5,900 people live in Hudson, where the median age is 40.9 and the average individual income is $48,684. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
Hudson was the first chartered city in the United States. It was first settled by the Dutch in the mid-17th century and called Claverack Landing. In 1783, the Proprietors, a group of predominantly Quaker whalers and merchants came, seeking refuge from the Revolutionary War-torn east coast and purchased the land from the Dutch. The Proprietors created a city plan consisting of a large grid, with the main street running west to east and lots measuring 50 by 120 feet, with 20-foot lanes behind. That grid largely exists to this day, with Warren Street at its center.
Early Hudson flourished early on thanks to the whaling, sealing, fishing, and shipbuilding industries. While it was never a premier whaling locale, Hudson’s early prosperity was a direct result of an industry with its origins in and around its deepwater port, and it remained a shipping and manufacturing center well into the 20th century. Although the city declined during the 1960s and 1970s, many of its abandoned and derelict buildings were reclaimed in the 1980s, and its former glory slowly began to re-emerge. Today, Hudson has transformed itself into vital art and antique center.
The mile-long business district – centered on Warren Street – boasts dozens of the first-tier antique and home furnishing shops, along with an eclectic mix of art galleries, restaurants, and performance spaces, housed in buildings that constitute “one of the richest dictionaries of architectural history in New York state.” Hudson’s vibrant culture and history are echoed throughout the region, making it a great starting point for exploring the communities of the Hudson Valley.
Every fall, ArtsWalk celebrates the best artists the city and region have to offer. On the first Saturday of December, Warren Street is transformed into a winter playground with jugglers, dancers, and horse-drawn carriages to mark the start of the holiday season.
There's plenty to do around Hudson, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp. For those looking to explore further, nearby towns like Catskill, Kinderhook, and Chatham offer their own unique attractions and charm. If you're interested in the lifestyle and amenities of the region, check out this guide to living in the Hudson Valley.
Hudson is a small, supply-constrained market with persistent demand driven by second-home buyers, remote workers, and downstate transplants. Home prices rose sharply during 2020–2022 and have since stabilized, with modest year-over-year appreciation rather than rapid acceleration.
Inventory remains limited, particularly for move-in-ready historic homes near Warren Street and the waterfront. Well-priced properties continue to attract strong interest, while homes requiring significant renovation or priced above market norms tend to sit longer.
Overall conditions lean balanced to mildly seller-favored. Sellers benefit from scarcity and location appeal, but buyers retain leverage through inspections, longer due diligence, and selective negotiation—especially as interest rates remain elevated.
Hudson is best known for its intact collection of late-18th and 19th-century architecture. Narrow, attached or semi-attached rowhouses dominate the core neighborhoods, particularly around Warren Street. Many feature brick or clapboard façades, original cornices, and historic interiors.
Townhomes and historic single-family residences are common, often protected by local or state preservation guidelines. These properties appeal to buyers seeking character but require careful consideration of renovation costs, code compliance, and ongoing maintenance.
Condominiums and newer multifamily developments exist but are limited in number. They are typically located on the city’s edges or in adaptive-reuse projects and attract buyers looking for lower maintenance and part-time occupancy rather than traditional full-time residents.
Overall, Hudson’s housing stock skews historic and architecturally significant, making authenticity and condition far more important value drivers than square footage alone.
Hudson buyers must account for the city’s large concentration of historic properties. Many homes fall under local historic districts or state preservation guidelines, which can restrict exterior alterations and require design approvals. Due diligence on permitted renovations, prior work, and compliance is critical.
Renovation costs are often higher than regional averages. Older housing stock, specialized trades, and preservation-grade materials can materially affect budgets and timelines. Buyers should plan for thorough inspections and realistic contingencies, especially for plumbing, electrical, roofing, and foundations.
Competition is strongest for well-maintained homes near Warren Street and the waterfront. Turnkey properties typically attract multiple offers, while homes needing extensive work offer more negotiating room but carry execution risk.
Buyer demand in Hudson remains consistent, particularly from second-home purchasers, remote professionals, and design-focused buyers from downstate markets. Historic character is a primary driver of interest, but condition and livability still determine sale velocity.
Staging matters disproportionately in this market. Clean restorations, neutral palettes, and well-presented architectural details materially influence buyer perception and pricing. Overly personalized interiors can limit appeal.
Timing and pricing strategy are critical. Spring through early fall sees the highest buyer activity, but competitively priced listings can perform year-round due to limited inventory. Homes priced accurately at launch tend to sell efficiently; overpricing often leads to longer market times and eventual price adjustments.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Restaurant Manor Rock, Hudson Polish Delicatessen, and Hemlock Cocktail Bar. If you’re a foodie, you’ll also want to check out the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley for more culinary inspiration.
For more ideas on what to see and do, discover the top attractions in the Hudson Valley or browse top outdoor activities in the Hudson Valley for adventure seekers.
The following schools are within or nearby Hudson. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. If you’re considering other communities for education or lifestyle, you might also want to explore Rhinebeck, Kingston, Saugerties, or Woodstock for more options in the Hudson Valley.
Hudson is well connected by rail and road but remains largely car-dependent for daily life. The Hudson Amtrak Station sits on the eastern edge of the city and offers direct service to New York City’s Penn Station in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, making Hudson viable for part-time commuters and weekend travel.
By car, Hudson is roughly 2.5 hours north of New York City via the Taconic State Parkway or I-87. Albany is about 40 minutes away, providing access to a larger employment base, airport, and regional services. Local public transportation options are limited, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for errands, schools, and recreation outside the city core.
Hudson’s location along the Hudson River shapes much of its outdoor lifestyle. The Hudson Riverfront Park and Promenade provide direct waterfront access, walking paths, kayak launches, and unobstructed river views, all within walking distance of downtown.
Beyond the waterfront, residents benefit from proximity to hiking, cycling, and nature preserves throughout Columbia County and the broader Hudson Valley. Seasonal recreation is a major draw—boating and paddling in warmer months, foliage hikes in fall, and nearby skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Outdoor access is a consistent quality-of-life advantage rather than a single-park amenity.
Hudson is best suited for buyers who value character, culture, and walkability over scale and convenience. It appeals strongly to artists, designers, writers, and creatives drawn to the city’s historic architecture, gallery scene, and compact urban core.
The city is also well suited for second-home owners and remote professionals seeking a small, culturally active community within rail distance of New York City. Buyers comfortable with older housing stock, seasonal tourism, and limited big-city amenities tend to thrive here.
There's plenty to do around Hudson, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Hudson Polish Delicatessen, Restaurant Manor Rock, and Cooper's Daughter Spirits.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 1.53 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.41 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 4.34 miles | 38 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.4 miles | 32 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.73 miles | 6 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 4.62 miles | 13 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.7 miles | 11 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Nightlife | 4.87 miles | 10 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Nightlife | 0.19 miles | 9 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Nightlife | 0.34 miles | 45 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.53 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.61 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.26 miles | 5 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
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Hudson has 2,729 households, with an average household size of 1.99. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Hudson do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 5,900 people call Hudson home. The population density is 2,734.2 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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