Welcome to Kingston
The heart of Ulster County, New York
Kingston is located in Ulster County, New York, of which it is the county seat. It is 91 miles north of New York City and 51 miles south of Albany. This city is considered part of the New York metropolitan area around Manhattan.
Around 1614, the Dutch settlers set up a trading post in the area, trading European goods with the native people of the area. The first permanent settler of the area was named Thomas Chambers, and he came from a colonial estate called Rensselaerswyck in 1653. The original name for the area was Esopus, after the native people of the area.
The city of Kingston is home to many beautiful houses built in styles, including Dutch Colonial, Craftsman, and ranch. Homes in this area range from the low 200,000s to upwards of $900,000. The median price per square foot is an affordable $202.
What to Love
- Hudson River Maritime Museum
- Forsyth Nature Center
- Hip vibe, affordable homes despite the rapid growth in the area
People & Lifestyle
Kingston is a hip and rapidly growing area, and residents feel welcomed and on the right side of trends. People often look to New York’s cities for new trends, and Kingston is right in the cluster of New York’s most influential cities.
The people who choose to call Kingston home are diverse. Many families find a home in this area, as there are many high-rated schools sprinkled throughout the area. On the flip side, young professionals love the city for its job market and short commutes. This makes for a great mix of populations and a safe atmosphere.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Kingston has several great commercial and dining spots around the city. The following suggestions are just a few of those great options.
When you’re looking for the next trend in fashion, head over to Bop to Tottom, a fashion accessory store stocked with unique apparel, gifts, and more. Another great shop focused on home goods is Clove & Creek, which stocks a range of products for your home, whether purely artistic or functional.
In terms of dining, you have a wide range of excellent restaurants to choose from. Outdated Cafe is the perfect stop for breakfast or lunch and even has shopping opportunities. Another great restaurant is Village Coffee and Goods, a cozy venue offering a delicious rotating menu of pastries and baked goods. For more international options, try out Yum Yum Noodles and Opa Greek Restaurant.
Things to Do
Kingston also has a lot of fun things to do, whether you’re looking to enjoy a local festival or take an escape into natural spaces. The following are just a few of the many options in the area.
If you would rather spend a day enjoying nature, try going to Forsyth Nature Center, which houses interesting educational opportunities as well as gardens and several animal exhibits. For another natural experience, try checking out Kingston Point Rotary Park, which has many sports complexes, a boat launch, and a beach.
Schools
Kingston is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Harry L Edson Elementary School
- Montessori School of Kingston
- J.Watson Bailey Middle School
- Kingston High School
