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
Zachary Wyvill,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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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 54 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.
Adorable rambler with all you need on the main level plus a huge walk in crawl space for storage. Traditional floor plan with family room, kitchen and a separate formal dining or flex room off the kitchen plus three bedrooms, a full bath and a laundry area. New roof and well maintained HVAC unit plus additional storage with the newer outdoor shed. Enjoy access to the lake and bay with sandy
Spectacular water view of Lake Lariat! Endless opportunities to build your waterfront home in sought after Chesapeake Ranch Estates! Great community amenities await. Property perc tested in February 2000, will 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
Located in the established Chesapeake Ranch Estates community, 12044 Bullwhip Trail offers a peaceful, wooded setting in Lusby, Calvert County. The neighborhood is known for its quiet, residential feel and access to community amenities, making it ideal for full-time living or a weekend retreat. Residents enjoy close proximity to Chesapeake Bay beaches, parks, and outdoor recreation, with Calvert
Welcome to this great home located in Chesapeake Ranch Estates. This great 4-bedroom, 3-bath split-foyer home is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac and offers the perfect combination of privacy, value, and community amenities. New roof and updates really make this home special. With a fully finished basement, this home gives you room and privacy while staying within budget. Enjoy access to private
Nestled among mature trees in a peaceful Lusby setting, this beautifully updated split-level home offers the perfect blend of modern finishes, comfortable living, and functional design. With four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, the home provides generous space for everyday living while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout... The main level welcomes you with a bright,
Nicholas PolianskyKeller Williams Preferred Properties
BRING YOUR OFFERS, HIGHLY MOTIVATED SELLER - Charming Cottage-Style Rambler with Seasonal Lake Views! Welcome home to this adorable rambler on a full basement, offering that perfect cottage feel and seasonal water views of Lake Lariat. You’ll fall in love with the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to enjoy nature from not one, but two spacious screened porches — the upper porch is ideal
Tucked away in the peaceful Chesapeake Ranch Estates, this charming waterfront home combines comfort with a relaxed coastal feel. Inside, the bright and open layout flows naturally from the cozy family room to the spacious kitchen and dining area. Sunlight pours in through large windows, giving every space a warm, welcoming glow. The home offers three comfortable bedrooms, with the primary suite
Here’s your chance to build your dream home on a beautiful .23-acre lot in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates community. Enjoy the peaceful, wooded surroundings along with access to private beaches, a lake, playgrounds, and more. Conveniently located near shopping, schools, and local attractions, this property offers the perfect mix of relaxation and convenience. Whether you’re planning your forever
Step into this beautiful home, where comfort and style come together in a spacious, open-concept layout. As you enter, you'll be greeted by soaring cathedral ceilings that fill the space with light and openness. The updated lighting and new flooring throughout create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar,
TO BE BUILT NEW CONSTRUCTION. Beautiful lot Co- Marketed with CarusoHomes. This Model is the ----- VISTA --- Spacious ranch style homewith optional finished upstairs 4th bedroom. This homepresents the perfect open floor plan for hosting familygatherings or events. You can also enjoy the privacy ofsitting outside on your large 7x23 ft covered patio includedwith this
All the perks of this beach front wooded community on one of the bigger lots you'll find! And there is no shortage of room in this colonial style home boasting 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths including a formal dining, living room and family room off the kitchen. The finished basement provides another living space with the 4th bedroom, additional common area, full bath and another room to use for storage
Coming soon - this home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.0 bathrooms, and approximately 2,598 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a
This 4 Bedroom 2 Bath Colonial is breathtaking!! The kitchen has impressive finishes including stainless steel appliances. Down the hall you will find three great sized bedrooms with two full baths. Laundry in unit! Smoking is not permitted on the property. Pet considered case by case. Nice big patio/deck for your entertainment and large driveway.
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