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 the regional growth 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 are expected to continue shaping Southern Maryland for years to come. (Potomac River Photo Credit: PortTobaccoRiver.org)
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 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 Historical Society’s website.
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 readily found in farm fields or on the beaches of public parks such as Flag Ponds and Calvert Cliffs. Native and colonial artifacts are also readily found in back yards, farm fields or historic sites like Jefferson Patterson Park. Although already settled by members of the Piscataway Nation, Cecil Calvert received a 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 “Old” 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, court and probate records dating from colonial times to present. Like the rest of Southern Maryland, Charles County history includes prehistoric fossils, Native American settlements, forts and plantations as well as events surrounding the Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.
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 retains strong roots in the farming industry. 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 frequently available at roadside stands and Amish Markets.
Recreation and Leisure
With hundred of miles of scenic waterways, our area is known for its boating, sailing, and fishing. Local waterways include the Chesapeake Bay, the Patuxent, Potomac, Wicomico, and Port Tobacco rivers along with the natural beauty of the Zakiah, Kerric and Mattawoman swamps. Our Maryland State Parks and county recreation areas offer dozens of environments for camping, hunting, hiking, picnicking, as well as sporting activities and special events. Enjoy free summer evening concerts on the lawn of the La Plata Town Hall or take a sunset stroll along the boardwalks in Leonardtown, Solomons, Chesapeake Beach or Indian Head. The possibilities are endless. 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 Parks and Recreation 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.
Local wineries are relatively new to the scene, but have already achieved impressive results. Southern Maryland may prove to be ideal for grape growing as farmers seek a replacement crop for tobacco, which has sustained the area’s farms for centuries. For more information on St. Mary’s County history or activities we recommend contacting the Historic St. Mary’s Commission; 301-862-0990 and the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce at 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. The best source of information on Maryland’s outdoor activities is the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Shopping
The region’s largest shopping mall is located in neighboring Charles County within a comfortable 30-minute drive of most neighboring 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’s, Kohl’s, and Macy’s, which has expanded to hold two anchor positions. Inside, there are 120 specialty stores. Outside and nearby, shoppers will find a Big Lots, Tuesday Morning, 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, a 117,000 square foot Target Store opened on the northern side. Other centers feature Best Buy, Home Depot, AC Moore, Books A Million, Christmas Tree Shops, Sports Authority, Burlington Coat Factory, Babies R Us, The Home Store, and a host of other retail outlets.
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, K-Mart and Target all operate stores in the county with Pet Smart and Staples. Currently, there are several quality grocery stores such as Food Lion, Giant and McKay’s. 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 ever expanding retail environment as well.
Throughout the region you’ll find smaller specialty shops, antique stores, farmer’s markets and flea markets. Try out bargain barns in Hughesville for a unique shopping experience. Located in converted tobacco warehouses, the many antique, collectibles, and specialty shops do business under a skylit tin roof with rustic wooden floors that once held vast crops of county grown tobacco. Another interesting experience is the Amish market in Mechanicsville, where fresh produce, livestock and furniture from the local Amish are sold alongside a variety of flea market and antique shops, or you may want to try the beach shops at Solomons Island or Chesapeake Beach. With so much variety available, the more you seek, the more you’ll find!
Many locals and tourists visit Solomons Island in Calvert County 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.
Once used as a naval training facility during WW2, the island has since reverted to civilian use and become a popular destination year round.
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 events. This Solomons Business Association sponsored event is usually attended by more than 9,000 locals and tourists alike. Additionally, Solomons Island offers several excellent museums. The Calvert Marine Museum ,which hosts a series of concerts throughout the year, is home to the relocated historic Drum Point Lighthouse and an interesting collection of locally found marine fossils and War of 1812 relics.
Dining
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 on 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, offering a wide range of dining experiences including locally owned Bert’s 50’s Diner in Mechanicsville which is sure to delight any 50’s buff or St Mary’s Landing for a good old fashioned country dinner. Lenny’s in California has been feeding loyal customers since 1952, and the lunch buffet at Nicolletti’s is sure to satisfy. Nearby in Waldorf, Charles County has many franchise restaurants such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Outback, Ruby Tuesday’s, Carrabba’s, Chili’s, and Chuck E. Cheese for the kids. Charles County also offers a growing selection local restaurants specializing in international cuisine. Enjoy Greek cuisine at Ouzo’s, Chinese food at Hunan Star or Golden Wall, get a taste of an Irish Pub at Casey Jones’ or Spanish fare at the El Dorado in La Plata. Japanese food and fun are found at the Sakura Steak and Seafood House in Waldorf. Try Italian-style food at Rucci’s Deli in White Plains or slip off the beaten path to the Blue Dog for steak & lobster dinner you’ll remember. But why limit your opportunities? 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 are 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 . The Smithsonian Institution and other famous museums such as the Freer Gallery, the National Air and Space Museum, or the National Gallery of Art are filled with the treasures of the world. 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 to a pair of rare Giant Pandas. The Kennedy Center, which hosts the greatest performers from our nation and from around the world, is also home to the National Symphony Orchestra. Washington has several great theaters with a full season of shows available for your entertainment.
