Hello everyone,
Our family will be moving to Saint Mary's County soon. My husband is retiring from the Navy and will be working for a defense contractor in the area. Our youngest child is a sophmore in high school, so we're pretty much shopping the area by the school districts. So far it's looking like Leonardtown, though much smaller than Lexington Park, has a better school, as far as test scores go. If anyone could make recommendations regarding good areas to live we'd appreciate it.
Thanks.

Leonardtown all the way. No comparison.

Leonardtown all the way. No comparison.

agree!!

Leonardtown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How does the cost of housing compare for both places? I'm having a hard time finding much for sale in Leonardtown (at least within our price range), but there's a ton of houses in Lex Park.

How does the cost of housing compare for both places? I'm having a hard time finding much for sale in Leonardtown (at least within our price range), but there's a ton of houses in Lex Park.

Some of the less expensive houses may very well be in a not so good area to live in LP.

There's a reason so many are for sale in Lex Park. You didn't specify your price range but housing in St. Mary's is steep... Move to Leonardtown.

How does the cost of housing compare for both places? I'm having a hard time finding much for sale in Leonardtown (at least within our price range), but there's a ton of houses in Lex Park.

hickory hills is GM district but my sister loves it.

Also Breton Bay is a great area

Check with the new homes in WildeWood, they have affordable homes in there that are great. The one I was looking at was awesome and was only 300,000

FYI some areas of Great Mills are part of the Leonardtown school district. I live in Great Mills and my son attends Leonardtown High.

We're hoping to stay below 400,000. Hmmm I didn't know any part of Great Mills fed to Leonardtown HS. That's a great tip.
Keep 'em coming- this is just what we need! We're driving up for the weekend to do some scouting of the area. My husband will stay with friends, and come home on weekends till the school year ends, and then we'll move lock, stock and barrel next summer. So, luckily we don't have to rush into any decisions. I tend to research things to death, so there's plenty of time for me to obsess!
Actually, I'm kind of excited about the move- wasn't at first, but there may be some real benefits of getting out of the crowded city.

No doubt Leonardtown is the better choice of the two

I dont know Chopticon's test scores but there are some nice places to live in Mechanicsville..Medleys Neck is nice, thats right behind Leonardtown High School.
Redgate is fine.

Be careful about Lexington Park.,some really dangerous places there. Also you dont want to move too close to the Leonardtown Firehouse.

FYI some areas of Great Mills are part of the Leonardtown school district. I live in Great Mills and my son attends Leonardtown High.

If you were talking to me, Hickory Hill is GM, but I think you are right about some places in Great Mills being Leonardtown HS.

The thing with LHS, is it is very over crowded. How is GMH?

We're hoping to stay below 400,000. Hmmm I didn't know any part of Great Mills fed to Leonardtown HS. That's a great tip.
Keep 'em coming- this is just what we need! We're driving up for the weekend to do some scouting of the area. My husband will stay with friends, and come home on weekends till the school year ends, and then we'll move lock, stock and barrel next summer. So, luckily we don't have to rush into any decisions. I tend to research things to death, so there's plenty of time for me to obsess!
Actually, I'm kind of excited about the move- wasn't at first, but there may be some real benefits of getting out of the crowded city.

You really check out the new homes in Wildewood, if they are still having the incentives they pay up to 35000 toward closing and down payment

As mentioned earlier, don't forget the Mechanicsville area and Chopticon (Cow Pie High). My daughter graduated from Chopticon and I never had any problems with the school - teachers or administration. Everyone was great! There are lots of really nice homes for sale in the Mechanicsville area. It encompasses a large area, so you would have lots of choices and wouldn't be too far from Hubby's work. If he is based in LP, he would have about a 25 minute drive. Welcom to the County!!!

First of all, I'd automatically throw GM out of the equation.

Second, I'd have to say it's a toss up between LHS and CHS. LHS would probably be a closer drive to the base but CHS would be an easier commute to the beltway.

Third, look out for the Amish buggies.

Hello everyone,
Our family will be moving to Saint Mary's County soon. My husband is retiring from the Navy and will be working for a defense contractor in the area. Our youngest child is a sophmore in high school, so we're pretty much shopping the area by the school districts. So far it's looking like Leonardtown, though much smaller than Lexington Park, has a better school, as far as test scores go. If anyone could make recommendations regarding good areas to live we'd appreciate it.
Thanks.

