Considering relocation to St. Mary's. Please provide information regarding Tricare (availability of Dr's), Dental, Schools (Middle School) son has an IEP (Individual Education Program), Boy Scout Troops, best places to live north of the base. Does the area have recreational centers for adults/kids, after school care, summer camps. We are relocating from Virginia Beach, Retired Military, job opportunity has presented itself to relocate to Southern Maryland. Please provide any sugguestions.

Tricare docs and dentists are abundant.
Middle schools are about average..MD has a great school system though (despite what some may tell you, look it up we rank high) Can't tell you about the IEP situation..though I know some on here will chime in with that..There are bs troops around, North of the base Lusby is decent (Hollywood is better, but south) Parks and recs are available (mostly younger kids, though) as well as the solomons navy rec center since you are military..nice camping if nothing else,a little lacking on summer activities..but there are camps and opportunities around..kids college at the college is a popular one..as are the parks and recs activities.
I'm sure you will find all you require.

Don't Do It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Considering relocation to St. Mary's. Please provide information regarding Tricare (availability of Dr's), Dental, Schools (Middle School) son has an IEP (Individual Education Program), Boy Scout Troops, best places to live north of the base. Does the area have recreational centers for adults/kids, after school care, summer camps. We are relocating from Virginia Beach, Retired Military, job opportunity has presented itself to relocate to Southern Maryland. Please provide any sugguestions.

Why north of the base? IMO the best places are south. Much less traffic.

Considering relocation to St. Mary's. Please provide information regarding Tricare (availability of Dr's), Dental, Schools (Middle School) son has an IEP (Individual Education Program), Boy Scout Troops, best places to live north of the base. Does the area have recreational centers for adults/kids, after school care, summer camps. We are relocating from Virginia Beach, Retired Military, job opportunity has presented itself to relocate to Southern Maryland. Please provide any sugguestions.

It's a little bit of a culture shock, and I'm a "seasoned" military spouse - recently retired as of Oct. I am finding it challenging to find fun stuff to do with kids (without driving too far). We've taken up horseback. If you like outdoor sports (hunting, fishing or boating) you will love it here. I think this is a place where you have to "make your own fun", but on the other hand, a great job is a blessing (esp. in this economy). I've lived ALL over, and I think this is a place that will take some time adjusting to. But, like I'm sorta used to "bloom where planted", right? The clinic at the NAS is small, but easy to get in for appts., and you can get referred off for mammos, etc. without too long of a wait. Hope this helps a bit, and good luck with your choices.

we took a visit there last weekend and south of base would be too much open space for us. Traffic (we deal with Hampton Roads traffic).

Why north of the base? IMO the best places are south. Much less traffic.


NO! WE HAVE RADIOACTIVE DEER!!!!

we took a visit there last weekend and south of base would be too much open space for us. Traffic (we deal with Hampton Roads traffic).

Yes, stay in the area/north of the base. You will like it. Much calmer and more peaceful than south of the base.

we took a visit there last weekend and south of base would be too much open space for us. Traffic (we deal with Hampton Roads traffic).

:confused:

NO! WE HAVE RADIOACTIVE DEER!!!!



Yes, stay in the area/north of the base. You will like it. Much calmer and more peaceful than south of the base.

Before you make a decision you should try South Calvert out. Most people will tell you that the quality of life is better on that side of the Patuxent.

we took a visit there last weekend and south of base would be too much open space for us. Traffic (we deal with Hampton Roads traffic).Been here off and on since 1976. Also retired military. Tricare Prime works well and you don't have to go on base. You can get a primary care physician out in town and any specialists from there. I live across the bridge in Calvert. Nice area. Schools are excellent. Mine have been out of school for a number of years, but they couldn't change that much. South of the base is a great area as well. Wish I had some land down there.

Calvert is nice however we decided to stay on St Mary's side because of the bridge traffic, accidents and this year we should get more than our share of ice closings. The base has some nice housing on and off base. I live in the Greenbrier subdivision off of hermanville road and it's a great community of professional active, retired, military, close to all grade level schools (Elementary, Middle, High) and overall a very safe place that is less than 10 minutes to the base (exchange, commissary, etc), we have a new community park and the home prices are pretty great for both new or previously owned.

