Life in Hollywood Maryland: Amenities & Commutes

Wondering what day-to-day life in Hollywood, Maryland really feels like? If you want a quieter, water-friendly community that still keeps you within reach of NAS Patuxent River and everyday essentials, Hollywood may be a great fit. In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect for amenities, commutes, water access, and the micro-areas that match different lifestyles. Let’s dive in.

Where Hollywood sits

Hollywood is an unincorporated community in St. Mary’s County on Maryland’s Western Shore. It blends semi-rural and suburban living with wooded lots, planned subdivisions, and pockets of waterfront on creeks that flow to the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. The community connects to MD-235 (Three Notch Road) and local county routes, which is how most residents reach shopping, services, and the base.

Life here is shaped by NAS Patuxent River. Many households work on or around the installation, and local services often cater to military relocations. Environmental rules also matter. County land use, Critical Area protections, and tidal wetland regulations can affect what you can build near the shoreline.

Everyday amenities and essentials

Groceries, dining, and shopping

Hollywood’s commercial areas are limited, so you’ll rely on nearby Lexington Park, California, and Great Mills along MD-235 for grocery stores, big-box retail, and most dining options. Depending on where you live in Hollywood, those errands are usually a short drive, often 5 to 20 minutes. If walkable access to multiple restaurants or shops is important, choose a home closer to MD-235’s commercial nodes.

Healthcare and emergency services

Primary care, urgent care, and hospital services are found in Lexington Park and Leonardtown, with regional facilities serving Southern Maryland. Many Hollywood addresses are within about 10 to 20 minutes of these hubs, though response and travel times increase for homes on secondary or private roads. If your household has regular medical needs, prioritize proximity to Lexington Park to simplify routines.

Schools and childcare

Hollywood is served by St. Mary’s County Public Schools. School assignment varies by exact address, so you should verify boundaries and current school information directly with the district. Childcare and preschools cluster near larger commercial centers, which means many parents commute to providers along MD-235.

Utilities, internet, and trash

Most neighborhoods have standard county electric and water services, but rural or waterfront properties may be on private well and septic. Always confirm utilities and permitting during due diligence. Broadband is typically stronger near commercial corridors, while rural roads can have limited wired options. Some households use satellite or fixed wireless. Trash and recycling schedules vary by location, and some subdivisions use private contractors.

Commuting to NAS Patuxent River

Daily drive and traffic

Hollywood sits within a routine commuting distance of NAS Patuxent River in Lexington Park. Drive times depend on your exact address and the time of day. MD-235 and the roads approaching the base experience morning and afternoon peaks tied to shift changes, so build in buffer time and test-drive your route during commute hours.

Transportation options

This is a car-oriented area with limited public transit. Some county routes serve Lexington Park, but frequency is not like an urban system. Walking and biking work within compact neighborhoods, yet most commutes and errands require a vehicle. For regional trips, expect over an hour to major airports and interstate systems depending on traffic.

Aircraft operations and noise

NAS Patuxent River is an active naval air station. Periodic overflights and flight operations can create aircraft noise, which varies by proximity and flight paths. If you’re sensitive to noise, visit prospective homes at different times and consult base or local planning resources about noise maps.

Water-access lifestyle

Ways to get on the water

Water is a big part of life here. You can access tidal creeks, the St. Mary’s River, and the Patuxent for boating, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and shore-fishing. Community connections often form around marinas, boat clubs, and seasonal events. If waterfront living motivates your move, Hollywood offers a range of options from creekfront cottages to homes with private piers.

Marinas and public ramps

Marinas, boatyards, and marine service providers are available throughout St. Mary’s County and nearby towns, though heavy-capacity facilities are fewer than in larger metro areas. County and state agencies maintain public boat ramps for trailers and kayaks. Parking can fill quickly on summer weekends, so plan ahead.

Permits, shoreline rules, and flood risk

Building or modifying a dock, pier, or shoreline structure usually requires approvals from Maryland DNR and county permitting officials. Critical Area buffers, tidal wetlands, and submerged aquatic vegetation protections can add steps and timelines. Many waterfront and low-lying properties are in FEMA flood zones, so review maps and elevation data during inspections and plan for flood insurance if required.

