Nature lover’s haven 14 miles from Patuxent River Naval Air Station
Bordered by the silver waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Ranch Estates offers private amenities and a natural landscape. What started as a vacation destination became a close-knit community for full-time residents. Often called CRE or The Ranch, this is a place for those looking to escape from larger metropolitan areas like Baltimore, 80 miles away, or Washington, 63 miles away. “Like I tell most of my clients,” says Addie Graves, a real estate agent with Samson Properties. “If you want more for your money, people go further out.” Many residents commute to work in Washington and Baltimore or closer to home at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, 14 miles away. A board of directors, part of the property owners association, oversees the community and is responsible for upgrading and maintaining private amenities as well as putting on events. While exclusive facilities are a big draw to the area, the proximity to nature, including private lakes, beaches and trails, is the main reason residents choose this region.
Pax River Naval Air Museum preserves the history and heritage of Naval Aviation and its significance.
Just a short drive from Chesapeake Ranch Estates, learn about the flying in the Navy at the Pax River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park.
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Private beaches and fossil-covered cliffs
“For someone who is looking to be close to the water, it’s a great location,” says Graves. Two private beaches, Driftwood Beach and Seahorse Beach, offer picnic areas and sunset views. Anglers reel in Largemouth bass, sunfish and bluegill at Lake Lariat. While the lake has a dock, check the water quality before diving in, as it has a history of algae blooms and runoff. The community's clubhouse hosts events like the crab feast and holiday parties. The campgrounds are open to the public from April 1 to Oct. 31, and campers may explore the trails running throughout the community. Residents may also plant fruits and vegetables at the private community gardens or play a game in the horseshoe pits. Outside the area, Cove Point Park has a large play structure, hard-top courts and an outdoor pool with water slides. Nearby, Calvert Cliffs State Park is a fossil hunter’s haven. The eroding cliffs display remnants of ancient sea creatures dating back more than 20 million years ago, t.
Chesapeake Ranch Estates experiences all four seasons. Summers are often humid with temperatures in the 80s and winters are cold, with temperatures in the low 40s. The community has its own roads department that maintains the area and clears streets after snowfall.
Lake Lariat has a peaceful beach for Chesapeake Ranch Estates residents to enjoy.
Colonial Revival, split-level, cottage and ranch-style homes line winding roadways bordered by large oaks and cedars. Most homes are near water or trails and other outdoor amenities. The median home price is $346,000, below the national median. The community's homeowners pay fees ranging from $17 to $50 a month.
According to the U.S. Census, The Ranch had 10,015 residents in 2022. The Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office reported that in 2024, Calvert County had the lowest crime rate of any jurisdiction in Maryland, with 1,634 incidents per 100,000 people, below the state average of 3,771 incidents per 100,000 people.
Cozy colonial revivals are sprinkled all around Chesapeake Ranch Estates.
Split Level homes are some of the most popular in Chesapeake Ranch Estates.
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Highly rated Culvert County schools
Students attend Culvert County Public Schools, which receives an A-minus from Niche and is ranked in the top five Maryland school districts.
Mill Creek Middle School in Lusby Md has a Niche B rating.
Most young Chesapeake Ranch Estates residents go to Patuxent High School in Lusby.
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Shopping and dining along Solomon Island Road
The nearest shopping and dining is in Lusby. The Lusby Town Center, Lusby Hills Shopping Center and Solomon Towne Centre include popular chains and seafood-focused restaurants. Groceries are available at Weis Markets along Solomon Island Road.
Come to the Pier Restaurant on Solomons Island for a wonderful seafood platter.
Groceries are never far with local big box grocery stores in Solomons like this Weis Market.
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Weekly community events and clubs
The POACRE hosts weekly clubs and events for residents to attend. Holiday events are popular among residents, including Halloween trunk or treat at the campgrounds. In late July, residents celebrate the season's catch with a crab feast at the clubhouse.
Southern Calvert Baptist Church, Eastern United Methodist Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, and other houses of worship surround the area for religious events and services.
Mr. C's Cigar Lounge is a chill spot to unwind near Chesapeake Ranch Estates.
Pickleball lovers frequent Cove Point Park for daily matches.
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Commuters use state Route 4
Residents catch commuter buses in California, 10 miles away, to reach Baltimore and Washington using state Route 4. Those commuting to the Naval Air Station continue for 4 more miles. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 63 miles north on MD-4 for commercial flights. The MedStar St Mary’s Hospital is 17 miles away.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
Photography Contributed By
Naleli Murry
Video By
GL Moses
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lola Knights,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD over the last 12 months is $347,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This classic Colonial offers three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a well-designed layout filled with natural light. Hard-surface flooring runs throughout the home, creating a clean, cohesive feel from room to room. The kitchen features updated countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a double oven—ideal for everyday cooking and entertaining alike. Just off the kitchen, the deck provides
This is one of those homes that makes you stop and say, “Wait... all of this is included?” A huge rambler with a fully finished basement, tons of recent upgrades, and space that just keeps going—this home delivers incredible value and flexibility for the price. From the start, the big-ticket updates are already done for you: a newer roof, HVAC, water heater, luxury vinyl plank flooring, updated
Spectacular water view of Lake Lariat! Endless opportunities to build your waterfront home in sought after Chesapeake Ranch Estates! Great community amenities await. Property perced in February 2000, may need to be updated.
Price Improved – Best Value in Chesapeake Ranch Estates!This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers open-concept living, new granite countertops, and updated stainless steel appliances in the kitchen — perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy your morning coffee on the beautiful covered front porch, and unwind in a light-filled living space with a flexible
PRICED TO SELL! Great opportunity to purchase land in Chesapeake Ranch Estates and enjoy all that Southern Maryland and the community have to offer. Multiple beaches, boating, fishing, shopping, fine dining all within minutes from this parcel. Priced for a quick sale, don't wait. Front corners of parcel are staked.
Welcome to your cozy retreat in the heart of convenience! This fully furnished 1-bedroom basement apartment offers a perfect blend of comfort and accessibility. As you step through the private rear entrance, you'll find yourself in a well-appointed space designed for easy living. The kitchen comes fully equipped with everything you need to whip up delicious meals, while the private laundry
Welcome to this delightful rambler, perfectly situated on a spacious corner lot. This inviting home boasts three generous bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in closet, and two well-appointed bathrooms, providing ample space for you and your loved ones. Enjoy the fresh, updated look with new flooring, fresh paint, new kitchen cabinets and new bathroom creating a modern and welcoming
Multi-Generational Living at Its BestThis completely remodeled home offers exceptional versatility with 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and two full kitchens, ideal for multi-generational living or flexible rental opportunities.The main and upper levels feature four bedrooms and two and a half baths, providing comfortable primary living spaces. The fully finished lower level includes a second
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