I agree that you're doing your family a disservice if you don't look at the Chopticon School district as well. Chopticon is comparable to Leonardtown in almost all respects.

On the other hand, Great Mills and Lexington Park are hoodlum central. There's a reason that homes in Lexington Park sell for less than the rest of the county, and it's the crime.

House prices are currently declining, so don't rule out renting for a couple of years, unless you're content with buying a depreciating asset. This area had a very large run-up in home prices and now it is correcting.

Best of luck on your move.

:popcorn:

You really check out the new homes in Wildewood, if they are still having the incentives they pay up to 35000 toward closing and down payment

Hey, I think we'll check it out on Saturday...I just pulled it up online and I'm definately interested! Now, to clarify, is Wildewood in or near Leonardtown itself?

Haha...great salesperson...are you an agent, or do you work for them?

It's in California MD and that area is rapidly developing as well.

Third, look out for the Amish buggies.

Hey, I love the Amish, and their buggies! It's one of the things that has always made St. Mary's "Home" to me. If people have problems with Amish buggies, they shouldn't move here. Afterall, the Amish have been here a lot longer than many residents of St. Mary's.

Hey, I think we'll check it out on Saturday...I just pulled it up online and I'm definately interested! Now, to clarify, is Wildewood in or near Leonardtown itself?

Haha...great salesperson...are you an agent, or do you work for them?

No I am thinking about buying a home. I have seen all the model homes and they were amazing and the price was very low.

Wait till you go see the models you will fall in love with them

Hello everyone,
Our family will be moving to Saint Mary's County soon. My husband is retiring from the Navy and will be working for a defense contractor in the area. Our youngest child is a sophmore in high school, so we're pretty much shopping the area by the school districts. So far it's looking like Leonardtown, though much smaller than Lexington Park, has a better school, as far as test scores go. If anyone could make recommendations regarding good areas to live we'd appreciate it.
Thanks.

Here's some articles of what goes on just a short distance down the road from Great Mills High School:

"Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations Investigative and Narcotics Divisions, assisted by patrol officers from St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, the Maryland State Police, Sheriff's Office Special Operations Division and St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division conducted a sting operation in Lexington Park. The operation was two (2) phases with the first phase focusing on the local prostitutes."

http://somd.com/news/headlines/2006/3606.shtml

"NARCOTICS STING OPERATION: Vice Narcotics Detectives were conducting a sting operation in Lexington Park when an undercover officer was approached by Mark Jerome Mason, 45, of Leonardtown. Mason offered Crack Cocaine to an undercover officer and led him to a nearby neighborhood. Once in the neighborhood Mason exited the vehicle and made contact with a group of individuals. It was then that Wayne Darnell Winters, 35, of Lexington Park produced an aluminum baseball bat and began to threaten the undercover officer. Winters swung the bat at the officer as he sat in a vehicle, causing the driver's side window to shatter. Others officers in the immediate area responded and a short foot chase ensued, leading to the apprehension of Winters."

http://somd.com/news/headlines/2007/6355.shtml

Lexington Park is home to our burgeoning population of nonprofit homeless shelters and counseling centers, so there's no shortage of nice characters running around just outside the gates of PAX River. The ones that don't like the rules at the shelter, such as no drugs or alcohol, live in the woods.

It's also home to the majority of the county's illegal immigrant population, which has Spanish speaking children to consume the school's resources...

:whistle:

I agree about the Amish and the buggies. We've been in the area to visit friends...back before we knew we'd be moving there also... and the Amish warm my heart. I'm really looking forward to that aspect of the community life. They've got something special, that's for sure.

It's in California MD and that area is rapidly developing as well.

Hmmmm...how CONVENIENT as California is where hubby will be working....

Leonardtown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Belvak and Patch...thanks for the tip on Chopticon HS. I pulled up the school's statistics (alongside LHS and GMHS) and I agree it's similar.
We definately need to take a "mental health day" and ride up during the week to tour both schools during school hours.
Anyway you cut it it's going to be a culture shock for our daughter. She's used to a large school with a very diverse student body and lots of activities...oh, and an undefeated football team. I swear she'd argue for the school with the best team! Haha.

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice and keep it coming. This is exactly what I was looking for. Next I'll be posting to find a good catholic church, a job, a summer swim team...

