$413,450Average Value$199Average Price per Sq Ft30Homes For Sale
This California is on the Chesapeake Bay
Named as an homage to the country's third-largest state, the community of California is known to Southern Maryland locals for hosting some of the larger business districts in Saint Mary’s County, as well as a popular landing spot for military employees at the nearby Naval Air Station Patuxent River. It's also a huge hub for watersports and Chesapeake Bay crabbing. "We've got a lot of water here," says MaryAnne Crewse, a California resident and Realtor who sells for O'Brien Realty. "15 minutes from everywhere here is water, rivers all heading into the Chesapeake." As with many coastal towns, much of California is built for and around the water, both to take advantage of the scenery and the wide range of activities. "There are great opportunities here for people that like to boat, crab, fish or sail," Crewse says.
California’s population has grown 8.7% from 2010 to 2020, according to the U.S. Census. Naval Air Station Patuxent River is a major employer, with jobs for around 17,900 people, including 9,800 civilian workers.
Unbeatable views along the Patuxent River in California.
Founded in 1943 the Naval Air Station Patuxent River is Lexington Park’s largest employer.
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Boating, fishing and a playground at Saint Mary’s River State Park
St. Mary's River State Park can be found at the St. Mary's River Watershed's northern end, and it features the 250-acre St. Mary's Lake, which has become a popular freshwater fishing spot. With boat launches, picnic tables and a playground, it's a nice spot to cozy up on a lazy afternoon. Elsewhere, Myrtle Point Park offers hiking and views of the Patuxent River along the bayside. Hikers can cross a wooded trail east to find themselves at a sandy beach with inviting waters. Then there's Town Creek Park, with a public playground, tennis courts and a pool that has memberships for residents. Many locals also own motorboats that they use to cruise around the Patuxent or Potomac rivers.
Myrtle Point Park in California Md. has a great beach on the Patuxent River.
Large boat ramps and a dock make putting a boat in as simple as it can be at St. Mary's River State Park, in Leonardtown, Md
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Wildewood has single-family homes, Myrtle Point offers townhouses
Home prices vary from $250,000 to $900,000, depending on square footage and proximity to the Patuxent River. Buyers can browse a market full of Colonial Revivals, ranch-style homes, townhouses and condos. Homes closer to the shoreline are hard to find, with some featuring boat docks that provide convenient access to bustling waterways. "Our market has been competitive and stayed competitive since 2019, and our inventory has stayed low as long," Crewse says. Smaller subdivisions within California have their own distinct curb appeal. “Wildewood is a unique development,” says Edward Tully, a California local who's a Realtor with Re/Max One. “They have an older section with lots of trees and a newer section that’s almost like a storybook community. There are pools, houses are close together and everyone knows each other." Tully also mentions that shopping at Wildewood Center is nearby, while adding that Myrtle Point's condos and townhouses have better proximity to the retailers on Solomons Island.
California experiences four distinct seasons, with muggy summers and snowy winters. There is a minor flood risk in California, especially for properties closer to the Patuxent River to the east, the Potomac River to the west or along the area’s rippling waterways.
New townhomes at Myrtle Point are close to everything in California.
Newer colonial style homes are still being built in Wildewood Md.
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U.S. National Oyster Festival is a county tradition
California and its coastal communities have a history of drawing upon one another for inspiration, affiliation and a broader sense of community. This is especially true when it comes to activities, shopping and annual events offered in a uniquely St. Mary's County way. "There's always an oyster festival," Crewse says, alluding to the U.S. National Oyster Festival, held for more than five decades at St. Mary's County Fairgrounds. The oyster-packed celebration features a shucking contest, entertainment and an oyster cook-off. Musical events also float along the coast. While the Calvert Marine Museum just across Thomas Johnson Bridge is renowned for hosting all manner of maritime history and exhibits, it's nearly as well-known for its Waterside Music Series, which brings in some big-name acts. Since 1995, folks have gathered in scenic Solomon's Island by the bay to see artists like Brothers Osborne, ZZ Top, and Earth, Wind & Fire. "The last concert I went to there, Heart was playing," Crewse says. St. Mary's College of Maryland also has a concert series of its own.
A shopping hub in Saint Mary's County
California is where most Saint Mary’s County residents stop for shopping. At the intersection of Three Notch and St. Andrew's Church roads, First Colony Center is the primary hub for big-box retail and groceries. Less than a mile north is Wildewood Center, with retailers just a stone’s throw from the homes at Wildewood. Though the area has many chain eateries, locals can dine at established seafood restaurants on nearby Solomons Island and enjoy classic Chesapeake Bay dishes, from blue crabs to rockfish.
