More on California Maryland

California Maryland? Is there such a place? Yes, and while it might seem confusing, most of us around here know what you’re talking about when you say California. California Maryland is not necessarily a city but a census designated community in St. Mary’s County and home to about 14,000 residents. It’s been growing with the spread of population from the older adjacent community of Lexington Park and jobs and growth that the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

Of course, the community was named after the state of California prior to 1897 and legend has it that a family from the state of California moved to the area using materials from their home state to build their new house. They called the area there California farmstead, and eventually, the name stuck as California Maryland.

This is small, waterfront town offers hometown charm and because of its close proximity to Alexandria Virginia, and Washington DC, it’s a fast-growing area for those that live and work in the neighboring metropolitan cities. It’s located just across the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge from Solomons Maryland and is home to many folks that work at the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station. It’s a combination of older homes as well as brand-new communities currently available in recent development projects.

Living in California MD

California saw major growth and development from 2000 to 2010. It’s been considered one of the better places to live in the state and offers a suburban feel with a spread-out design or most residents own their own homes. The population has young families, retirees, and young professionals with excellent schools, moderate home prices, and affordable rents.

California’s part of the Lexington Park area, which forms recently defined it as a new Metro statistical area made up of several communities in St. Mary’s County. This quiet residential community offers a few shopping centers along Highway 235, restaurants, and a few big-name department stores. Folks love it because you don’t have to travel far for restaurants and shopping, yet it doesn’t give you that major metropolitan city vibe.

Residents of California Maryland love the abundance of nature and outdoor opportunities such as St. Mary’s River State Park, ideal for fishing, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Just across the river is the resort town of Solomons offering a Riverfront Boardwalk, boating options, art galleries, a few museums, and the Anne-Marie Sculpture Garden and Art Center affiliated with the Smithsonian Museum.

Residents have a wide range of shops and restaurants to choose from such as the delicious Mission BBQ on MacArthur Boulevard. Slow-smoked meats, creamy coleslaw, and delicious corn on the cob can easily be found any day of the week. Blue Wind Gourmet is a fantastic deli and sandwich spot with Caesar salad wraps and something they call the garbage sandwich. Looking for a little ethnic cuisine? Check out Bollywood Masala for authentic Indian cuisine, spicy goat dishes, and to eat garlic naan.

But that’s not all; there are Thai food places, sandwich shops, pizza and sub restaurants and much more. Along Highway 235 is most of the amenities and services such as a Lowe’s, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Best Buy, Michaels, JCPenney’s, and the Wildwood Center. From theaters and restaurants to markets and shops, folks don’t have to travel far for all the amenities of a full-service city.