Hello everyone,
Our family will be moving to Saint Mary's County soon. My husband is retiring from the Navy and will be working for a defense contractor in the area. Our youngest child is a sophmore in high school, so we're pretty much shopping the area by the school districts. So far it's looking like Leonardtown, though much smaller than Lexington Park, has a better school, as far as test scores go. If anyone could make recommendations regarding good areas to live we'd appreciate it.
Thanks.


St. Mary's is a good place to live. If I can give any advice to you, It'd be- Move to Leonardtown. Redgate Farm Lane is a great area right before Callaway on Rt.5. Leonardtown has some great housing developments. Whatever you do stay away from Lexington Park. The crime down there is redicilous and too many girls walking up and down Great Mills Rd selling themselves. The police are usually around but they dont see everything that happens there. There also was a bank robbery at the Maryland Bank & Trust off Great Mills Rd and Shangri La <If I spelled that right<- about a couple weeks ago and they're still looking for that individual. So If anything move around Leonardtown. There is also a great development called Kings ---- Make a right off Rt.5 by Leonardtown Middle, High School and then it would be down on the right hand side of the road. Thats my advice to you.. If you need a relator to find a house called O'brien located in Charlotte Hall. Ask for JoAnna McLane She is great!! Takes care of you & everything, Trust Me.

Belvak and Patch...thanks for the tip on Chopticon HS. I pulled up the school's statistics (alongside LHS and GMHS) and I agree it's similar.
We definately need to take a "mental health day" and ride up during the week to tour both schools during school hours.
Anyway you cut it it's going to be a culture shock for our daughter. She's used to a large school with a very diverse student body and lots of activities...oh, and an undefeated football team. I swear she'd argue for the school with the best team! Haha.

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice and keep it coming. This is exactly what I was looking for. Next I'll be posting to find a good catholic church, a job, a summer swim team...

Be very careful with the company you decide to work for if you are going to be a DoD contractor. I can PM you details...

Belvak and Patch...thanks for the tip on Chopticon HS. I pulled up the school's statistics (alongside LHS and GMHS) and I agree it's similar.
We definately need to take a "mental health day" and ride up during the week to tour both schools during school hours.
Anyway you cut it it's going to be a culture shock for our daughter. She's used to a large school with a very diverse student body and lots of activities...oh, and an undefeated football team. I swear she'd argue for the school with the best team! Haha.

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice and keep it coming. This is exactly what I was looking for. Next I'll be posting to find a good catholic church, a job, a summer swim team...

The culture shock thing is unavoidable! :lmao: It will be a big change for her! But, there is a very diverse student body since there are so many students here that have parents who are based at Pax River (always someone new from somewhere else). Also, Chopticon has lots of different extra curricular activities (sports, music, etc.). She should find something to suit her. Also, depending where in the Mechanicsville or Leonardtown are you end up, California may be even closer than I estimated! My Aunt and Uncle are in Sandgates (still Mechanicsville as far as the USPS is concerned) but are at least 15 minutes closer to California than I am. Oh, and as far as Catholic Churches, there are plenty!!!

Hello everyone,
Our family will be moving to Saint Mary's County soon. My husband is retiring from the Navy and will be working for a defense contractor in the area. Our youngest child is a sophmore in high school, so we're pretty much shopping the area by the school districts. So far it's looking like Leonardtown, though much smaller than Lexington Park, has a better school, as far as test scores go. If anyone could make recommendations regarding good areas to live we'd appreciate it.
Thanks.

Ok have to say it. Have you considered Calvert county? They have really good schools and the crime is not nearly as bad as St Mary's county. Don't let the bridge commute scare you. My husband works for a defense contractor on pax and travels that bridge every day without any problems. We live in the Lusby area and it only takes him 20-25 minutes to get to PAX. If you have any questions PM me I'd be happy to help! By the way, Welcome!!:howdy:

Leonardtown is the only area I would suggest especially for schools. You can find some nice homes in your price range as well.

Ok have to say it. Have you considered Calvert county? They have really good schools and the crime is not nearly as bad as St Mary's county. Don't let the bridge commute scare you. My husband works for a defense contractor on pax and travels that bridge every day without any problems. We live in the Lusby area and it only takes him 20-25 minutes to get to PAX. If you have any questions PM me I'd be happy to help! By the way, Welcome!!:howdy:

I completely agree, Calvert is where I live and I love the schools here.

I completely agree, Calvert is where I live and I love the schools here.