California Md. has many retail and restaurant chains for all your shopping needs.
California is know for all of it's retail options along Three Notch Road.
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Quality Saint Mary’s County schools
Saint Mary's County Public Schools serves California children, and it's rated with an A-minus by Niche. The school district offers additional programs at each of its high schools to enhance students' educational experiences, operating an Academy of Finance, an Academy of Performing and Visual Arts, a Career and Technology Center, initiatives centered on Global International Studies and STEM, and a Fire and EMS Cadet Program. St. Mary's County is also home to the historic St. Mary's College of Maryland, which was founded in 1840.
Esperanza Middle School in California Md. gets a B+ rating from Niche.
Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School, Leonardtown Md.
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Not much crime in California
According to FBI statistics, the California-Lexington Park Metropolitan Area saw drops in violent and property crime rates from 2018 through 2020. The area’s violent and property crime rates are also below the national average.
A little longer than expected
Three Notch Road runs north-south through California for wider access to Saint Mary’s County and Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Patuxent Beach Road runs east-west, so locals can reach Solomons Island and Calvert County points of interest in minutes. For public transit, there are Saint Mary’s County buses that run along main streets.
Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge will take you across the Patuxent River to Solomon’s.
Catch the STS bus in Wildewood shopping center and connect with MDOT MTA’s Commuter Bus.
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Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Snyder
Video By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Dick,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in California, MD sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in California, MD over the last 12 months is $395,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
********Priced Below Appraised Value******Welcome to one-level living at its finest in this beautiful, brand-new 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath rancher located in Lexington Park. Thoughtfully designed with comfort and functionality in mind, this home is ideal for anyone seeking easy living without stairs.Step inside to discover a bright, open floor plan featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring,
Exceptional Rancher in sought after Wildewood. Convenient to everything with a very private lot. Additional remarks and Professional pictures to come Showings will start at the Open House on Saturday 9/19/2026 at 11am.
WELCOME HOME TO WILDEWOOD! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers three finished levels, a private tree-backed setting, and plenty of flexible living space. The welcoming main level features beautiful hardwood flooring, an updated kitchen, and a convenient half bath.Step outside to the refreshed rear deck and enjoy the privacy of a backyard that backs to trees—perfect
********Priced Below Appraised Value******Welcome to one-level living at its finest in this beautiful, brand-new 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath rancher located in Lexington Park. Thoughtfully designed with comfort and functionality in mind, this home is ideal for anyone seeking easy living without stairs.Step inside to discover a bright, open floor plan featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring,
Welcome to 22435 Indian Bridge Road, a private 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with approximately 1,668 sq. ft. of living space, including a 20’ x 20’ rear addition. Set back from the road with a long paved driveway, mature trees, and a fenced front yard, this property offers privacy, space, and plenty of versatility.Inside, you’ll find cherry wood floors, granite countertops, white cabinetry,
Greenview West Colonial on quiet cul-de-sac! Tucked away, but close to everything, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, home features gleaming hardwood floors, 9-ft ceilings, Maple kitchen cabinets, granite counters, a large back deck, and a finished basement rec room with a walk out. A welcoming front porch leads to a foyer with a home office w/ French doors on the right, and the formal dining
***Just 10 minutes away from Pax River Naval Base*** This property offers an effortless commute for military, contractors, and buyers looking for an easy commute. This almost new, built in 2025, townhouse comes packed with modern upgrades. Designed for premium comfort, the main level features built-in, in-ceiling speakers for seamless whole-house audio, a gorgeous designer kitchen complete with
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath Colonial tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought-after Westbury community. Offering three levels of living space and an attached two-car garage, this home provides the room and flexibility today’s buyers are looking for.The main level features beautiful hardwood floors and an inviting layout with a formal dining room accented by crown
Exceptional Rancher in sought after Wildewood. Convenient to everything with a very private lot. Additional remarks and Professional pictures to come Showings will start at the Open House on Saturday 9/19/2026 at 11am.
