California MD Homes for Sale

Included below are homes for sale in California Maryland. If you would like more information on any of these California MD real estate listings, just click the "Request More Information" button when viewing the details of that property. We can provide you with disclosures, past sales history, dates and prices of homes recently sold nearby, and more. Read on below the listings to learn more about California MD Real Estate

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More on California Maryland 

California Maryland? Is there such a place? Yes, and while it might seem confusing, most of us around here know what you're talking about when you say California. California Maryland is not necessarily a city but a census designated community in St. Mary's County and home to about 14,000 residents. It's been growing with the spread of population from the older adjacent community of Lexington Park and jobs and growth that the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

Of course, the community was named after the state of California prior to 1897 and legend has it that a family from the state of California moved to the area using materials from their home state to build their new house. They called the area there California farmstead, and eventually, the name stuck as California Maryland.

This is small, waterfront town offers hometown charm and because of its close proximity to Alexandria Virginia, and Washington DC, it's a fast-growing area for those that live and work in the neighboring metropolitan cities. It's located just across the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge from Solomons Maryland and is home to many folks that work at the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station. It's a combination of older homes as well as brand-new communities currently available in recent development projects.

Living in California MD

California saw major growth and development from 2000 to 2010. It's been considered one of the better places to live in the state and offers a suburban feel with a spread-out design or most residents own their own homes. The population has young families, retirees, and young professionals with excellent schools, moderate home prices, and affordable rents.

California's part of the Lexington Park area, which forms recently defined it as a new Metro statistical area made up of several communities in St. Mary's County. This quiet residential community offers a few shopping centers along Highway 235, restaurants, and a few big-name department stores. Folks love it because you don't have to travel far for restaurants and shopping, yet it doesn't give you that major metropolitan city vibe.

Residents of California Maryland love the abundance of nature and outdoor opportunities such as St. Mary's River State Park, ideal for fishing, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Just across the river is the resort town of Solomons offering a Riverfront Boardwalk, boating options, art galleries, a few museums, and the Anne-Marie Sculpture Garden and Art Center affiliated with the Smithsonian Museum.

Residents have a wide range of shops and restaurants to choose from such as the delicious Mission BBQ on MacArthur Boulevard. Slow-smoked meats, creamy coleslaw, and delicious corn on the cob can easily be found any day of the week. Blue Wind Gourmet is a fantastic deli and sandwich spot with Caesar salad wraps and something they call the garbage sandwich. Looking for a little ethnic cuisine? Check out Bollywood Masala for authentic Indian cuisine, spicy goat dishes, and to eat garlic naan.

But that's not all; there are Thai food places, sandwich shops, pizza and sub restaurants and much more. Along Highway 235 is most of the amenities and services such as a Lowe's, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Best Buy, Michaels, JCPenney's, and the Wildwood Center. From theaters and restaurants to markets and shops, folks don't have to travel far for all the amenities of a full-service city.

California MD Weather

California, MD, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Located in St. Mary's County, this charming town enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from the 30s°F (single digits °C) in winter to the 80s°F (around 30°C) in summer. While winters can bring occasional snowfall and chilly temperatures, spring and fall offer mild, comfortable weather ideal for outdoor activities. Summer brings warmer temperatures, with plenty of sunshine for enjoying the nearby beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities. Overall, California, MD, boasts a delightful climate that appeals to residents and visitors alike.

CALIFORNIA WEATHER

Is California MD Safe?

As of the latest available data, California, MD, is considered a relatively safe place to live. While no community is entirely free from crime, California maintains a lower crime rate compared to many other areas. The town benefits from a strong sense of community, law enforcement presence, and various safety measures implemented by local authorities. Residents can enjoy peace of mind knowing that efforts are made to ensure their safety and well-being. However, it's always advisable to stay informed about local safety resources and take necessary precautions to safeguard oneself and property.

What do residents think about living in California?

"I love living in California, Md. It is a very small town and the community is amazing. It is amazing being able to go outside and see wildlife, trees, and the water. I couldn’t imagine a more relaxing and beautiful place to live."

"Great quiet outdoors. Nice community and great people. I love it here, and love rising my kids in this community."

"California is a secluded town north of the base. You are close to shopping and it’s away from crime and a friendly family place." -Niche.com

California Maryland Schools

Residents of California MD are part of the St. Mary's County public school district, and most school-age children attend the Evergreen elementary school or the two private schools, Thee Christian School and Starmaker Learning Center, the Esperanza middle school, and the Leonardtown high school. Most of these schools are between 1 to 5 miles from most homes and developments in California.