We,ve lived here for 6 years and I'm retired military also. In the summer time great fishing, crabbing, golf course, driving range, private beach, pools, gym, theater, play grounds, camping, picnic, and auto hobby shop all on the base!) A 20 minute drive over the bridge is the Navy Rec Center with more great outdoors stuff.
Just a suggestion since you asked, Our website: Greenbrier Hoa Webpage (http://www.greenbrierhoa.com/)

Thanks for the information, I will check out the webpage. Will look at south calvert also. Such a huge decision. Our son is going to hate us when we tell him. I thought once DH retired we were done moving. I guess money talks.

I'd suggest staying on the St. Mary's side of the bridge if your husband will work on the base. Traffic aside, you never know when ice/snow will be an issue or when they may close the bridge for repair work. Calvert is a fine place to live, but the bridge made it not an option for us.

I'd suggest looking in either the California or Leonardtown areas. Leonardtown Middle (while its not a "pretty" school from the exterior), I think their IEP meetings are well-run and they have a good team of special ed teachers there. Margaret Brent is another good option, although a little more rural as far as location...

Thanks starz. My Dh will probably stay with friends until my son and I move. I'm civil service also and would have to relocate and we would have to sell our house here before moving and buying a house in St. Mary's.

Thanks starz. My Dh will probably stay with friends until my son and I move. I'm civil service also and would have to relocate and we would have to sell our house here before moving and buying a house in St. Mary's.

I notice you have been a member since 2005. Were you stationed here before? When I first lived here I came from Va Bch and thought I landed at the end of the world. I hated it until I moved away for a year, three years after moving here. Moved back in 1993 and have been here since. I can't imagine living anywhere else, well except maybe the tropics.:killingme. Good luck to your family in making the potential move.

My DH was stationed their in 87-89, then we moved to San Diego for 10 years and then to VA Beach for 7 yrs, DH retired in 04. Became a member to see if DH could locate from old navy buddy's.

My DH was stationed their in 87-89, then we moved to San Diego for 10 years and then to VA Beach for 7 yrs, DH retired in 04. Became a member to see if DH could locate from old navy buddy's.

Have you been back here at all since '89? If not, you might not recognize the place.

Oh, and if you hubby wants to reconnect with shipmates have him try this site-> U.S. Navy - Together We Served (http://navy.togetherweserved.com/)

Considering relocation to St. Mary's. Please provide information regarding Tricare (availability of Dr's), Dental, Schools (Middle School) son has an IEP (Individual Education Program), Boy Scout Troops, best places to live north of the base. Does the area have recreational centers for adults/kids, after school care, summer camps. We are relocating from Virginia Beach, Retired Military, job opportunity has presented itself to relocate to Southern Maryland. Please provide any sugguestions.
If you do move to SoMD, let me know. I can put you in touch with as many Boy Scout Troops as you want. I am HEAVILY involved in the scouting program in the area.

Margret Brent is the middle school for the north end of St. Mary's Co. My oldest goes there. No complaints. St. Mary's Co Schools do IEP. They are very good about it.

Wife is a Family Child Care Provider (home based day care). She can help you find care if you are in the northern area. The Southern Maryland Child Care Resource Center in Charlotte Hall can help with all of St. Mary's and, I believe, Calvert Co.

Have you been back here at all since '89? If not, you might not recognize the place. Oh, and if you hubby wants to reconnect with shipmates have him try this site-> U.S. Navy - Together We Served (http://navy.togetherweserved.com/):yeahthat: I don't think 235 was 6 lanes back then. And all the new businesses that opened since. As far as the bridge goes, yeah it's a pain in the azz with traffic. Only remember once that they closed it for ice or high winds. They do shut it down for repairs once in awhile. If I had it to do over again, I would probably be on the St Mary's side due to the bridge, but then I would rather have my kids in school in Calvert County. For me, the schools would be the deciding factor. Now that my kids are grown, I wish I lived on the St Mary's side.

