A Postcard from Southern Maryland
As dusk approached, we were up to our knees in the water, shining flashlights and catching huge Maryland crabs by the minute. Later, enjoying beer-steamed crabs in our new coastal home, we realized this was just the beginning of our second home lifestyle. 

  

About Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland is a rich historical destination with sites and cities that date back to the days of the early English settlers. Comprised of St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles Counties, Southern Maryland hosts Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River and great coastal wilderness. With state parks and great fishing, this historical location offers a relaxing escape from the hassles of urban life. Second homes with great views at good prices are the bounty found here.

Gateway to Southern Maryland is Charles County. Less than an hour from Washington DC and Annapolis, you find first-class fishing, spectacular shore line, and bird-watching par excellence. Wildlife, including bald eagles, make this area perfect for a second home for nature lovers. And if you are a history buff, almost everything in these counties is historic, and well preserved.  Charles County towns include Prince Frederick, La Plata, Lexington Park, Waldorf, historic Port Tobacco and White Plains.

Saint Mary's County is farther down the peninsula, equally historic. Home to the Patuxent Naval Air Station, the influence from military families creates a unique environment. Towns include Leonardtown, Mechanicsville and St. Clements Island. Again easy access to water makes it a fun place for a vacation home.

Calvert County is hugged on one side by the Potomac River and the other by the salty Chesapeake Bay, so there's lots of waterfront property and parks with public beaches. Tidal marshlands offer great access to wildlife. Calvert County includes quaint towns such as North Beach, Prince Frederick and Chesapeake Beach with great second homes in historical surroundings.

Local History

Since the late 1800's, the area of Southern Maryland has been a resort area. Some parts, only 28 miles from Washington, attracted folks for the beach access. Calvert County had resort hotels and amusement parks in place by early 1900s. With the opening of the Bay Bridge in the 1950's, more vacationers headed to the Atlantic Ocean, leaving places like Calvert County quiet. The draw of legalized gambling also changed when the one-arm bandits were no longer available. However, now the area offers simple, small town, quiet vacation getaways.

An Average Lifestyle in Southern Maryland

Residents have always lived simply in Southern Maryland, happy to escape the hassles of urban life. People are proud of their communities, and protective of the area's resources.  Nature has always been the greatest asset of Southern Maryland. Vacation home owners come here for the quiet and simple beauty of the area.

Housing

Vacation cottages and older homes are the norm here. Median Housing Costs: (Census 2000)

Calvert County: $169,200

Charles County: $153,000

St. Mary's County: $150,000