MARY’S COUNTY

County Offices
23115 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown 301-475-4461
https://www.stmarysmd.com

Chamber of Commerce
28290 Three Notch Road
Mechanicsville 301-737-3001
https://smcchamber.com/

The naturally beautiful region known as Southern Maryland is a combination of historic St. Mary’s County as well as Calvert and Charles Counties. Although this area has been traditionally slow to develop, recent decades have seen more rapid growth as newcomers awaken to the advantages of a slower pace of life surrounded by a legacy of southern hospitality and gracious living.

In some communities, development has spurred planners to adopt an attitude of carefully planned progress to balance the charm and appeal of rural life with burgeoning amenities. St. Mary’s City is the focal point of shopping centers and services, while the heartbeat of the local economy is located in and near Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the Naval Air Warfare Center. Here, some of the nation’s finest pilots stretch the limits of aviation.

Services
An excellent network of highways enhances travel throughout the county and offers links to major metropolitan areas. Fueled by the powerful presence of the Naval Air Station and Naval Air Warfare Center, the county has attracted a significant sector of high technology industry. In fact, in St. Mary’s County leads all other Maryland jurisdictions in the percentage of private employment represented by the high-tech sector.

St. Mary’s City serves as the educational center for the county, home to St. Mary’s College of Maryland. This private institution enjoys an outstanding reputation as a liberal arts college with small classes, a high standard of education, and a spirit of inquiry. St. Mary’s College of Maryland is also distinguished as southern Maryland’s only four-year college that offers the Bachelor of Arts degree. The college serves the community with a wide range of continuing education programs, offering courses for credit and non-credit and enabling local residents to enjoy the facilities and resources of the college.

Newcomers to St. Mary’s County can look forward to outstanding healthcare services and facilities anchored by two area hospitals. Civista Medical Center in La Plata provides a full range of medical and surgical specialties in addition to a Women’s Center and home health services. Calvert Memorial Hospital in Prince Frederick provides a wide range of specialties as well as community programs, health screenings, and wellness education.

Quality of Life
St. Mary’s County enjoys an idyllic location at the confluence of the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers, while the picturesque Chesapeake Bay opens the door for truly exceptional recreational amenities and outdoor activities of all types. Just minutes from home are panoramic settings for boating, canoeing, parasailing, kayaking, and world-class fishing. Crabbing, sailing, swimming, and water-skiing are all popular pastimes. Lush parks abound throughout the county, many of them housing historic monuments and landmarks as well as first-rate recreational facilities and marinas.

Those who appreciate nature in its unspoiled state will want to visit St. Clements Island State Park, a 40-acre paradise accessible only by boat. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, and picnicking in this serene setting. The island is located in the Potomac River, off the shore of St. Mary’s County, near St. Clement’s and Breton Bays.

The housing selection throughout St. Mary’s County is as diverse as it is attractive. Newcomers will find everything from meticulously restored colonial mansions and country estates on sprawling properties to newer construction in a wide variety of architectural styles and price ranges. Many who are drawn to this region are interested in the expansive lots that are so conducive to gardening and the boarding of large animals like horses.

The cultural activities developed in small communities combine with the world-class amenities of nearby Washington, DC for a year-round calendar of performances and events. Small-town festivals and celebrations abound, bringing together families and neighbors for good food, games, music, craft booths, and old-fashioned good times. Regardless of where you choose to settle in St. Mary’s County, the hospitality and warmth that marks southern Maryland will be evident in the smiles and friendly greetings of your new neighbors.

Charlotte Hall
County Offices
301-475-4461
https://www.stmarysmd.com/

Chamber of Commerce
301-737-3001
https://smcchamber.com/

With its beautiful older homes and strong civic spirit, Charlotte Hall epitomizes the best of Southern Maryland. The story of growth and change through the centuries is told by the many historic buildings, from the rose windows above the altar of the Episcopal Church (circa 1776) to the brick-trimmed granite of Dent Chapel (circa 1883). The latter is considered by many to be Maryland’s finest example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Cozy houses along tree-shaded streets are punctuated by local parks, which provide a tranquil setting for picnics or evening ball games. In addition to the abundance of recreation, retail, education, and employment opportunities available within St. Mary’s County, residents have the advantage of several high-tech military centers close to home. Those who appreciate the intimacy of a small town and a family-oriented lifestyle will discover a friendly home in Charlotte Hall.

Leonardtown
City Hall
301-475-9791
https://leonardtown.somd.com/

Chamber of Commerce
301-737-3001
https://smcchamber.com/

Serving as the county seat for St. Mary’s county, Leonardtown boasts a rich history as well as the promise of a bright future. The community’s close proximity to Washington, DC and the recent expansion of nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station have driven growth and burgeoning economic opportunities. Volunteerism runs high in this friendly environment. During the warmer months, neighbors and friends gather to select fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market in the heart of town. Like many of the small towns scattered throughout Southern Maryland, cultural activities and local festivities play an important role in daily life. Events held in or near Leonardtown include St. Mary’s County Fair, the Oyster Festival, the Fire Department Carnival, Crab Festival, Soap Box Derby, Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, Leonardtown Criterion Bicycle Races, and the Leonardtown High School Homecoming. Soap Box Derby

Lexington Park
County Offices
301-475-4461
https://www.stmarysmd.com

Chamber of Commerce
301-737-3001
https://smcchamber.com/

The well-balanced community of Lexington Park is St. Mary’s County has managed to harmonize its blend of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Although many residents take advantage of the employment opportunities available close to home, a number of commuters and entrepreneurs are also drawn the community’s quiet lifestyle and friendly, small-town spirit. Like many of the communities throughout southern Maryland, Lexington Park is a popular choice for commuters to Washington, DC who want to return home at the end of day to a rural retreat. Well-maintained highways and convenient bus connections provided by St. Mary’s Transit System ensure a convenient trip to nearby towns like St. Mary’s City for expanded amenities. Opportunities for leisure activity abounds in local parks and through the city recreation department, from sports play to tennis. The region is also a popular site for boating and water sports.