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California is a fast growing community in St. Mary's County, set along Route 235 near the Patuxent River and a short drive from Naval Air Station Patuxent River. It offers newer planned neighborhoods, townhomes, and the area's main shopping centers, with the Patuxent and the Thomas Johnson Bridge to Calvert County close by.
Local Insights
We help buyers compare California homes by commute to the base gates, HOA rules, school zones, and home age, so you can narrow your list before you tour.
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Market Updates
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About California, MD
California is an unincorporated community in St. Mary's County, and addresses use ZIP code 20619. It sits along Route 235 (Three Notch Road) just north of Lexington Park and Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Much of California's growth has come with the base. Planned communities, shopping centers, and offices for defense contractors have filled in the land around Route 235 and Route 4.
St. Mary's County Regional Airport is in California, and the Thomas Johnson Bridge carries Route 4 over the Patuxent River to Solomons in Calvert County.
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Homes
Communities
Nearby
River
Access
California Real Estate
California has some of the newest housing in St. Mary's County. Here is a general picture of what buyers usually find.
Planned communities offer single family homes and townhomes with shared amenities like ponds, paths, and pools, usually with an HOA.
Townhome and condo communities near Route 235 appeal to buyers who want low maintenance living close to the base.
Older neighborhoods and homes near the Patuxent River offer more variety in age, style, and lot size.
California is unincorporated, so homes pay St. Mary's County and state property taxes only.
Prices shift with the season, supply, and base hiring. Ask us for recent sales near the homes you like instead of relying on old averages.
Homes
Options
Living
Home Styles
California Residential Sections
Route 235 Corridor
Homes and townhomes close to shopping, dining, and the drive to the base.
Planned Communities off Route 4
Newer neighborhoods with ponds, walking paths, and community amenities.
Near the Patuxent River
Neighborhoods toward the river and the Thomas Johnson Bridge.
Near the Regional Airport
Residential streets around the county airport and business parks.
Wooded Outskirts
Quieter roads with older homes and bigger lots at the edges of California.
Schools & Education
Public Schools
St. Mary's County Public Schools runs the public schools for California.
Schools in the California area include:
These schools are examples, not guaranteed assignments for every California address. Buyers should confirm the assigned schools for a specific property with St. Mary's County Public Schools before buying.
Private and Alternative
Private and faith based schools are located across St. Mary's County. Contact each school directly for admissions, tuition, and transportation details.
Colleges
College of Southern Maryland
The College of Southern Maryland has a campus in Leonardtown, offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training.
Universities Within Driving Range
St. Mary's College of Maryland is in southern St. Mary's County. The University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland offers upper level and graduate programs in the area.
Things to Do and Local Lifestyle
Shopping and Restaurants
California is a main shopping area for St. Mary's County, with shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants along Route 235 and Route 4. Solomons, across the bridge, adds waterfront dining.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
The Patuxent River and nearby creeks are popular for kayaking, boating, and fishing. A section of the Three Notch Trail runs near California for walking and biking.
Entertainment and Community Activities
The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in nearby Lexington Park shows aircraft tied to the base. Riverside sunsets, county fairs, and Solomons events are close by.
Getting Around
Major Roads
Route 235 runs north toward Mechanicsville and south toward Lexington Park. Route 4 crosses the Patuxent on the Thomas Johnson Bridge to Calvert County.
Nearby Communities
- Lexington Park: The base town just to the south.
- Hollywood: Rural and waterfront homes to the north.
- Leonardtown: The county seat to the west.
- Solomons: A waterfront town across the bridge.
- Great Mills: Neighborhoods to the south.
- Mechanicsville: Farm country farther north.
Commuting and Employment
Naval Air Station Patuxent River and nearby defense contractors are the main employers. Traffic near the gates and on Route 235 can be heavy at shift changes.
Public Transportation and Airports
St. Mary's Transit System (STS) runs local routes. St. Mary's County Regional Airport serves private planes. Reagan National, BWI Marshall, and Dulles are the major airports within driving range.
Why Buy a Home in California?
1. Close to the Base
Naval Air Station Patuxent River is a short drive away.
2. Newer Neighborhoods
Planned communities offer newer homes and amenities.
3. Shopping Hub
Major shopping and dining sit along Route 235.
4. River Recreation
The Patuxent River is close for boating and kayaking.
5. Easy Calvert Access
The Thomas Johnson Bridge leads to Solomons.
6. Choice of Home Types
Townhomes, condos, and single family homes are available.
Frequently Asked Questions About California MD
What county is California, MD in?
California is in St. Mary's County.
What ZIP code does California use?
What public schools serve California?
How close is California to Naval Air Station Patuxent River?
Are there HOA fees in California?
Are there newer homes in California?
Is California, MD on the water?
Is there an airport in California, MD?
What can you do in and around California?
How do I get more information on a California listing?