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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Rachel Knapp,
an experienced agent in this area.
Agents Specializing in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD
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
Coastal living in a rare contemporary style home with vaulted ceilings located on a quiet cul-de-sac across the street from the Chesapeake Bay. A large deck covers the entire front of the home with 3 sliding glass doors facing the Bay. Enjoy open concept living with beautiful LVP flooring throughout the main level. The owners suite is on the main level with a winter bay view, walk in closet and
Back on the market after an amazing summer break - now offered at an exceptional new price. You are absolutely going to fall in Love with this adorable cottage that is just steps from a trail that will lead you to a secluded beach along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. Located on a quiet street in the amenity rich community of Chesapeake Ranch Estates. This community offers so much: ->
Freshly updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath rambler in Chesapeake Ranch Estates! This thoughtfully designed floor plan offers a private primary bedroom on one side of the home, with two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom located on the opposite side. Recent updates include fresh paint, new flooring, a roof less than 5 years old, and HVAC less than 10 years old. Enjoy outdoor living from the rear deck
12846 Homestead Lane, a well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rambler on a 0.34-acre lot nestled among the mature trees of Chesapeake Ranch Estates. Situated in a quiet section of the community while offering quick access to the main entrance, this home combines a peaceful setting with everyday convenience and the ease of single-level livingFrom the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate
Tucked away in a peaceful, secluded neighborhood, this inviting property offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience — tranquil country living just a short drive from shopping, dining, and everyday amenities.This versatile home provides an excellent opportunity to offset your mortgage by living comfortably on the main level while utilizing the fully equipped lower-level suite for
Enjoy the perfect blend of space and updates. This split-level home located in the water-oriented community of Chesapeake Ranch Estates! Boasting a highly functional split-level design with a total of 2,756 square feet of living space, this home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Property Features & Updates, Freshly Updated: Enjoy brand-new carpet on both the main and upper level, along with new
This charming and efficient A-frame home makes the most of every square foot with thoughtful design, abundant storage, and a peaceful wooded setting. Upon entering, you're welcomed with vaulted ceilings, incredible natural light due to the beautiful large windows. A smart kitchen design includes newer stainless steel appliances, plenty of counter space, cabinetry, and a full pantry. Convenient
You will love the western vibe here with a home built for the originally intended ranch vibe of the community. Situated on a larger level lot, the circular driveway allows you to pull right up to the front door and provides plenty of extra parking. Inside you will find an open floor plan, soaring ceiling with beams, upper loft area, kitchen open to family room. Primary suite offers a private half
Spacious brick rambler with private airplane hanger! Roll right out of the hanger, down the run way and off you go! No airplane? No problem! This outbuilding is over 2500 square feet and will hold cars, boats, campers and more! Auto door lift and full bath included! Inside the spacious home you will find room for a crowd with the eat in kitchen complete with island, pantry, double wall oven, cook
Move-In Ready Split Foyer with a Stunning Renovated Interior!Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath split foyer tucked away on a peaceful wooded lot in Lusby. Thoughtfully renovated with today's buyer in mind, this home combines modern finishes, an open-concept layout, and flexible living spaces to create a home that's as functional as it is inviting. Adding to its
Build the home you've been dreaming about on this 0.33-acre corner lot in Chesapeake Ranch Estates! Located at the corner of Red Cloud Road and Mesa Trail, this property offers easy access in and out of the community while keeping you just minutes from shopping, dining, and the waterfront charm of Solomons Island. Enjoy a convenient commute with quick access across the Governor Thomas Johnson
NEW PRICE! $495,997 + UP TO $15,000 IN SELLER CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE OR INTEREST RATE BUYDOWN WITH AN ACCEPTABLE OFFER! Discover the perfect combination of space, comfort, and the Chesapeake Bay lifestyle in this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial nestled in the water-privileged community of Chesapeake Ranch Estates. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the generous
Come by and see rare flat lot in Chesapeake Ranch estate, this property features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Step into the main living space with a wonderful wood burning stove. Off to your left is the kitchen with a side door entrance. As you make your way to the back of the house you will see the 3 bedrooms and bathroom. This property does feature baseboard heaters and a window unit for air.
COZY, CHARMING & COMPLETELY ONE-OF-A-KIND!Tucked beneath a canopy of mature trees on a peaceful .51-acre mostly level lot in Lusby located less than 2 minutes from the post office entrance, this adorable 3-bedroom, 1-bath home has a story to tell. Originally built as a log cabin, the home was thoughtfully remodeled in the 2000s and has continued to evolve with fresh, modern
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath split-foyer home located on a quiet side street in Chesapeake Ranch Estates.The main level features an open floor plan with laminate flooring throughout the main living areas and carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen comes equipped with all major appliances. Downstairs, you'll find an additional family room with a fireplace, providing plenty of extra living
This charming, updated split-foyer residence will be move-in ready for you on 10/1/2026. The stunning kitchen is equipped with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy your summer days on the deck that overlooks the yard, and gather around the fire pit in the evenings. The amenities include beach access, lake access, playgrounds, and much more! Conveniently located near schools
Set on a wooded lot in Lusby, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a practical layout with comfortable spaces both upstairs and down. The main level features wood-look flooring through the living and dining areas, along with a kitchen that has stainless-steel appliances, a center island, and plenty of cabinet space. The bedrooms are finished in neutral tones, while the bathrooms have been updated
345 Chippewa Lane, Lusby, MD 20657 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,532 Sq Ft | .36 Acre Lot FOR RENT!Space, storage, and a convenient location — this home sits just inside Chesapeake Ranch Estates making for easy transit in and out of the community. The home is tucked on a quiet cul-de-sac with 2,532 square feet across three finished levels, including a walkout basement-great for storage and/or
Private apartment in law with 1 bed and 1 bath, kitchen, washer and dryer. Great location with privacy to enjoy. Great credit and good income are needed. Only single occupancy. Utilities included (water and electric) Washer and dryer shared with owner.
Now's your opportunity for privacy and space! This wonderful 3 bed 2 bath on the upper level has a large living space with tons of natural daylight. As well as a kitchen equipped with built in cabinetry for a large pantry. The partially finished basement affords you a secondary living space OR a 4th bedroom opportunity if needed. Great large front yard space as well as the backyard. There is
Welcome to 12418 Red Rock Court, a beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 3 bath home offering comfortable one level living with a thoughtful layout and exceptional outdoor space. Featuring two spacious primary suites, this home provides a unique layout designed for comfort, convenience, and everyday living. The oversized front porch is the perfect place to relax, unwind after a long day, or enjoy the
Tucked away in a peaceful wooded setting, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath rambler-style home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and modern upgrades—ideal for professionals seeking a serene escape with convenient access to work. Just an hour from Washington DC and minutes from PAX Naval Base and the Nuclear Plant, this one-level home features no stairs, making everyday living easier and
Basement apartment only with private entrance around back!! Check out this updated basement apartment at 12632 Western Circle, just 3 minutes from the CRE back gate! It features, one bedroom, a new kitchen and bathroom, laundry room, private entrance, parking and includes utilities, trash removal, and IQ Fiber internet--no HOA fees or yard maintenance. This apartment is close to grocery stores,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
