🏡 About Mobile Home Living in St. Mary's County
St. Mary's County is Maryland's southernmost county — a peninsula between the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay that is dominated by the massive Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAVAIR). NAS Patuxent River is one of the nation's largest naval air warfare centers, home to the Naval Air Systems Command and employing over 20,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. This makes St. Mary's County unique in Maryland — its economy revolves almost entirely around one installation.
With 8 verified mobile home parks, Lexington Park is the primary affordable housing market serving the massive NAVAIR workforce. Lord Calvert Manufactured Home Park (300 lots) is the county's largest community and is walking distance from the base's main commercial gate — a key advantage for military families and junior enlisted personnel trying to live affordably near their duty station.
Beyond the base, St. Mary's County has historic significance as the site of Maryland's first colonial settlement (St. Mary's City, 1634), a beautiful college (St. Mary's College of Maryland), and exceptional Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River waterfront access. The county is one of Maryland's most interesting places to live — a unique combination of cutting-edge military technology, colonial history, and traditional waterman culture.
💰 Lot Rent Costs
- Lord Calvert Mfd Home Park (300 lots): call (301) 863-7700
- Atlantic Mobile Home Park (70 lots): $550–$800/month
- Lexington Park area: $550–$800/month
- Rural St. Mary's: $425–$600/month
- California/Park Hall area: $475–$650/month
Prices vary by lot and included utilities. Always call ahead to confirm current rates and availability.
🚗 Commuting
- NAS Patuxent River: walking distance from Lord Calvert
- Route 235 commercial corridor: immediate access
- Washington DC via Route 5/Route 301: 90 minutes
- Waldorf via Route 5 north: 45 minutes
- St. Mary's City/St. Mary's College: 15 minutes south
- Point Lookout State Park: 30 minutes south
🏢 Major Employers
- NAVAIR/NAS Patuxent River: 20,000+ employees
- Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Leidos: major contractors
- St. Mary's College of Maryland: liberal arts college
- MedStar St. Mary's Hospital: regional healthcare
- St. Mary's County Public Schools
- Tourism and watermen industries
- Pax River Naval Air Museum
🏫 Schools & Amenities
St. Mary's County Public Schools serves approximately 17,000 students. St. Mary's College of Maryland is a nationally ranked public liberal arts college. College of Southern Maryland has a Leonardtown campus. Shopping is concentrated on Route 235 in California/Lexington Park with major retailers. MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown provides regional healthcare. Point Lookout State Park at the southern tip of the county offers outstanding Chesapeake Bay recreation.
⚖️ Tenant Rights
Maryland state law protects all residents in St. Mary's County: 90 days notice for rent increases, 6 months notice before park closure, and right of first refusal if the park is sold. Evictions require court process. Free help: Maryland Legal Aid (800) 639-6137
📍 Key Areas
Lexington Park (20653): The commercial and residential hub of St. Mary's County, built around NAS Patuxent River. Lord Calvert Manufactured Home Park (300 lots, 301-863-7700) on Great Mills Road is the dominant community — walking distance to the main base gate and positioned on the Route 235 corridor with full commercial services. Atlantic Mobile Home Park (70 lots, 301-862-2412) on National Way and Lexington Estates/Suburban Estates (301-862-3127) on K Drive also serve this area.
Park Hall / Valley Lee (20667/20692): Rural southern St. Mary's County near the Chesapeake Bay. Garrett Park at 18450 Point Lookout Road (301-862-2609) and Shetland Acres Trailer Park in Valley Lee (301-994-1393) serve these quieter waterfront communities near Point Lookout State Park.
California (20619): A community along Route 235 between Lexington Park and Leonardtown. California Mobile Home Park at 44930 Saint Andrews Church Road (22 lots) provides affordable housing in an area with growing retail and services along the Route 235 corridor.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is there affordable housing near NAS Patuxent River?
Yes — Lord Calvert Manufactured Home Park at 21165 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park is literally walking distance from NAS Patuxent River's main gate. With 300 lots and a call to (301) 863-7700 for availability, it's the premier affordable housing option for the NAVAIR workforce.
What is the cost of living in St. Mary's County vs. other Maryland counties?
St. Mary's County is moderately priced compared to the DC suburbs. Lot rents of $550–$800/month in Lexington Park are higher than rural Maryland but far below DC suburbs. The combination of affordable housing and high federal contractor salaries makes St. Mary's County residents among Maryland's most financially stable mobile home communities.
Are there jobs in St. Mary's County beyond NAVAIR?
NAVAIR is the dominant employer, but St. Mary's County also has St. Mary's College of Maryland (a top-rated liberal arts college), MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, growing Route 235 retail and service sector, and a traditional waterman/fishing economy along the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River.