Many wonderful family memories will be created during outings in Historic Annapolis and Old Town Alexandria. Both towns retain much of the charm of their colonial past while offering unique dining and shopping opportunities. More good times will be found in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where the good ship Constellation–the last all-sail warship ever built by the US Navy, is moored. The Inner Harbor is also home to the awesome National Aquarium, and as long as you’re there, why not take in the Walters Art Gallery, just a twenty minute walk north that’s well worth the trip. Also look for the Maryland science Center and the Davis planetarium. Don’t be so dazzled that you forget to visit Fort McHenry, whose stubborn defenders inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. (Then make sure to see the banner itself on display in Washington). Historically a center for the performing arts, Baltimore is also home for the Baltimore Symphony, and several very highly-regarded theaters.
No discussion of life in the region would be complete without mentioning the region’s easy access to the Atlantic Coast. Almost everyone who lives in the area eventually crosses the Bay and visits the Atlantic ocean beaches. Southern Maryland is within a 3 hour drive of some of the best recreational beaches on the East Coast. Ocean City is a regional favorite and was recently voted among the top recreational destinations in the country. Enjoy white marlin fishing, stroll along the boardwalk, spend a day sailing or stay on shore for plenty of beach-related fun. While visiting the beautiful Eastern Shore ocean front, plan a trip down to Assateague Island National Seashore, where the astounding beauty of natural dunes, beaches, wild horses and other wildlife await you. But don’t stop there! Equally stunning beauty is just a short drive south at Chincoteague Island, where a quieter, more natural beach experience awaits the patient driver.
The region just outside the tri-county area also provides a wide range of activities for the dedicated day-tripper. Luray and Skyline caverns offer breathtaking views of the beauty beneath the earth’s crust. Great Falls is a splendid area for hiking and kayaking, taking in the fall colors or just quietly enjoying the beauty of the rapids and waterfalls. The popular falls may be seen from parks on both the Maryland and Virginia sides and while you’re there, take a ride on the C&O Canal. Train enthusiasts will enjoy the steam engine excursions popular in the western panhandle region and history buffs will be thrilled by the hundreds of historic sites such as George Washington’s home at Mt Vernon, many Civil War battlefields, early colonial settlements, prehistoric fossils and native American sites. Hunt for fossils at Dinosaur Park in Laurel or visit Harper’s Ferry West Virginia, where abolitionist John Brown ignited the first sparks of Civil War. For a more serene experience, take in historic St Michael’s on the Eastern Shore or explore Virginia’s Northern Neck. All are within a 3-hour drive of Southern Maryland.
Area Sports
A rich environment exists for the sports enthusiast. Local softball, 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, jousting 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. Southern Maryland 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 professional teams based in both Washington and Baltimore.
The Redskins, Ravens, Wizards, Orioles, Nationals, Capitals and DC United all play home games close by, and college-level teams featuring schools such as Navy, Georgetown and the University of Maryland are readily accessible. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball are based in Charles County, 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 so that the last working fully sail-driven fishing fleet in the world will survive.
Even though their numbers have dwindled, hardy oyster fishermen are still regularly seen working the beds each year from their distinctive boats. Despite being hampered by environmental challenges and restrictions, they continue living the life they love, keeping alive traditions harking back to the earliest colonists who made these waters their home. Persistent efforts aimed at restoring the Bay ensure they will be working the waters for years to come.
But the Bay provides much more than dining or recreational opportunities. A part of Maryland since long before man ever walked its shores, there is a timeless serenity about it that touches the soul. From the fossils embedded in the cliffs lining 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 100,300 people and 6,400 businesses that employ in excess of 28,500 people. The major employers include DynCorp, Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Allied-Signal, C-Cubed, Compliance Corp., Eagan McAllister Assoc., Eagle Systems, Information Spectrum, Lockhead Martin, 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. Over 22% hold college degrees and the 2007 median household income was $72,500. The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development is an excellent source of state and regional data 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 88,000 people, more than 22 percent hold college degrees. Calvert offers access to one of the largest, most diverse, 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 of the over 6,750 employers in Calvert County are Baltimore Gas & Electric, Calvert Memorial Hospital, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, DynCorp and Direct Mail Management. The 2007 median household income was $89,000. 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 9,600 businesses and employs in excess of 37,000 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, Facchina Corp., the College of Southern Maryland, 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. The 2007 median household income was $81,500. Home to over 140,000 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.
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 Information for information on Southern Maryland’s state and federal governmental representation.
Public Education
In 2009, Maryland schools achieved a number one ranking in the nation for AP exam performance. Maryland schools were also selected as the best in the nation by Education Week’s Quality County report. Southern Maryland did its part to help achieve this success as shown by the 2008 Maryland report card. All area schools offer a large selection of the 32 available AP courses.