"Leonardtown prides itself on our community, academics, and sports. Leonardtown is a high school with wonderful staff that are willing to provide the best experiences for students. Examples of this would be spirit weeks, lunch activities, diverse clubs, monthly events, clean classrooms, and welcoming spaces for all. There is something for everyone at LHS arts, sports, and much more! WE ARE RAIDER STRONG!" - Niche.com

California Maryland Real Estate

Looking for a place to call home in California, MD? You're in luck! From charming older designs to newly refurbished homes and brand-new communities, there's something for everyone in California, Maryland's real estate market. Explore all available listings on our website, including California MD homes for sale, California Maryland homes for sale, California MD houses for rent, and California MD real estate. When you're ready to take a closer look, contact us anytime to schedule a showing. We're here to help you find your perfect home in California, Maryland, or any other community in St. Mary's County.

Is California, Maryland the right fit for your home search?

California makes sense for buyers who want to stay close to the Route 235 corridor without limiting the search to Lexington Park. You can be near shopping, restaurants, everyday services and the NAS Patuxent River employment area while still finding neighborhoods that feel much more residential once you get away from Three Notch Road.

That's the part worth understanding before you start clicking through listings. California covers more than one type of setting. A townhome near the commercial corridor, a detached home in Wildewood and a property closer to the Patuxent River can all carry a California address and give you a very different day-to-day experience.

We usually tell buyers to figure out which version of California they want first. Then the home search gets easier.

Trying to decide between California, Lexington Park and Hollywood?

Tell us where you need to drive regularly, what type of home you want, how much land you want around it, and how close you want to be to Route 235. The Southside Group can help you narrow the area before you spend weekends touring homes that don't fit.

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Quick answers for buyers considering California, MD

Is California, Maryland close to NAS Patuxent River?

Yes. California sits immediately north of Lexington Park along the Route 235 corridor, making it a practical area to include in a home search for someone who regularly needs to reach Naval Air Station Patuxent River or employers around the base.

Don't choose a house based on mileage alone. The property location, time of day and the NAS gate you use can change the drive. The Navy provides current relocation and installation information through its NAS Patuxent River newcomer resources.

How is California different from Lexington Park?

Lexington Park sits directly beside NAS Patuxent River and is closely tied to the base and Great Mills Road area. California extends north along Route 235 and includes a large concentration of shopping, residential communities and neighborhoods closer to the Patuxent River.

Buyers working near Pax River often search both. That's usually the better approach because the boundary matters less than the actual house, street and commute.

How does California compare with Hollywood?

Hollywood is farther north and includes more rural roads, wooded properties and larger parcels. California generally puts buyers closer to the commercial activity along Route 235.

If you keep looking at California homes and wishing you had more land around the house, add Hollywood to the search.

What types of homes are available in California, Maryland?

California's housing can include detached single-family homes, townhomes, established subdivisions and newer residential development. Communities associated with the California area include Wildewood, Laurel Glen, Beverly Hills, San Souci, Maple Run and Woods of Myrtle Point.

Those community names don't tell you everything. HOA requirements, lot size, garage configuration, age, condition and community features should be checked for the individual property.

California gives buyers a few very different ways to live

A buyer looking near Wildewood may be comparing planned-community housing and neighborhood amenities. Another buyer may be focused on a property farther east toward the Patuxent River. Someone else may want a townhome because yard maintenance isn't high on the priority list.

Same town name. Different search.

Living closer to Route 235

Route 235, also known as Three Notch Road, is the main commercial spine through California and the larger Lexington Park area. Grocery stores, restaurants, retail centers and other everyday services are concentrated along and around this corridor.

The tradeoff is straightforward. Being close to the corridor can make errands and commuting easier, but buyers should pay attention to road access and traffic around the specific property.

Looking farther toward the Patuxent River

The eastern side of California brings buyers closer to the Patuxent River and communities around Myrtle Point.

Myrtle Point Waterfront Park is located in California on the Patuxent River. St. Mary's County identifies it as a 192-acre park with shoreline access, hiking trails, fishing, picnicking and other outdoor recreation. Current park information is available from St. Mary's County Recreation & Parks.

A home being close to the river doesn't automatically make it waterfront or give it boating access. Confirm the actual property boundary, water frontage, access rights, dock situation, flood considerations and insurance requirements for any property where the water is part of the buying decision.

Looking at Wildewood and other planned communities

Wildewood is a significant residential community within the California area and regularly appears in local home searches. Other named communities contribute to the mix as well.

For buyers comparing homes inside an HOA or planned community, we would want to see the current association documents rather than relying on what an old listing says. Review the fee, what's included, rules, maintenance responsibilities and any assessments that apply to the particular property.

What should you check before buying a home in California?

California is a good example of why location should be reviewed at the property level.

