthouse in Prince Frederick. They respond to emergencies, citizen's requests and/or complaints, provide traffic control, assist at functions needing law enforcement, and provide many other needed services to Calvert County residents and visitors.
 | The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department has been the primary law enforcement agency of the County for the past five centuries. Established in 1637 to serve and protect the citizens of the Mother County of Maryland, the modern day Sheriff’s manages approximately 100 Deputies, 65 Correctional Officers, 35 civilian employees and more than 45 volunteers. St. Mary's County has 7 Volunteer Fire Departments 6 Volunteer Rescue Squads. Together, they provide law enforcement and fire prevention services to the county’s 85,000 permanent residents and the additional 15,000 people who commute to the county for work and for recreation.
Charles County is also well-served by 17 mostly volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units. The county's Department of Emergency Services coordinates the activities of the fire and rescue units as well as providing animal control and emergency preparedness services. The Fire/EMS fleet consists of at least 26 ambulances, 26 engines, 4 ladder trucks, 4 advanced life support units, 24 bush trucks, 5 fire/rescue boats, and 2 dive teams. Most Law enforcement coverage is handled by the Charles County Sheriff's Office, or the Maryland State Police, with the incorporated Town of La Plata providing its own La Plata Police Department.
Housing
Southern Maryland offers a great selection of location, style, age, and price range to anyone seeking a home. Old established neighborhoods, historic victorian-era homes, farms, town homes, and newly constructed subdivisions are all available to accommodate the sudden popularity of Lord Baltimore's little colony. Waterfront cottages, single family homes, town homes, and condominium apartments are available for sale or rent in in Southern Maryland. Lot sizes range from less than a quarter acre to over 100 acres in the more rural areas. Let your horses roam across the rolling pastures of a farmette. Select from home sites that are heavily wooded and private, or cleared and ready for swing sets. With miles and miles of shoreline, an abundance of prime waterfront homes await you. Watch bald eagles soar above peaceful waterfront lots available along the county's various rivers, creeks and tributaries. Sit back amid the autumn colors and listen to migrating geese calling as they pass by, or take in a spectacular Southern Maryland sunset. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will enjoy boat slips, piers and beaches that may be included with Chesapeake Bay front or river front homes overlooking the scenic Patuxent, Wicomico, or Potomac Rivers.
 | Commuters who work in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. find a "better quality of life" in the rural atmosphere of Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's Counties. Families are able to get larger homes and more land for their dollar than they can in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area or heavily congested Dulles corridor.
According to the 2005 year end records of the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® , the median home sales price in Calvert County was $325,000, while Charles County's median was $314,900 and in St. Mary's County it was $295,000. Although all three represent increases over the prior year's numbers, all are still significantly lower than the average home price in the metro area--the perfect opportunity to buy. One to two bedroom condominium apartments are available in the $290,000's and $300,000's while our newer homes on larger home sites may average $494,000. Waterfront homes are reasonably priced compared to many other waterfront areas. Home purchasers can expect to pay in excess of $590,000 for water frontage.
Southern Maryland homes come in many styles, but most following traditional architectural styles, such as ramblers/ranchers, two stories, or cape cods. Contemporary style and custom built homes are also obtainable. All residential areas are convenient to schools, parks, shopping centers, libraries, and health care facilities. From "starter" homes to retirement communities, Southern Maryland has something to offer everyone. Southern Maryland Realtors can lead the way as you search to find the perfect home for you and your family. Portions of our MLS database of available residential properties may be accessed by the public via our website, or prospective buyers may choose to contact a Southern Maryland Realtor to obtain greater detail about a home. We also have Realtors ready to help you take advantage of commercial properties, farms, and undeveloped residential lots.
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The best way to get to know Southern Maryland, of course, is not to read about it, but to come and experience it for yourself. Whether relocating to the area to take a position at the Navy facilities, or to satisfy a desire to move further from densely populated urban areas, you and your family will need assistance in finding a new home. When you're ready to consider living in Southern Maryland, Southern Maryland REALTORS® will be ready to help you begin experiencing our community from your own front porch!
Based on original work provided courtesy of Rose Crowley with significant additions, updates and corrections made by the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®.
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