St. Mary’s and Calvert County Public Schools are governed by five-member Boards of Education. A sixth position is filled by a student member in each county. In the St. Mary’s County public school system, there are currently 18 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 5 high schools, special education schools, 3 academies, adult education and evening schools and a 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. A 2009 Newsweek article on the 1,500 top high schools in the nation listed 2 High Schools in St Mary’s County: Leonardtown HS (825) and Great Mills HS (1057).
In Calvert County, there are 13 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 5 high schools, a vocational tech school, a special environmental school, a career center, an 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. A 2009 Newsweek article on the 1,500 top high schools in the nation listed 3 Calvert County schools: Huntington HS (493), Patuxent HS (542), Northern HS (1068).
Charles County students are served by 21 public elementary schools, 8 public middle schools, and 6 public high schools. A 2009 Newsweek article on the 1,500 top high schools in the nation listed 5 Charles County schools: La Plata HS (380), Maurice J Mc Donough HS (702), Henry E Lackey HS (1376), Thomas Stone HS (1436), and Westlake HS (1471). The only Charles County HS not listed was the new North Point School, which had not yet had a graduating class when the survey was conducted. 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. Test scores may be found online or by calling 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 that have been approved by the Maryland State Board of Education. Homeschooling in Maryland is also possible.
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. (UMUC).
CSM prepares its students locally for transfer to four-year colleges 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 focuses on workforce development with the participation of local businesses interested in growing and maintaining a healthy economy and community by providing students the tools and resources necessary to succeed in a competitive workplace.
The college also offers job and career training opportunities, wellness and fitness activities, theater and fine arts programs, personal enrichment courses, and serves the business community through programs offered by the St Mary’s County Department of Economic and Community Development. The College of Southern Maryland is 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, 13 colleges and universities participate, including Capitol College, Catholic University of America, George Washington University, Gratz College, Towson State University, Harrisburg University, University of Maryland College Park, The University of Maryland University College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Stevenson University, Webster University, Washington Adventist University, and Johns Hopkins University. (The list varies over time. Click here for the current list). A growing list of upper division and graduate degree programs are offered. These educational opportunities will serve the needs of the NAWCAD and NSWC as well as our quickly growing local community. For more information on the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, call 301-737-2500.
The Waldorf Higher Education Center was founded in 1997 to offer Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs through the CSM/UMUC partnership. It has since expanded to offer degrees from Towson and the College of Notre Dame. With state of the art computer labs and small teacher to student ratios, the center is a great resource to help local residents reach their academic goals.
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, the first hospital in Southern Maryland. Civista consists of a series of regional facilities operating on a not-for-profit basis. The recently expanded 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. In 2009 ground was broken for a new Hospice Center that will provide 24/7 medical, spiritual, and psychological care for those in need of its services.
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, ensuring the greater region’s finest facilities are available to everyone in need. 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, including Trooper 2 at Andrews AFB, the busiest medevac unit in America. Our own local Trooper 7 spends over 400 hours a year airborne conducting over 350 medevac’s and 700 law enforcement/search and rescue missions each year.
Charles County is also well-served by 17 mostly volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units. The county’s Department of 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. A Tactical Response Team is ready to deal with unconventional emergencies. 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.
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. The St. Mary’s County Department of Safety has 9 Volunteer Fire Departments 8 Volunteer Rescue Squads an advanced life support unit and a Hazmat team. Together, they provide law enforcement and fire prevention services to the county’s 100,300 permanent residents and the additional 15,000 people who commute to the county for work and for recreation.
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 planned communities are all available to accommodate the growing 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 many 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 are often 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. Since the market correction of 2008-2009, many new and unique opportunities exist in the market, making this one of the best buyer markets in a long time. Buyers may not see this combination of low prices and low interest rates again for many years.
According to the April 2012 records of the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® , the median home sales price in was $279,900 in Calvert County, while Charles County’s median was $235,000. In St. Mary’s County the median price was $236,700 reflecting a new round of growth in the regional market and marking the perfect opportunity to buy while prices remain attractive. One to two bedroom condominium apartments and townhomes are available in the $100,000’s and low $200,000’s while our newer homes may be found at $164,000 and up, with most in the $250,000-$400,000 range. Bargains do exist, with resale’s under $100,000 appearing on the market regularly. Waterfront homes are plentiful and reasonably priced compared to many other waterfront areas. Home purchasers can expect to pay in excess of $400,000 for typical water frontage, but depending on the area and body of water, some still sell for just under $240,000.
Southern Maryland homes come in many styles, but most following traditional architectural styles, such as ramblers/ranchers, two stories, or cape cods. Historic, contemporary style and custom built homes are also obtainable. From “starter” homes to retirement communities, Southern Maryland has something to offer everyone. Action Real Estate Services, Inc. can lead the way as you search to find the perfect home for you and your family. We have REALTORS® ready to help you take advantage of commercial properties, farms, and undeveloped residential lots.
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 as a teacher, 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, Action Real Estate Services, Inc. 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 Action Real Estate Services, Inc. Revised and updated December 2012.)