Solomons

Tucked alongside the Patuxent River is the small town of Solomons, Maryland. This neighborhood, also known as Solomons Island, is a popular weekend destination spot for people in Baltimore and Washington D.C. and offers riverside views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. “Solomons is one of the best-known communities on the Chesapeake Bay,” says David DeSantis, a realtor with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty who specializes in the Chesapeake Bay area. “There’s a rich heritage as a waterfront community where many locals enjoy boating, fishing and spending time on the water.”

Houses close to the river and on the south side of town are set on gridded streets, walkable to the water. These houses are a mix of bungalows, colonial-revivals and custom-built farmhouses. These houses are priced between $800,000 and $1.5 million and sell quickly whenever they’re put on the market. “This neighborhood has a long history as a fishing town that extends back to the 18th century,” says DeSantis. “In fact, one of my current listings was built in 1888 by the Lore family, who were the original owners of the oyster-packing factory nearby, which was the primary business of the area.” Houses on the northern side of town, further from the river, tend to have larger lots and sit on forested streets. These houses range in style and price, from ranch-style homes selling for $300,000, to modern custom-built colonial-revivals, priced between $500,000 and $900,000. On the eastern side of town, along Back Creek, is a 55+ community called The Harbours at Solomons Island. This community is known as an active adult community that offers fitness programs, group activities and regular community gatherings. They have apartments, townhouses and houses, priced starting at $400,000. “Solomons is becoming a huge retirement destination because it offers a reasonably temperate climate and a pleasant community,” says DeSantis.

Students living in Solomons attend Calvert County Public School District schools, rated A-minus by Niche. This district was listed as the fifth-best school district in Maryland. A student in Solomons may attend Dowell Elementary School, rated B by Niche, Mill Creek Middle School, ranked B, and Patuxent High School, rated B-plus and listed as the fourth-best public high school in Calvert County. Parents may also choose to send their children to the local Catholic school, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, which is a joint preschool, elementary and middle school. This private school has a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1.

After school and work, locals enjoy plenty of outdoor recreation. They can head to Solomons Town Center Park, which offers sports fields, a playground, walking trails, public restrooms and picnic areas. There’s also the Solomons Island Boardwalk, perfect for an evening stroll with magnificent views of the water. For rainy or winter days, there’s the Calvert Marine Museum, showing visitors exhibits on the area’s prehistoric past and maritime history, including interactive exhibits on fossils found locally and the wildlife of the area. This museum also hosts concerts and events for the entire community. There’s also the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, an art gallery with indoor exhibitions showing off local artists’ work. This arts center is set on a wide property with meandering walking paths that lead through the surrounding woods. “It’s a small town, where you can walk across the neighborhood in a day,” says DeSantis. “It’s a huge tourist destination, but it’s even better for the people who live there full time. There’s plenty to do and see and it’s such a pretty town.”

Once you’ve worked up an appetite at the boardwalk, head to The Pier Restaurant, a local venue with river views and fresh-caught local seafood dishes. They offer patio seating and brunch and are known for being a great place to watch the sunset. If you’re in the mood for live music with your dinner, try The CD Café, a homey restaurant serving Southern specials like corn-and-crab hush puppies and hosting live music regularly. The menu changes weekly, so there’s always something new to try.

Written By

Caitlyn Tierney

Photography Contributed By

Jesse Snyder

Video By

Ruo Zheng