Ownership and upkeep

Waterfront ownership includes ongoing maintenance. Bulkheads, piers, and any dredging needs carry recurring costs. Flood insurance availability and premiums depend on your flood zone and elevation. Budget for inspections and expert advice before finalizing a purchase.

Micro-areas and best fits

Waterfront and coastal parcels

If you want direct water access, scenic views, and privacy, consider creekfront or river-adjacent properties. You’ll likely pay a premium for access, and some parcels come with higher flood risk, permitting obligations, and maintenance. Before you buy, check:

• Existing dock and permit status
• Bulkhead or shoreline condition
• Water depth and access for your boat type
• Flood insurance requirements and costs

Near MD-235 subdivisions

If you prioritize convenience to NAS Patuxent River, schools, and shopping, look at subdivisions close to MD-235. You’ll typically find single-family homes on modest lots, stronger utility coverage, and better broadband. Expect easier errands and shorter service trips, with the tradeoff of more nearby traffic.

Rural acreage and country lots

If space and privacy top your list, rural acreage can be ideal. You’ll enjoy larger lots and a quiet setting, but plan for longer drives to the base and services. Some homes use wells and septic. Consider driveway maintenance, winter access, and emergency response times.

Closer to Lexington Park and Great Mills

If your goal is the shortest commute to the base and nearby amenities, homes closer to Lexington Park and Great Mills often make sense. Convenience is the benefit, and suburban density is the tradeoff. These areas can experience more base-related traffic and development activity.

Financial and market notes

Demand in Hollywood and greater St. Mary’s County is closely tied to NAS Patuxent River staffing and defense contracting. Market timing and pricing can shift with hiring cycles and federal budgets. Property taxes follow St. Mary’s County and Maryland structures, and overall cost of living is often lower than major cities, with premiums for waterfront and large acreage. Many buyers use VA financing, and lenders familiar with VA loans are common. Unique waterfront or rural homes may require careful comparable selection, so appraisals can vary.

Quick checklist before you decide

• Test-drive your commute during peak hours on MD-235.
• Confirm utilities, including whether the property uses well and septic.
• Check address-level broadband options if you work from home.
• Review FEMA flood maps and elevation details for waterfront or low-lying parcels.
• Verify dock or pier permits and shoreline work history with state and county offices.
• Confirm school boundaries and program availability with the district.
• Visit properties at different times to assess aircraft activity and traffic.
• Ask about trash and recycling services for your specific address.

Ready to explore homes that match your lifestyle and timeline? Whether you are relocating with the military, moving up for more space, or searching for the right waterfront, you deserve local, relationship-first guidance. Reach out to Diana Washabaugh for a clear plan and personalized home search.

FAQs

How long is the commute from Hollywood to NAS Patuxent River?

• Hollywood sits within typical commuting distance of the base; drive times vary by address and peak traffic, so plan buffer time and test your route on MD-235 during shift changes.

Can I build a private dock on a Hollywood property?

• Possibly, but you’ll need approvals from state and county permitting authorities, and Critical Area or shoreline rules may add steps and timelines.

Will aircraft noise be a problem near Hollywood?

• It depends on proximity to NAS Patuxent River and flight paths; visit at different times and consult base or planning resources about noise maps.

How convenient are groceries and healthcare in Hollywood?

• Most residents drive to Lexington Park, California, or Great Mills along MD-235 for groceries and to Lexington Park or Leonardtown for healthcare, often 5 to 20 minutes depending on location.

Which areas work best for military families commuting to NAS Pax River?

• Subdivisions nearer to MD-235 and neighborhoods closer to Lexington Park or Great Mills typically offer the shortest commutes and easier access to services.

Do Hollywood homes have broadband and public utilities?

• Many do, especially near commercial corridors, while rural or waterfront parcels may use well and septic and have limited wired broadband, so verify service at the address.