I recently read an article on things you should know before moving to Northern Virginia and thought I should do that for my area. And so without further ado…
Things You Should Know Before Moving to Southern Maryland
1. Where and what is Southern Maryland?
Southern Maryland is the southernmost area of the great state of Maryland (not including the eastern shore) which includes the southern portion of Prince George County, the southernmost tip of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Charles County, and St. Mary’s County. You might recognize Upper Marlboro, Clinton, Fort Washington, Huntington, Waldorf, La Plata, Hughesville, Prince Frederick, Leonardtown, California, and Lexington Park. There are plenty more places to live in so.md. but these are the first that will show up on your map.
2. Traffic anyone?
Maryland is old country. And so are most of her roads. You are looking at a “Rush Day” instead of a rush hour. There have however been improvements to several roads and some nice new by-passes going up to help with congestion. If you are traveling into DC you will most likely use the 301, 5, 210 or 4 at some point, and of course the 495.
3. Wez luvs our Edumacation.
No just kidding. You are actually looking at a lot of education opportunities her in Maryland. Not including charter and private schools you will find that Calvert County has twelve elementary schools, six middle schools, and four high schools. Charles County has nineteen elementary schools, seven middle schools, and six high schools. St. Mary’s County has sixteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. Prince George County had too many to list. Check out the links for more information on each county school system. For collages go to Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. We also have access to institutions such as D.C.’s George Washington University, Virginia Tech and many more if you don’t mind traveling to the other side of the water.
4. Did someone say Football?
The Washington Redskins play in Maryland, but their football training facility is in Ashburn, VA. You will find extremely loyal, neurotic fans (as with most football teams) who will debate for hours and in any setting, the superiority of our team. If footballs not your thing we also have… The Washington Capitals who play in D.C. at the Verizon Center (aka the Phone Booth) but practice at their hockey facility in Ballston. The Washington Wizards are our NBA team, and our MLS soccer team is D.C. United which plays at RFK Stadium in D.C. The newest team is the Washington Nationals MLB baseball team which plays in D.C.
5. Politics.
A Republican and a Democrat were walking down the street when they came to a homeless person. The republican gave the homeless person his business card and told him come to his business for a job. He then took twenty dollars out of his pocket and gave it to the homeless person. The Democrat was very impressed, and when they came to another homeless person, He decided to help. He walked over to the homeless person and gave him directions to the welfare office. He then reached into the Republicans pocket and gave him fifty dollars.
Also you know easy photo-op for the White House. Head to Southern Maryland Online if you really want more information.
6. We have three major airports.
Reagan National Airport (DCA) offers domestic flights and is the most accessible to D.C. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is a nice alternative to DCA. If you don’t mind a bit of a commute Dulles International Airport (IAD) offers direct flights around the world by virtually every international airline, and is a major United Airlines domestic hub.
7. Public Transportation.
For those who do not wish to take on traffic alone, public transportation is available. D.C has the Metrorail System. The Green line services somd with the Anacostia, Congress Heights, Southern avenue, Naylor Road, Suitland, and Branch Avenue stations. For those further south the Commuter Bus system is available with Route 901 – La Plata/Waldorf to Washington, DC, Route 902 – St. Leonard/Prince Frederick to Washington, DC, Route 903 – Charlotte Hall Waldorf to Washington, DC, Route 904 – North Beach/Pindell to Washington, DC, Route 905 – California/Charlotte Hall/Waldorf to Washington, DC, Route 907 – La Plata/Waldorf to Washington, DC, and Route 909 – California/Charlotte Hall to Washington, DC.
8. Southern Maryland is famous for her hand-made, home-grown, locally-harvested shopping and authentic outdoor experiences.
You’ll want to check out The Heron’s Flight through Charles County. With 28 stops you’ll hit a range of places from produce shopping at Norris Farms to historical sites like Dr. Samuel Mudd’s House. St. Mary’s has the Barnwood and Beach Glass Loop. With 53 stops you’ll want to take your time to enjoy the history of places like Sotterley Plantation. Fossils and Farmscapes Ramble takes a path through Calvert County, stopping at 41 must see, eat, shop, or stay at sites. Lately you will want to check out The Turnbuckle Hop parts of Prince George and Anne Arundel County. With 27 sites you’ll enjoy stopping at places like Clearwater Nature Center.
9. We experience all four seasons of the year.
Winter usually features a cold snap when temperatures can be in the teens. There may be a foot of snow, total, for the season. There are many days when ice covers the roads (a traffic nightmare), and there may be a 20+ inch snowstorm every few years (2010 was an exception with three). Spring starts in March and runs through June (70°’s and 80°’s). We boast lush green landscapes and beautiful blossoms throughout this season. Summer begins July 1 and it can be hot (90°+) and very humid through mid-September. Buy a pool pass and enjoy the tank top season with water to combat the humidity. Fall begins in October with brilliant displays from our trees when their leaves turn every shade between green and brown.
This list was in no particular order of importance. And if there is something that needs adding, then please speak up by adding a comment.
