Chesapeake Ranch Estates
- Thread starter kelb
- Start date
johnycarcinogen
New Member
Appeal and Patuxent Elem. and Southern Middle School.
The elementary is good, they are split up k-2 and 3-5 i think, smaller class sizes better learning environment.
Middle school is middle school.
R
residentofcre
Guest
There's also Dowell Elementary
Mill Creek Middle and Southern Middle
Depends on where you are in CRE as to where you children go to schools....
All are excellent schools tho...
CREResident
New Member
CRE - Nice Place
You will hear lots of badmouthing of CRE. I even heard some real estate agents talk with a bit of snobbery about CRE. I don't know why. It's a nice place, especially for the price.
The Negatives You Will Hear --
Lake Lariat is dirty....Ok and tell me how many other communities have a lake at all? All freshwater lakes and rivers and the Chesapeake Bay have environmental issues. It's everywhere in the USA because we don't take care of the environment. But CRE and it's members will do something about the lake. I wouldn't swim in any body of water, except the Ocean... but Lake Lariat is a wonderful nature retreat to sit on the bank or paddle. I've seen many great blue heron, eagles, osprey and even a brown pelican while on the lake.
CRE has problems with the board of directors....Well, CRE does have a problem in that the dirty laundry is aired publicly. So, it will seem like there are a lot of problems when the truth is many people are very active in the organization, making sure problems are resolved. I'd be more concerned about a community organization that shares no information and charges $100 a month in fees which you get nothing in return but a newsletter. CRE charges are about $33 and you get plenty. My road is plowed immediately after snowfall every time.
CRE has a lot of crime.....simply not true. Per capita, CRE has less crime than other areas in Calvert County. If you want high crime, then go to Prince Frederick or Chesapeake Beach or St. Mary's county. High crime is really incorrect. Calvert County has some of the lowest of crime rates in the whole State of MD. If you find a community that has absolutely no crime, please tell me. I want to move there too.
Houses in CRE are on small lots and poor in quality. Not true. It is really a mix. There are many small lots (most are 1/3 acre), but not all. Many lots are double in size and the style of houses vary. Where I live, most houses are two story colonials with 2 car garages.
Let's look at the positives......
Lake Lariat and lots of scenic views -- especially if you live on the lake. 2 Bay Beaches which connect most of the time, especially at low tide which you can walk for several miles. A clubhouse - might not be fancy - but is very cheap to rent and on a high hill overlooking the Bay. An airport which makes for safe evacuations, not to mention the Jr. Pilot program for children. Horse stables. Holiday parties for adults and children. Fast access (in 5 to 15 minutes) to Solomons Island, the brand new Cove Point pool and waterpark, Flag Ponds Nature Park, Calvert Cliffs State Park, Navy Recreation Center, Boat Marinas and Launches, Nightlife at Solomons, Shopping, Post Office, Library, many nice churches, and excellent public schools.
You will hear lots of badmouthing of CRE. I even heard some real estate agents talk with a bit of snobbery about CRE. I don't know why. It's a nice place, especially for the price.
The Negatives You Will Hear --
Lake Lariat is dirty....Ok and tell me how many other communities have a lake at all? All freshwater lakes and rivers and the Chesapeake Bay have environmental issues. It's everywhere in the USA because we don't take care of the environment. But CRE and it's members will do something about the lake. I wouldn't swim in any body of water, except the Ocean... but Lake Lariat is a wonderful nature retreat to sit on the bank or paddle. I've seen many great blue heron, eagles, osprey and even a brown pelican while on the lake.
CRE has problems with the board of directors....Well, CRE does have a problem in that the dirty laundry is aired publicly. So, it will seem like there are a lot of problems when the truth is many people are very active in the organization, making sure problems are resolved. I'd be more concerned about a community organization that shares no information and charges $100 a month in fees which you get nothing in return but a newsletter. CRE charges are about $33 and you get plenty. My road is plowed immediately after snowfall every time.
CRE has a lot of crime.....simply not true. Per capita, CRE has less crime than other areas in Calvert County. If you want high crime, then go to Prince Frederick or Chesapeake Beach or St. Mary's county. High crime is really incorrect. Calvert County has some of the lowest of crime rates in the whole State of MD. If you find a community that has absolutely no crime, please tell me. I want to move there too.
Houses in CRE are on small lots and poor in quality. Not true. It is really a mix. There are many small lots (most are 1/3 acre), but not all. Many lots are double in size and the style of houses vary. Where I live, most houses are two story colonials with 2 car garages.
Let's look at the positives......
Lake Lariat and lots of scenic views -- especially if you live on the lake. 2 Bay Beaches which connect most of the time, especially at low tide which you can walk for several miles. A clubhouse - might not be fancy - but is very cheap to rent and on a high hill overlooking the Bay. An airport which makes for safe evacuations, not to mention the Jr. Pilot program for children. Horse stables. Holiday parties for adults and children. Fast access (in 5 to 15 minutes) to Solomons Island, the brand new Cove Point pool and waterpark, Flag Ponds Nature Park, Calvert Cliffs State Park, Navy Recreation Center, Boat Marinas and Launches, Nightlife at Solomons, Shopping, Post Office, Library, many nice churches, and excellent public schools.
baydoll
New Member
That's the road I grew up on.
Can't wait to see it done.
I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.
A
Angel2005
Guest
The ranch club sucks. I bought a house in 98 and lived there for 5 years. I hated it. I lived on a good street, however the kids back there were horrible. Parents just let them run wild becuase of the lake, beaches, and club house. I guess the parents felt if there were things to do the kids would not get into trouble. Well they just ran wild. They would would vandalize the yards. I came home one night from work and mine and some other homes on my street had yard ornaments on top of the homes. Crazy stuff. There was no reason for kids to even be on our street. We had familys with little children. So its not like they were there to play with other kids. Most of the homes are so close together you have no privacy. Most of the back yards are like cliffs or you really do not have a yard. And it seemed as if alot of St. Marys residence were relocating there. Usally from the lex park area. Probably becuase you can rent in the ranch club or the cost of houses are so much cheaper than anywhere else. Anyway, thats my opionion. The schools in Calvert are good. Good Luck
woogie
Active Member
A big problem is that there is a large influx of 'Section-8' ers
in CRE. And they are shipped into there by other counties
such as St. Mary's, Charles, and a LOT from PG! There are
a couple of spec-builders who have built houses in CRE over
the past 10 years or so and they rent them out to the different
counties' Social Services who pay the guaranteed rent checks
every month! It's a plus for those counties, because they only
have to cut a rent check while Clavert and CRE bear the burden
of the crime, drugs, health care, welfare checks, schools, etc.
It's a growing trend that has been going on for quite a while. CRE
used to have a "no renting" requirement for people who had homes
in CRE, but when the builder (who still builds in CRE) came into CRE
and bought large blocks of properties, he threateed to sue and the
Board backed down. This builder puts up SMALL (just barely meets
the minimum square footage) "starter" (read CHEAP) homes and
then rents them out and collects the guaranteed checks every month
from the government. No collecting from tenants, no maintenance or
checking on the properties, no accountability and no concern to the
impact on the honest people trying to live in the communtiy.
Crime is out of control in CRE. The County Sheriff Dept usually ignores
the situation or at least disavowes any knowledge of the real problems.
Sheriff patrols through CRE are scarcer than hens teeth. ("We don't
have the manpower or resources to deal with it.") Yet they have the
money and manpower to put as many a SIX deputies and cars out on
Route 4 to run speed traps on weekends to get the "tourists" coming down.
(And THAT is right out at the Lusby intersection!) I guess generating
revenue dollars is more important than fighting crime.
The only results in CRE are after you call the State Police. I always
thought this was odd as the last 3 Sheriffs were ex-MSPs and therefore
would be proactive towards the situation. But the feeling is that as long
as it is contained in CRE, then the problem is manageable and they know
where the criminals are. (out of sight, out of mind).
in CRE. And they are shipped into there by other counties
such as St. Mary's, Charles, and a LOT from PG! There are
a couple of spec-builders who have built houses in CRE over
the past 10 years or so and they rent them out to the different
counties' Social Services who pay the guaranteed rent checks
every month! It's a plus for those counties, because they only
have to cut a rent check while Clavert and CRE bear the burden
of the crime, drugs, health care, welfare checks, schools, etc.
It's a growing trend that has been going on for quite a while. CRE
used to have a "no renting" requirement for people who had homes
in CRE, but when the builder (who still builds in CRE) came into CRE
and bought large blocks of properties, he threateed to sue and the
Board backed down. This builder puts up SMALL (just barely meets
the minimum square footage) "starter" (read CHEAP) homes and
then rents them out and collects the guaranteed checks every month
from the government. No collecting from tenants, no maintenance or
checking on the properties, no accountability and no concern to the
impact on the honest people trying to live in the communtiy.
Crime is out of control in CRE. The County Sheriff Dept usually ignores
the situation or at least disavowes any knowledge of the real problems.
Sheriff patrols through CRE are scarcer than hens teeth. ("We don't
have the manpower or resources to deal with it.") Yet they have the
money and manpower to put as many a SIX deputies and cars out on
Route 4 to run speed traps on weekends to get the "tourists" coming down.
(And THAT is right out at the Lusby intersection!) I guess generating
revenue dollars is more important than fighting crime.
The only results in CRE are after you call the State Police. I always
thought this was odd as the last 3 Sheriffs were ex-MSPs and therefore
would be proactive towards the situation. But the feeling is that as long
as it is contained in CRE, then the problem is manageable and they know
where the criminals are. (out of sight, out of mind).
Last edited:
Can I ask who the builder is? If we word the proper documents the right way, it could force the builder to at least act like they care about the homes they are renting. Or find a way to hurt them where it hurts-the bank account.
I agree about the caring more about revenue than lowering crime. It was either the next day or two days after the body was found in the lake, that there were 5 or 6 cops at the post office entrance. I thought they might have been there doing a "plain sight" type of search. Nope. They were there doing seat belt violations.
idiganthro
Member
Reading this kind of bums me out. We are looking for a house in southern Maryland and our search turned to CRE. I've read things such as "It's a terrible place!" and also "It's a great place!" But these crimes some have talked about are said to be committed by kids. Question. If kids are the main issue behind the crimes, then how is Patuxent High School such a good school? Or have I been mislead?
Also, much mention has been made about the HOA. Everywhere we looked there have been HOA dues. Another question. What are the HOA dues in CRE?
Also, much mention has been made about the HOA. Everywhere we looked there have been HOA dues. Another question. What are the HOA dues in CRE?
R
residentofcre
Guest
The dues are $213.00 per year [paid annually]
There's also a road maintenance fee of @ $167.00 [paid annually]
Theres also a Special Taxing District to pave main roads at $250.00 per year that's added to the Property Tax.
There's also a road maintenance fee of @ $167.00 [paid annually]
Theres also a Special Taxing District to pave main roads at $250.00 per year that's added to the Property Tax.
idiganthro
Member
Thanks.
Have any clarification on PHS for me?
Have any clarification on PHS for me?
R
residentofcre
Guest
PHS is indeed an excellent school. There is an awesome band, drama, and NJROTC program among other things. My daughter goes to PHS and the teachers are great. Calvert County has the second highest test scores in the State and PHS is right at the top.
There are several churches in the area and there is also an active Boys & Girls Club here.
I'm one of those people who thinks CRE is a great place to raise children. I've been here since '98 and I've never had a problem. There are few kids in CRE that do get into a bit of trouble but for the most part the kids here are good kids.
High EGT
Gort! Klaatu barada nikto
As with any community with a large population you have good and not so good. I’ve lived and CRE since 95 and mostly have to say the experience has been positive but again you have to take into account that neighbors will strongly influence your opinion. With that in mind I would strongly suggest that you avoid homes that have rental properties adjacent or near enough that would influence your quality of life since typically rentals can be a revolving door for a myriad of people you may not want as neighbors. And on that same note walk around and observe how the neighbors ground are kept and if you see an individual at prospective home don’t be afraid to ask "how are the neighbors on this street". As for PHS my daughter just finished her freshmen year and had no complaints and can say they have a rock solid sports program.
woogie
Active Member
Oh! And by the way! You CAN NOT deduct the money
that you pay to the STD from your taxes in your tax return!
Not because I said so, but because the IRS says so!
So you are being 'double tapped' on your taxes because of
something that the Board wanted. You cannot deduct your
HOA/Roads fees either as they are not "taxes" in the truest
sense (again because the IRS says so). Check it out with
your tax service or CPA.
Lot of money for not much bennies. Amenities such as the
Stables and Campgrounds have additional user fees as well.
The lake has health and safety issues (no Lifeguards, algea
and pollution), "Security" is only for the common properties
and has NO enforcement or arrest powers (glorified and VERY
EXPENSIVE 'neighborhood watch'), road and right-of-way
maintenance is next to nil (potholes, overgrown brush impeding
travel and vehicles, drainage issues, etc.) that have existed
for DECADES, bloated budget that is non-accountable and
general member unrest.
that you pay to the STD from your taxes in your tax return!
Not because I said so, but because the IRS says so!
So you are being 'double tapped' on your taxes because of
something that the Board wanted. You cannot deduct your
HOA/Roads fees either as they are not "taxes" in the truest
sense (again because the IRS says so). Check it out with
your tax service or CPA.
Lot of money for not much bennies. Amenities such as the
Stables and Campgrounds have additional user fees as well.
The lake has health and safety issues (no Lifeguards, algea
and pollution), "Security" is only for the common properties
and has NO enforcement or arrest powers (glorified and VERY
EXPENSIVE 'neighborhood watch'), road and right-of-way
maintenance is next to nil (potholes, overgrown brush impeding
travel and vehicles, drainage issues, etc.) that have existed
for DECADES, bloated budget that is non-accountable and
general member unrest.
R
residentofcre
Guest
The IRS told me I could deduct it with my real estate taxes paid out of my Mortgage.
That might be true if the special tax district were a municipal subdivision. I've gotten just the opposite opinion from the IRS.
Now that the POACRE attorney and the County attorney have both opined that the CRE STD is NOT such an animal, and for the same reasons we will never be eligible for SHUR funding, the payments to the STD are not tax deductible. (see attachment)
The response I received from the IRS explained that because the tax money was used for improvements to property not owned by a municipality, and went directly toward the increase in value of private property it was not deductible no matter what label you place on it.
This opinion also draws into question the honesty of the wording on the ballot concerning the SHUR agreement. Why try to propagandize the ballot with a teaser that suggests we will "continue" to get money that we have never gotten, and never will? Extremely dishonest.
woogie
Active Member
exnodak;
That's the same ruling a lot of us got way back when the
Special Taxing District was started (I was there back then)
because it is PRIVATE PROPERTY and NOT public property,
you CANNOT legally deduct it from your taxes. If you do,
you can be found liable for principle, intersest and penalities
assessed by IRS!
That's the same ruling a lot of us got way back when the
Special Taxing District was started (I was there back then)
because it is PRIVATE PROPERTY and NOT public property,
you CANNOT legally deduct it from your taxes. If you do,
you can be found liable for principle, intersest and penalities
assessed by IRS!
woogie
Active Member
Also, the STD is NOT a "real estate" tax so it cannot
be included under that category. "Real estate" tax
only pertains to property that YOU own by deed, not
by membership in an association, corporation, company
or a co-operative. Unfortunate.
Make sure that you get your info straight from an IRS
publication vs. just a 'verbal' from your tax service.
They are not always familiar with things like STDs and
such and may just look un der 'generic' categories. You
MUST be specific.
Don't want to see the IRS go after ANYBODY!
be included under that category. "Real estate" tax
only pertains to property that YOU own by deed, not
by membership in an association, corporation, company
or a co-operative. Unfortunate.
Make sure that you get your info straight from an IRS
publication vs. just a 'verbal' from your tax service.
They are not always familiar with things like STDs and
such and may just look un der 'generic' categories. You
MUST be specific.
Don't want to see the IRS go after ANYBODY!