We moved here 6 months ago and I did a ton of research and Calvert county had the best schools (statisticaly. forgive spelling) in southern Maryland. IMO I just feel more at ease with my children going to school here and not having to worry as much about the gang activity and drugs. Like they do in a lot of the high schools in St Mary's!! Plus I like the more peaceful laid back atmosphere you have here in lusby!

No I am thinking about buying a home. I have seen all the model homes and they were amazing and the price was very low.

Wait till you go see the models you will fall in love with them


Nicole,

Just tried to send you a PM but your box was full. Wanted to get your input on all of the builders that you have visited with their models.

I will be building soon and have been researching myself and wanted to hear others input as well.

Feel free to pm me.

We moved here 6 months ago and I did a ton of research and Calvert county had the best schools (statisticaly. forgive spelling) in southern Maryland. IMO I just feel more at ease with my children going to school here and not having to worry as much about the gang activity and drugs. Like they do in a lot of the high schools in St Mary's!! Plus I like the more peaceful laid back atmosphere you have here in lusby!

I'm a little farther north in Port Republic but living here and waking up to see the Chesapeake Bay every day is amazing! Saint Leonard Elementary is a great school and is like a 2nd home to my kids.

I would have to say Wildewood is the way to go. It is a very peaceful place to live. Once you look at the model homes you will fall in love with them. It is in a great school (LHS) district also.

We moved here 6 months ago and I did a ton of research and Calvert county had the best schools (statisticaly. forgive spelling) in southern Maryland. IMO I just feel more at ease with my children going to school here and not having to worry as much about the gang activity and drugs. Like they do in a lot of the high schools in St Mary's!! Plus I like the more peaceful laid back atmosphere you have here in lusby!


Thanks for the tip...I'll add that to my research list. I'm about to google Calvert County public schools.
BTW.. we're born & raised Texans also...

Ok have to say it. Have you considered Calvert county? They have really good schools and the crime is not nearly as bad as St Mary's county. Don't let the bridge commute scare you.

Supporting statistics, please? What about CRE? Or White Sands? Both areas seem to appear frequently in crime reports. As for the bridge... I chose to live in St. Mary's because I figured if I was going to drive the distance I have to, I would rather NOT have to cross either the TJ or Benedict bridge. Also, I like the Amish!!

Thanks for the tip...I'll add that to my research list. I'm about to google Calvert County public schools.
BTW.. we're born & raised Texans also...

That's cool! We're from the fort worth area. We miss it a lot but love the slower pace here. Just miss the cheaper living though!

We're from the area outside San Antonio...New Braunfels area. Yes, the house dollar still goes farther in most places there.

Supporting statistics, please? What about CRE? Or White Sands? Both areas seem to appear frequently in crime reports. As for the bridge... I chose to live in St. Mary's because I figured if I was going to drive the distance I have to, I would rather NOT have to cross either the TJ or Benedict bridge. Also, I like the Amish!!

Don't have statistics on the crime part just the schools. Just went on what several of my co workers who live in both of those communities have told me. We don't live in either one of them. There are other communities in the lusby area besides those two. And yes there will be frequent crime reports from those two communities because they are the two biggest neighborhoods in Lusby. However, compared to lexington park, great mills and california IMO I feel a lot safer over here. also, Alot of people don't like to cross the bridge for various reasons but I think because of all the bad talk about it and the occasional wreck or slowdown on it people freak out about it! We have been here 6 months and the longest it has ever taken me or my husband to get over it is 5 minutes. And that's with the afternoon traffic.

How does the cost of housing compare for both places? I'm having a hard time finding much for sale in Leonardtown (at least within our price range), but there's a ton of houses in Lex Park.

There's a reason for that. Definetly Leonardtown.

I would say Leonardtown or Chopticon as far as a school goes....Stay away fro Lexington Park....Merrick Homes has a new development just below Leonardtown across from Whirlwind Rd....They have a model open now....That is close to LHS....If you like a more layed back country type atmosphere there is the 7th District, Mechanicsville, Clements, Morganza, Helen areas.....

Lexington Park does have a few rough areas but it also has many very good locations. I own a home in the Esperanza Farms area and love it there. It is only five minutes from the base, is tranquil, and is crime free. Leonardtown is okay, but Lexington Park is also full of potentially great homes.

Most detractors of Lexington Park are not familiar with it, only know it through the hysterical media, and perpetuate its urban legends.