It's a little bit of a culture shock, and I'm a "seasoned" military spouse - recently retired as of Oct. I am finding it challenging to find fun stuff to do with kids (without driving too far). We've taken up horseback. If you like outdoor sports (hunting, fishing or boating) you will love it here. I think this is a place where you have to "make your own fun", but on the other hand, a great job is a blessing (esp. in this economy). I've lived ALL over, and I think this is a place that will take some time adjusting to. But, like I'm sorta used to "bloom where planted", right? The clinic at the NAS is small, but easy to get in for appts., and you can get referred off for mammos, etc. without too long of a wait. Hope this helps a bit, and good luck with your choices.

How far do you want to go?

Washington, DC is but an hour away at most. There are TONS of things to do in the city. And they are free, thanks to our tax dollars.

My kids and I go to DC several times a year - more or less depending on the goings on of our schedules. There are so many HISTORICAL sights to see in this whole area, as well.

in 87-89, I did work in DC and drove it everyday, DH was at Pax River. Scouting - that is good to hear, I'm my son's Webelos Den Leader and he bridge's over to Boy Scouts in Feb and we are very active. Glad to hear about the IEP, I was going to call the school board today.

in 87-89, I did work in DC and drove it everyday, DH was at Pax River. Scouting - that is good to hear, I'm my son's Webelos Den Leader and he bridge's over to Boy Scouts in Feb and we are very active. Glad to hear about the IEP, I was going to call the school board today.
I've got a 2nd Class Scout (crossed over in February), Bear Cub Scout, Daisy Girl Scout, 16 month old Little Scout Buddy.

I know most of the Scoutmasters in the District, and if I don't know them, I know how to get their info to put you in touch with them. Make sure you visit multiple Troops before making your pick.

You know the 2010 National Jamboree (100th Anniversary of BSA) is at Ft. A.P. Hill in Va this summer? Only an hour and a half away from many places in SoMD. Our District has 5 or 6 boys going for the full event and about that many adults that will be working it. It's a good day trip event. In '05, we took some Cub Scouts for a Saturday, camped at Kings Dominion that night and did the park on Sunday.

Considering relocation to St. Mary's. Please provide information regarding Tricare (availability of Dr's), Dental, Schools (Middle School) son has an IEP (Individual Education Program), Boy Scout Troops, best places to live north of the base. Does the area have recreational centers for adults/kids, after school care, summer camps. We are relocating from Virginia Beach, Retired Military, job opportunity has presented itself to relocate to Southern Maryland. Please provide any sugguestions.

The biggest differential are the respective school systems, with Calvert being better. However St.Marys public schools are rapidly closing the gap. In the last five years they have implemented many programs that have dragged the whole system toward the top and will probably surpass Calvert in the future..
The IEP program in St.Marys is very good, IMO. They took an active interest in my son and actively followed his progress. I received reports, regular meeting requests and watched as he improved constantly. I can't compare with other places, but I was extremely satisfied.
Traffic? Good luck, both counties are a mess as they try to cope with the rapid influx of residents. I am always in awe of the line of cars that stretches for miles from the bridge sometimes past the Best Buy shopping center - every day! I forgot the drivers here - bring patience - you will need lots.
Good luck!

:yeahthat: I don't think 235 was 6 lanes back then. And all the new businesses that opened since. As far as the bridge goes, yeah it's a pain in the azz with traffic. Only remember once that they closed it for ice or high winds. They do shut it down for repairs once in awhile. If I had it to do over again, I would probably be on the St Mary's side due to the bridge, but then I would rather have my kids in school in Calvert County. For me, the schools would be the deciding factor. Now that my kids are grown, I wish I lived on the St Mary's side.

My husband has used that as an excuse as to why he can't get to work on more than one occassion. Any chance of ice and he stays home. Don't blame him though.

It's great to hear about the IEP, our son's education is more important than anything. It really doesn't matter what type of house or where we live as long as we know he's getting the best education. We work very close and in contact with his teachers on a weekly sometimes daily basis. He needs the IEP for Math and Lang. Arts. It's been 20 years since we've lived there. Our son will be in 6th grade next year.

If you decide on the Calvert side, stay away from Chesepeake Ranch Estates. They have more trouble with their HOA than any I've ever heard of. They're always on here whining or feuding about something.