• Drive the commute yourself. If NAS Pax River is part of the decision, test the route to the gate you'll actually use.
• Check the road around the house. A property just off Route 235 can feel very different from one deeper inside a subdivision.
• Review the HOA where applicable. Current fees, rules and responsibilities matter more than an old MLS description.
• Confirm utilities. Water, sewer, well and septic arrangements can vary by property and location.
• Look closely at water-related claims. "Near the water," "water access" and true waterfront ownership are different things.
• Verify school assignments by address. School boundaries can change, so don't rely on the school field in an older listing.
• Compare current competition. Recent sales help, but buyers should also look at the homes available at the same time they're shopping.

These are the details that usually separate two homes that look fairly similar online.

California vs. other nearby St. Mary's County communities

California vs. Lexington Park

Search both if NAS Patuxent River access is high on your list. Lexington Park puts you immediately beside the installation, while California extends farther north along Route 235 with substantial residential and commercial development.

California vs. Leonardtown

Leonardtown has a defined historic town center and serves as the St. Mary's County seat. California is more closely tied to the Route 235 commercial corridor and the Lexington Park/Pax River area.

California vs. Hollywood

Hollywood deserves a look if you're willing to move farther north for more rural surroundings or larger parcels. California usually keeps you closer to the major shopping and employment corridor.

California vs. Great Mills

Great Mills sits beside Lexington Park and can overlap with the same general Pax River housing search. Buyers focused on commute and price should compare all three areas rather than drawing a hard line around California.

Our Where to Live in Maryland guide compares these communities with other options throughout St. Mary's, Calvert and Charles counties.

Shopping for a home near NAS Patuxent River?

California should probably be on the search, but don't stop there. We can compare California, Lexington Park, Great Mills, Hollywood and Leonardtown based on your actual commute, budget, property type and lot preferences.

View Homes Near NAS Pax River Ask The Southside Group

Selling a home in California, Maryland

California has enough variation in housing that sellers need to be selective with comparable sales.

A townhome shouldn't be priced from a detached home on a larger lot just because both have a 20619 address. The same goes for an older property compared with newer construction, or a home closer to Route 235 compared with a property near the river.

Our team looks at recent sales, current competing listings, condition, property type, location and the features buyers are comparing right now. Once the property is active, showing activity and repeated buyer feedback give us another layer of information.

Homeowners considering a move can review our Southern Maryland home-selling resources or contact The Southside Group Real Estate for a property-specific market review.

Frequently asked questions about California, Maryland real estate

Is California, Maryland near Naval Air Station Patuxent River?

Yes. California is immediately north of Lexington Park along the Route 235 corridor and is commonly included in home searches for people who need access to NAS Patuxent River. The actual commute depends on the home's location, traffic and the gate or workplace you're traveling to.

What kinds of homes can I find in California, MD?

Current inventory can include detached single-family homes, townhomes, established subdivisions and newer residential properties. Lot size, condition, garage space, HOA requirements and community features vary considerably, so compare the individual home rather than relying on a broad town average.

Does California, Maryland have waterfront homes?

Some California properties are located near the Patuxent River and surrounding waterways, and waterfront or water-oriented homes can appear in the local market. Buyers should confirm actual frontage, access rights, docks, shoreline conditions, flood considerations and insurance requirements for the specific property.

What neighborhoods and communities are in California, MD?

Communities associated with the California area include Wildewood, Laurel Glen, Beverly Hills, San Souci, Maple Run, Woods of Myrtle Point, St Andrews Estates and Cal Acres. Housing and association details vary within and between these areas.

Is California or Lexington Park better for someone working at NAS Pax River?

Both are worth searching. Lexington Park sits immediately beside the installation, while California stretches north along Route 235 and offers access to a large concentration of shopping and residential communities. Test the commute from the actual property because a few miles on a map doesn't always tell you which route will work better.

Does California, MD have HOA communities?

Yes, some California properties are within homeowners associations while others are not. Buyers should review the current HOA fee, rules, maintenance responsibilities, amenities and any assessments for the specific property before making an offer.

How do I know which schools serve a home in California, Maryland?

California is within St. Mary's County Public Schools, but school assignments depend on the property's exact address and attendance boundaries can change. Verify the current assignment directly with the district rather than relying on an older real estate listing.

Is California, MD a good place to look if I want shopping nearby?

California has a substantial concentration of retail, restaurants, grocery stores and everyday services along and around the Route 235 corridor. Buyers who want to stay close to those services should compare the property's exact location with homes farther east toward the Patuxent River or north toward Hollywood.

What should I check before making an offer on a California, MD home?

Look beyond price and photos. Check the actual commute, road access, property condition, HOA documents when applicable, utility setup, lot and parking configuration, recent comparable sales and competing listings. Waterfront claims and school assignments should be verified for the specific address.

Where can I see homes for sale near NAS Patuxent River?

The Southside Group maintains a NAS Patuxent River homes for sale search that includes properties in California, Lexington Park and other nearby Southern Maryland communities.