Maryland Regions:

Southern maryland

Where Chesapeake Tradition Meets Today’s Opportunity

Set at the southern tip of Maryland and bordered by the idyllic banks of the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers and the stunning shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Southern Maryland marries small town charms and rural escapes with an abundance of opportunity, all just an easy drive from Washington, D.C. If you’re looking for a high tech workforce and high flying business climate served with a side of Chesapeake charm, there’s no better place to land than Southern Maryland.

Southern Maryland

The three counties of the Southern Maryland peninsula offer easy access to Washington, D.C., a thriving aerospace and military tech industry, burgeoning opportunities in health, agriculture, and other fields. Combine all that access with waterfront living, great schools, and excellent entertainment and outdoor amenities, and you’ll want to take a deep dive into Southern Maryland and its Chesapeake charms.

Calvert County

Calvert County’s cost of living is one of the lowest in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area, while providing unlimited access to a variety of cultural and recreational activities, like the Annmarie Sculpture Garden, Calvert Cliffs State Park, and Calvert Marine Museum. Calvert County boasts an excellent public school system and low-crime rate. All this, and easy access to Annapolis and Baltimore means Calvert County is the home you’ve been looking for.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Charles County

Charles County is a growing business hub that’s well positioned for present and future development. Locate your business in the Washington, D.C. metro area and tap into its pool of talented workers, while also enjoying affordable real estate in Charles County. In addition to its lower cost, Charles County is known for its rich history, panoramic waterfront views, great dining, and excellent schools. The Western Charles County Technology Corridor, home to Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head, also hosts more than 130 businesses operating in technology, R&D and energetics sectors. This strategic location puts key federal labs and military installations in reach, while providing nearby access to clients in Baltimore, Richmond and Washington D.C.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

St. Mary’s County

St. Mary’s County is a world-class center for research, development, testing and evaluation of aviation and unmanned autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing and aircraft modification industries. The county, home to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, has more than 200 technology companies and support organizations, and boasts more aerospace engineers per capita than any other place in the country. St. Mary’s County is home to big business, without losing its small town charm, like Leonardtown that offers summer concerts, walkable streets, and a picturesque public waterfront.

Historic St. Mary’s City, the oldest catholic settlement in the U.S., is home to the renowned public honors liberal arts college, St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

County Website
County Fact Sheet
Navy planes flying over Pax River

A Global Leader in Aerospace Innovation

Navy planes flying over Pax River

At Naval Air Station Patuxent River, find Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), two major players in naval aviation and aerospace technology. Institutions like The University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland and College of Southern Maryland offer STEM-focused programs tailored to aerospace needs. Investment in research parks and technology incubators, like the University of Maryland UAS Test Site, supports growth in unmanned systems and aerospace innovation. It’s no surprise that major aerospace and defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems operate in the Southern Maryland Region.

Maryland’s Aerospace Industry

Industry Strength in Southern Maryland

Agriculture

Set where the fertile farmlands of Southern Maryland meet the abundance of the Chesapeake, Southern Maryland is an agriculture and aquaculture powerhouse. Known for its diverse crops and Chesapeake staples, award-winning wineries and distilleries, Southern Maryland offers the true bounty of the Mid-Atlantic.

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Tourism

This charming peninsula set between the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay is an ideal tourism destination with plenty of opportunity to expand. Enjoy charming B&Bs, bay to table dining, outdoor activities, and incredible museums, Southern Maryland is a world away right around the corner.

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Healthcare

Southern Maryland offers strong healthcare advantages, including high-quality medical facilities, specialized care, and proximity to Washington, D.C. With a growing population and increasing demand, the region offers opportunities for healthcare professionals in a community-focused environment.

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Lee Greely headshot

Lee Greely

Senior Business Development Manager, Maryland Department of Commerce

What’s Happening in Southern Maryland