Considering relocation to St. Mary's. Please provide information regarding Tricare (availability of Dr's), Dental, Schools (Middle School) son has an IEP (Individual Education Program), Boy Scout Troops, best places to live north of the base. Does the area have recreational centers for adults/kids, after school care, summer camps. We are relocating from Virginia Beach, Retired Military, job opportunity has presented itself to relocate to Southern Maryland. Please provide any sugguestions.

You dont want to move down here, St Mary's doesnt offer any of that, you'd be better off moving to Prince Georges county

You dont want to move down here, St Mary's doesnt offer any of that, you'd be better off moving to Prince Georges countyThe county with the highest crime rate in Maryland. I'm sure she wants to move there.

The county with the highest crime rate in Maryland. I'm sure she wants to move there.

Well it was either that or Baltimore City, but since their Mayor has been unjustly tried and convicted, i didnt feel it was prudent to direct her there.

I'd suggest staying on the St. Mary's side of the bridge if your husband will work on the base. Traffic aside, you never know when ice/snow will be an issue or when they may close the bridge for repair work. Calvert is a fine place to live, but the bridge made it not an option for us.

I'd suggest looking in either the California or Leonardtown areas. Leonardtown Middle (while its not a "pretty" school from the exterior), I think their IEP meetings are well-run and they have a good team of special ed teachers there. Margaret Brent is another good option, although a little more rural as far as location...

The last time the bridge was closed for repair work was 1988. Most of us that live in Calvert wish that more of you would stay on that side of the bridge. We can keep you out of our schools,etc. If you are interested in schools Calvert's have been at or near the list statewide for a good while.

:yeahthat: I don't think 235 was 6 lanes back then. And all the new businesses that opened since. As far as the bridge goes, yeah it's a pain in the azz with traffic. Only remember once that they closed it for ice or high winds. They do shut it down for repairs once in awhile. If I had it to do over again, I would probably be on the St Mary's side due to the bridge, but then I would rather have my kids in school in Calvert County. For me, the schools would be the deciding factor. Now that my kids are grown, I wish I lived on the St Mary's side.

Vince...the bridge is not ever completely shut down for repairs. There is always one lane and those repairs are done at night not during commuting times.

I have lived in Calvert and commuted across the bridge for years. Most of us on this side live with it and those on the St.Mary's side whine about it. Frankly I'd rather keep the people, the traffic and all those stores away from where I live. And Solomons is on my side of the river and that makes it all worthwhile!:howdy:

Well it was either that or Baltimore City, but since their Mayor has been unjustly tried and convicted, i didnt feel it was prudent to direct her there.
Put down the heroin needle and step away from your computer.

The last time the bridge was closed for repair work was 1988. Most of us that live in Calvert wish that more of you would stay on that side of the bridge. We can keep you out of our schools,etc. If you are interested in schools Calvert's have been at or near the list statewide for a good while.

I'm sure the feeling is mutual:popcorn:

The last time the bridge was closed for repair work was 1988. Most of us that live in Calvert wish that more of you would stay on that side of the bridge. We can keep you out of our schools,etc. If you are interested in schools Calvert's have been at or near the list statewide for a good while.

That's pretty welcoming.

That's pretty welcoming.

It was intended to keep the bridge whiners in St. Mary's. Hope it works!:yahoo:

It was intended to keep the bridge whiners in St. Mary's. Hope it works!:yahoo:

Ask them how they liked the backup tonight. When I was going south on 235 about 5:30 tonight, it was backed up to Old Rolling Road and beyond. Hell, traffic was pretty much bumper to bumper to Gate 2. :lol:

Ask them how they liked the backup tonight. When I was going south on 235 about 5:30 tonight, it was backed up to Old Rolling Road and beyond. Hell, traffic was pretty much bumper to bumper to Gate 2. :lol:

I was stuck in that traffic. :mad:

I was stuck in that traffic. :mad:

:sux2bu: :neener:

I watched as an ambulance was trying to get up 235 near San Souci and was completely blocked by traffic. They weren't going up the shoulder and were trying to get through the traffic lanes but had nowhere to go. :ohwell: