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California, MD

Frequently asked questions

California, MD

California is a census-designated place and community in St. Mary's County, Maryland, United States. The population was 11,857 at the 2010 census, an increase of 27.4% from the 2000 census. California has been growing with the spread of population from the older adjacent community of Lexington Park and the growth in both technology-related and defense-related jobs at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. There are department stores and numerous shopping centers situated along Maryland Highway 235 ("Three Notch Road"). Maryland Route 4 crosses Highway 235 in California, providing access to the wide Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge and the popular weekend resort town of Solomons on its opposite side. Bridge-bound traffic is notorious for backing up during rush hour. 

The community was named after the state of California before 1897. The exact origins are unknown, however, one story is that a family from the state moved to the area, using materials from their home state to build their new house, called the “California Farmstead.” Eventually, the name stuck.

California is located at 38°18′20″N 76°29′40″W. According to the United States Census Bureau, California has a total area of 14.8 square miles (38 km²), of which 12.8 square miles (33 km²) is land and 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²) (12.64%) is water.

The median household income was $85,240 and the median family income was $91,935. Male full-time year-round workers had a median income of $63,657 versus $44,390 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $35,386. Just 0.8% of families and 3.1% of people were below the poverty line, including 2.3% of people under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over. In 2017, California, Maryland was listed as the metropolitan area with the fourth highest number of households with investable assets above one million dollars. In 2019, Forbes Magazine listed California, Maryland as one of the best small places for business and careers in the nation with a ranking of 69.

Health and wellness are a priority in California, with numerous resources available to support residents' well-being. Gold's Gym offers diverse fitness programs and facilities, including group exercise classes and personal training sessions. CalvertHealth Medical Center and MedStar St. Mary's Hospital offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Evolve Yoga + Wellness provides a serene space for practicing various forms of yoga, from beginner to advanced levels. For those looking to maintain their fitness, Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 gym access with modern equipment and personal training options. Elements Massage offers a range of massage therapies to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Laurel Ridge Park provides beautiful trails for walking and jogging, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Three Notch Dental ensures dental health with comprehensive care and preventative services.

Top sites in California, MD are Myrtle Point Park, Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, and Boatel California.

Population: 13,223 (2023). ZIP code: 20634. Area code(s): 301, 240. Elevation: 105 ft (33 m). Area: 14.8 square miles (38 km²).

FAQs

Is California, MD a good place to live?

California is in St. Mary's County and is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Living in California offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In California, there are a lot of parks. The public schools in California are highly rated.

What is the history of California, MD? 

California is a census-designated place and community in St. Mary's County, Maryland, United States. The community was named after the state of California before 1897. The exact origins are unknown, however, one story is that a family from the state moved to the area, using materials from their home state to build their new house, called the “California Farmstead.” Eventually, the name stuck.

What is California, MD known for?

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. 

Sources

Wikipedia

St. Mary's County

Niche

Long and Foster

Myrtle Point Park

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

Boatel California

Gold's Gym

CalvertHealth Medical Center

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

Evolve Yoga + Wellness

Anytime Fitness

Elements Massage

Laurel Ridge Park

Three Notch Dental

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.