Welcome to convenient condominium living in Great Mills! This spacious 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath main-level condo offers an open-concept floor plan, abundant storage, and a location just minutes from PAX, shopping, dining, and major commuter routes.The inviting living and dining area provides plenty of room to relax or entertain, while the adjoining kitchen features oak cabinetry,
"PRICE REDUCTION $40k".... "Come and Visit"..... "Make an Offer".... Welcome to Baja Lane.....This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home is ready for you to move into. Add your own special finishing touches to make this home complete. All the comforts and Easy Living that a Single Story home has to offer. A short walk from the street or the driveway to the Front door brings you into the large living room
This house comes with a REDUCED RATE as low as 5.875% (APR 6.313%) as of 08/21/2026 through List & Lock™. This is a seller paid rate-buydown that reduces the buyer’s interest rate and monthly payment. Terms apply, see disclosures for more information.Pride of ownership is evident from the moment you arrive. Step inside to a warm and inviting interior featuring bamboo flooring, tasteful
Welcome to this spacious home set on over a half acre, offering sought-after features including energy-efficient solar panels. This split-foyer design includes an attached garage and is ideally located for an easy commute to Pax River, with convenient access to shopping and dining. Featuring 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home provides plenty of space for comfortable living. Come take a tour
Welcome to this well-kept 3-story townhome offering 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a convenient half bath. Built less than 10 years ago, this home features an open-concept layout with a comfortable flow between the main living spaces.The main level features LVP flooring, granite countertops, and an open kitchen, dining, and living area that provides plenty of space for everyday living
Experience effortless one-level living in this beautifully refreshed 3-bedroom, 2-updated bathrooms, all-brick rancher featuring durable luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout! The open-concept kitchen shines with gleaming white cabinets, granite countertops, a center island, stainless steel appliances, and a dedicated dining space that flows seamlessly into the main living areas. Outside, enjoy
Live carefree every day at The Simmons, a brand-new community designed for modern living. Offering thoughtfully crafted one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes, each home features smart home technology, thoughtful design and impressive finishes that enhance your everyday experience. This is where you want to come home, relax, and live with ease. With convenient amenities like an in-home
Discover luxury apartments in California, MD at Settler's Landing. Our beautiful apartment homes feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts designed to give you ample living and storage space. Our apartments are complete with granite countertops, ceramic floors, and private patios. You'll also enjoy our 24-hour fitness center, bark park for resident pets, resort-style pool, and outdoor fire
The Apartments of Wildewood is Saint Mary’s premier rental community! Centrally located to everything from employment to entertainment! Our residents have access to many amenities such as two beautiful clubhouses, two sparkling pools, and 24 hour fitness center and on site storage. Friends and family will be awed by your spacious new home with a garage, fireplace, soaring ceilings and soaking
Experience the lifestyle you deserve at Villas at Greenview West, where modern comfort meets timeless charm. Nestled in the heart of Great Mills, Maryland, our inviting apartment community combines sleek design elements with thoughtfully curated amenities to elevate your everyday living. Choose from our spacious 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes, crafted to meet your needs and preferences. Bring along
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Recently renovated 2 bed/1.5 bath condo. Interior updates include a renovated bathroom (brand new cabinets, countertop, and slink), luxury vinyl plank flooring, bright recessed LED lighting, and freshly painted walls in all rooms. Plenty of storage space! The master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and a private half-bath. The dedicated laundry room includes extra storage and a recently bought
Available to Buy or Lease!Welcome to this stunning three-story townhome in the desirable Woods at Myrtle Point community. Built in 2024, this home features an attached front garage with convenient interior access, soaring ceilings that create a grand, open feel, and abundant natural light throughout.The chef-inspired kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a massive island that
This charming townhouse in Greenview Village offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience. With three spacious bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, this home is designed for modern living. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the dining and living areas, creating an inviting space perfect for gatherings. Enjoy cooking in the eat-in kitchen, featuring upgraded countertops and
Welcome to 23248 Ambrosia Ln, a spacious end-unit townhome in the highly sought-after Evergreen Park at Wildewood community in California, MD. Offering more than 2,300 square feet across three finished levels, this home combines an open, modern layout with the space and flexibility today's buyers are looking for.The main living level is designed for both everyday comfort and entertaining,
Welcome to 45243 Billy Way in California, MD! This well-maintained 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers a spacious and functional layout designed for comfortable everyday living. The inviting living areas provide plenty of room to relax or entertain, while the kitchen features granite countertops, ample cabinetry, and generous counter space. The fully finished basement, complete with a split-unit air
Looking for space and privacy? Spacious 4 bed, 3 bath farmhouse on a large private lot that backs to Salem State Forest where you can hunt (with a license). Incredible opportunity to live on an idyllic farm with a tree-lined driveway and wrap around front porch but still be minutes away from shops, restaurants, and parks. Inside the home there is tons of living space-large family room, spacious
This 1st floor condo is located in the Westmeath Condos Neighborhood off of FDR Blvd. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, it is also pet friendly (with HOA restrictions). The living room has access doors to the balcony deck, with a dining area next to the galley kitchen. The kitchen has a gas stove. There is wood planking flooring and a stackable utility closet. The primary bedroom has his &
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