Living in California, MD
California, Maryland, offers waterfront living, small-town charm, and proximity to Alexandria, Virginia and Washington, D.C. This fast-growing area is located right on the Patuxent River, just across the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge from Solomons, Maryland, home of popular Solomons Island and its boardwalk and marina. Jobs at the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station have been partly responsible for the recent growth of the area, but California's also seeing an influx of people from surrounding older communities like Lexington Park, who are attracted to its modern amenities. Living in California, MD, is much like having the best of two worlds, as brand-new houses are available in recent development projects, but the area still retains its traditional riverfront country feel.
Things to Do
When looking at homes for sale in California, Maryland you'll quickly notice that it's mostly a quiet residential neighborhood designed for maximizing peace and tranquility. There are several shopping centers along Highway 235, which cuts through the center of California, and serves as the main business artery and transportation corridor. Many restaurants are on this strip, ranging from burger joints to sit-down steakhouses. Big-name department stores are located here too, meaning you don't have to go far for things like food shopping, electronics and home furnishings.
Those interested in California real estate are usually drawn to the suburb because of the abundance of nature and the outdoor opportunities that the community provides. Spend the whole day in the wild in St. Mary's River State Park, located on the south side of California. Grab your pole and fish for trophy bass in the 250-acre St. Mary Lake or hike, bike, or horseback ride around the edge of it on a nature trail.
California is also right across the river from the resort town of Solomons, with its riverfront boardwalk and active boating community. Sate your inner artist in Solomon's Anne Marie Sculpture Garden and Art Center, which is affiliated with the Smithsonian Museum in D.C.
Housing and Transportation in California
While the typical California neighborhood is made up of fairly new housing designed for commuters and working professionals, there are also several older parts of town containing homes with historic characteristics. Living in California, Maryland, puts you just 45 miles away from Alexandria and about 65 miles to Washington, D.C., meaning getting into the city for a day is quite easy. Baltimore is another hour north of the D.C. area. The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) also runs commuter buses into DC directly from California, making it an ideal bedroom community for those that work in the city.
