Cresswind Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
Leonardtown, Maryland
What It Is Like to Retire in Leonardtown
Leonardtown is a very small town located in a pastoral section of Maryland between the mouth of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay at the southern end of a large peninsula. This area has been slow to be developed because of its distance from any city and the bridges that had to be crossed to get here. On the way into town one drives past the modest farms of an old order Mennonite community to the northwest, along with occasional horse and buggies. Growth is now happening at a rapid rate, but it appears the community is exerting some control over the loss of farmland that would be devastating to the charm of the area. Leonardtown is the county seat of St. Mary’s County. Its downtown, with courthouse, handsome square, distinguished old stores, and old wharf on an inlet of the Potomac, make it easy to imagine what this town must have looked like in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However development is on the way. A very large condominium project is now at the redeveloped wharf. Many upscale homes on big lots have been built in any area near the water, such as in Breton Bay. Along with the Mennonites, the U.S. military has a large presence here, with the Patuxent River Naval Air Base employs thousands of soldiers and civilians. The College of Southern Maryland maintains a small day campus here. For a list of profiles of over 1000 cities and towns go to retirement community reviews, or for more information on taxes and what it is like to retire in Maryland. Here is our review of Ocean City, MD as a retirement community.
Where to Retire in Leonardtown and Home Prices
There are a number of very nice developments in and around Leonardtown that baby boomers would like. Areas near the water and town are particularly desirable. There is one condo project overlooking the bay that definitely would appeal to active adults. Real estate prices reflect the desirability of living here. Also thanks in part to the strong military presence here, median home value was $489,050 in mid-2023, according to Zillow.
What Is Special about Leonardtown
Pastoral countryside with many farms, water just about everywhere, proximity to great boating on the Potomac, many upscale housing opportunities, and a charming central downtown on the river
What Is Not Special about Leonardtown
Leonardtown has become expensive. Traffic and overbuilding threatens unless controlled. It is also somewhat remote.
Who Will Like Retirement in Leonardtown
Many government and naval people live here to be close to their jobs. Leonardtown offers a rural and small town feel.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Military services, professional services, education, and construction drive the economy. Patuxent Naval Air Station and supporting industries exert a major influence, which has grown even more in recent years.
Climate and Physical Environment
Leonardtown is on an inlet of the Potomac River near the southern end of a peninsula. There are many gently rolling hills. On the eastern side of the peninsula is Chesapeake Bay. January's average temperature is 37 degrees, and July's average is 79 degrees.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Many restaurants, cafes and pubs here which include those with waterfront dining. For culture opportunities, Washington DC is about an hour away.
Crime
Crime rate is lower than average.
Medical facilities
St.Mary's Hospital is here, and Calvert Memorial Hospital is 17 miles away in Prince Frederick.
Transportation
Ronald Reagan Washington National is 47 miles. Baltimore Washington International Airport, which has frequent flights is 60 miles away.
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