Commissioned in 1943, Naval Air Station Patuxent River is home to Naval Air Systems Command, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and the Atlantic Test Range — and it’s the county’s largest employer, supporting roughly 25,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel along with 200+ aviation and tech firms nearby. About 72% of those employees live right here in St. Mary’s County, which brings a steady mix of highly educated newcomers, strong schools, and a stable local economy into an otherwise rural, waterfront setting — a rare combination for buyers who want small-town life without sacrificing career opportunity. I'm MRP-certified and I help PCS families.