No I am thinking about buying a home. I have seen all the model homes and they were amazing and the price was very low.

Wait till you go see the models you will fall in love with them

:yay:

Lexington Park does have a few rough areas but it also has many very good locations. I own a home in the Esperanza Farms area and love it there. It is only five minutes from the base, is tranquil, and is crime free. Leonardtown is okay, but Lexington Park is also full of potentially great homes.

Most detractors of Lexington Park are not familiar with it, only know it through the hysterical media, and perpetuate its urban legends.

I second that. Each school in St marys has its drug, gang and race problems though.

I second that. Each school in St marys has its drug, gang and race problems though.

:nono: Not really....The boys at Chopticon are straight....If they mess up they'll lose their tractor driving priviliges.....:roflmao:

:nono: Not really....The boys at Chopticon are straight....If they mess up they'll lose their tractor driving priviliges.....:roflmao:


I don't know personally but a fairly recent graduate told me they did to a degree

I live in the ghetto. :bawl:

I don't know personally but a fairly recent graduate told me they did to a degree

I was just kidding....I'm sure it's everywhere....

Lexington Park does have a few rough areas but it also has many very good locations. I own a home in the Esperanza Farms area and love it there. It is only five minutes from the base, is tranquil, and is crime free. Leonardtown is okay, but Lexington Park is also full of potentially great homes.

Most detractors of Lexington Park are not familiar with it, only know it through the hysterical media, and perpetuate its urban legends.

Thank you very much. There are a lot of generalizations being tossed around in here that more alarmist than factual. L.P is not South Central L.A. east coast style.

I second that. Each school in St marys has its drug, gang and race problems though.Any school any where is going to have these issues. If people think that CalCo (and their schools) is the land of milk and honey then they are definitely fooling themselves.

:nono: Not really....The boys at Chopticon are straight....If they mess up they'll lose their tractor driving priviliges.....:roflmao:
:killingme Now this is just funny.

Ayway, welcome to the area. I just ask that you reserve your judgements of this area and its people until after you have experienced life here for a while. Going to Wal-Mart on a Saturday morning and seeing all the knuckle dragging mouth breathers there is not a good representation of our fair county.

:yay:

:howdy:

Thank you very much. There are a lot of generalizations being tossed around in here that more alarmist than factual. L.P is not South Central L.A. east coast style.

Any school any where is going to have these issues. If people think that CalCo (and their schools) is the land of milk and honey then they are definitely fooling themselves.


:killingme Now this is just funny.

Ayway, welcome to the area. I just ask that you reserve your judgements of this area and its people until after you have experienced life here for a while. Going to Wal-Mart on a Saturday morning and seeing all the knuckle dragging mouth breathers there is not a good representation of our fair county.


I'm fairly certain that there isn't much going on in Lex Park or anywhere there that we haven't seen in our seven years in Hampton Roads, VA. I'm really just looking for a nice neighborhood and good school for my kid--- I don't expect some kind of utopia!

Leonardtown is wonderful! Not only is it just a cute town, but they're a TRUE town with a Mayor and Town Council.

The Official Site of Leonardtown, Maryland (http://leonardtown.somd.com)

I'm in Great Mills and I love my neighborhood. :yay:

People have such fears of Lexington Park. Why do most say to stay away? There are some wonderful places in LP that some are unaware of. I've lived in LP for almost 2 years, IN A LOWER PRICED HOUSE, and have experienced no problems. There is crime everywhere in the county.

There is crime everywhere in the world.

:fixed:

Leonardtown! Don't look just in Leonardtown zip code though. Leonardtown's school district goes pretty far south to Callaway and some areas in Valley Lee etc. There are some very nice communities all around. Many have already mentioned Wildewood, but there are others around the California area as well. And don't forget Hollywood is also Leonardtown district.

Leonardtown! Don't look just in Leonardtown zip code though. Leonardtown's school district goes pretty far south to Callaway and some areas in Valley Lee etc. There are some very nice communities all around. Many have already mentioned Wildewood, but there are others around the California area as well. And don't forget Hollywood is also Leonardtown district.

That's what I was going to say. There are so many towns between 20653 and 20650. I'd look into the 2nd District. Better chance at getting a decent house with a big yard than you will have in Wildewood or surrouding neighborhoods!

We're hoping to stay below 400,000. Hmmm I didn't know any part of Great Mills fed to Leonardtown HS. That's a great tip.



Here's the school boundries Website...

SMCPS.ORG - Department of Supporting Services (http://www.smcps.org/offices/dss/capital_planning/district_boundary_maps.shtml)

Leonardtown is wonderful! Not only is it just a cute town, but they're a TRUE town with a Mayor and Town Council.

The Official Site of Leonardtown, Maryland (http://leonardtown.somd.com)

I'm in Great Mills and I love my neighborhood. :yay:

I didn't realize they had 2 sites....Yours is the official one though....Heres another: Leonardtown MD (http://leonardtown.net/)

:howdy:


:howdy:

Belvak and Patch...thanks for the tip on Chopticon HS. I pulled up the school's statistics (alongside LHS and GMHS) and I agree it's similar.
We definately need to take a "mental health day" and ride up during the week to tour both schools during school hours.
Anyway you cut it it's going to be a culture shock for our daughter. She's used to a large school with a very diverse student body and lots of activities...oh, and an undefeated football team. I swear she'd argue for the school with the best team! Haha.

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice and keep it coming. This is exactly what I was looking for. Next I'll be posting to find a good catholic church, a job, a summer swim team...

What do you mean by "good" Catholic church? There are lots of them here and IMO there are lots of similarities. Is there a particular style of the liturgy you prefer?
Also, have you considered the Catholic high school, St. Mary's Ryken?

What do you mean by "good" Catholic church? There are lots of them here and IMO there are lots of similarities. Is there a particular style of the liturgy you prefer?
Also, have you considered the Catholic high school, St. Mary's Ryken?

Good thinking. Now that Ryken has put the sexual molestation scandal behind them, they're certainly a candidate...

"Police Say Former School Officials Never Reported Sexual Molestation Allegations"

http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewStory/story_ID/6729

:popcorn:

Good thinking. Now that Ryken has put the sexual molestation scandal behind them, they're certainly a candidate...

"Police Say Former School Officials Never Reported Sexual Molestation Allegations"

Police Say Former School Officials Never Reported Sexual Molestation Allegations - Southern Maryland News, Charles County, Calvert County and St. Mary's County News (http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewStory/story_ID/6729)

:popcorn:

Well, I certainly understand your concern in light of the large numbers of abuses that we've all learned were covered up. However, I would hesitate to assume that this is strictly a problem at Catholic schools.
I wonder if you can do me a favor. Can you search the history and records of all of the teachers in Leonardtown, Great Mills and Chopticon High Schools for me? The last 30-50 years ought to do it. When everyone is cleared of all wrongdoing, feel free to suggest this is a phenomona exclusive to Catholic men.

How does the cost of housing compare for both places? I'm having a hard time finding much for sale in Leonardtown (at least within our price range), but there's a ton of houses in Lex Park.
Leonardtown is both a postal address, a town and a school district (HS).
Hollywood and California (parts) are in the Leonardtown district. New housing and existing homes are available in Wildewood (which is within the LHS district).

If compare between Leonardtown and Lexington Park, I choose Leonardtown. Don't you like Calvert County? I heard there is a good school district in this county too.

Of course it's not confined to "Catholic men." This phenomena branches out into married with children, twenty something women, that sleep with 15 year old boys. How forgetful of me...

Better yet, how about an easy search on your part. Just give us the media articles to support your claim...

:popcorn:

Nah. You're the one who decided to segue into another topic. It's yours to keep.

The Leonardtown school district is a great choice. Lived in Wildewood for a very long time, it's a wonderful community but it's changing w/ the new ownership. Some of those changes you may or may not like such as the rental property going in behind the pool. Proxmity to shopping and work can't be beat. Even so I find I really enjoy the Breton Bay area. A little further out, very peaceful and quiet. Both areas have pools and swim teams plus there is a public pool in Great Mills and a competitive swim team, CBAC, that, I think, uses the college pool. Best of luck finding the perfect home!

What do you mean by "good" Catholic church? There are lots of them here and IMO there are lots of similarities. Is there a particular style of the liturgy you prefer?
Also, have you considered the Catholic high school, St. Mary's Ryken?

Looked at the Catholic school and I don't think budget will allow.
We're looking for an active parish with a more contemporary service.

The Leonardtown school district is a great choice. Lived in Wildewood for a very long time, it's a wonderful community but it's changing w/ the new ownership. Some of those changes you may or may not like such as the rental property going in behind the pool. Proxmity to shopping and work can't be beat. Even so I find I really enjoy the Breton Bay area. A little further out, very peaceful and quiet. Both areas have pools and swim teams plus there is a public pool in Great Mills and a competitive swim team, CBAC, that, I think, uses the college pool. Best of luck finding the perfect home!


Thanks for the tips about the swim teams..that will help a lot. It's hard enough having to move in the middle of high school without having to worry about losing your favorite activity!

you can try GreatSchools.net (http://www.greatschools.net). They list all the schools, with ratings given by parents.

How does the cost of housing compare for both places? I'm having a hard time finding much for sale in Leonardtown (at least within our price range), but there's a ton of houses in Lex Park.
i'm in real estate and can email you a link for listings in the area. i did a search for leonardtown and came up with 27 detached homes. 250-400 price range. there was a total of 116 in the 20650 zip code.

Belvak and Patch...thanks for the tip on Chopticon HS. I pulled up the school's statistics (alongside LHS and GMHS) and I agree it's similar.
We definately need to take a "mental health day" and ride up during the week to tour both schools during school hours.
Anyway you cut it it's going to be a culture shock for our daughter. She's used to a large school with a very diverse student body and lots of activities...oh, and an undefeated football team. I swear she'd argue for the school with the best team! Haha.

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice and keep it coming. This is exactly what I was looking for. Next I'll be posting to find a good catholic church, a job, a summer swim team...


Chopticon's football record is way better than Leonardtown! Except they did lose their homecoming game last night which sux! They really do have a pretty good team though. Most of the varsity guys have been together since the freshman team.

My daughter goes to Chopticon but after middle school all of her friends ended up in the Leonardtown High district. I asked her if she wanted to go there and she said no. She says she is glad she goes to Chopticon although she now knows tons of people at Leonardtown also. Go figure. The schools seem to be very similar so good luck with the decision. I agree with other posters Mechanicsville has some nice areas also.

Oh, welcome to the forums.!!

I have three kids in school in calvert they are great schools and the housing is rather affordable and not to far from pax river

Well, after spending the weekend looking at various areas and subdivisions I think we have pretty well set our hearts on the Leonardtown area. We checked out Wildewood, and the models are GORGEOUS. However, when we went to the actual area they are being built, we saw that the houses are VERY close together with little/no front yard and a sort of communal back alley to get to the garages. So, that's just not our thing.
We ate at Linda's cafe in Leonardtown and drove around town a bit. Even our daughter thought it was charming.
Maybe we should rent first and buy ourselves a little time to househunt without a three hour trip each way.
Anyway, thanks for all the advice and tips- we're looking forward to being in Saint Mary's County!

I like Valley Lee -- its in the Leonardtown School district but most of the places off of Flat Iron Road actually have acreage with them!!!!

Looked at the Catholic school and I don't think budget will allow.
We're looking for an active parish with a more contemporary service.

Immaculate Heart of Mary has a charismatic/contemporary Mass at 11:15 am on Sundays.
It's the only one I know of that has that style, but I could be wrong!

I like Valley Lee -- its in the Leonardtown School district but most of the places off of Flat Iron Road actually have acreage with them!!!!

True. I live off Flat Iron Road and it is a wonderful safe area. Our lot is over an acre.

Well, I certainly understand your concern in light of the large numbers of abuses that we've all learned were covered up. However, I would hesitate to assume that this is strictly a problem at Catholic schools.
I wonder if you can do me a favor. Can you search the history and records of all of the teachers in Leonardtown, Great Mills and Chopticon High Schools for me? The last 30-50 years ought to do it. When everyone is cleared of all wrongdoing, feel free to suggest this is a phenomona exclusive to Catholic men.

OMG, get real. That was not the only cover up at Ryken.

You want to keep your child out of the Great Mills HS district, no matter the cost. The Leonardtown HS district would be the best, Chopticon isn't bad IMO.

If you want to see the district lines, go to the county school website at

St. Mary's County Public Schools (http://www.smcps.org)

Do some pecking around and you should find the boundary maps for the school districts.

Be careful though, they do change so if you buy on the very edge, you might get re-districted out.

About the comments on Wildewood. I would buy a re-sale home there before I bought one of the new Stanley Martin homes. Unless of course you like to have your home void of any old-growth trees. They don't know how to develop a site IMO.:whistle: