Ruby, a rural hamlet in Kingston, is nestled in the foothills of the Catskills, offering access to numerous outdoor activities. The Highwoods Multiple Use Area, adjacent to Ruby, attracts hikers and hunters, while the nearby Bluestone Wild Forest features rugged trails, a freshwater lake, and the Sawkill Family Ski Center. Thorn Preserve, 7 miles away, provides mowed walking paths through meadows, and Ulster Landing County Park, 8 miles east, offers a small sand beach along the Hudson River. The Ashokan Rail Trail, 10 miles from Ruby, loops around the Ashokan reservoir with 11.5 miles of trails. Ruby is served by the Kingston City School District, with Kingston High School boasting a high rating and a variety of extracurricular activities. Alternative education options include the Zena Democratic School and other private institutions. U.S. Route 9W, 6 miles away, is the main shopping corridor with major retailers, grocery stores, and dining options ranging from fast food to family-friendly restaurants. Ruby is close to Woodstock, Saugerties, and Kingston, which host events like the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival and concerts at Bearsville Theater. The community is car-dependent with no public transportation, but Interstate 87 provides access to Albany International Airport and New York City. Homes in Ruby include 20th-century cottages, bi-level and ranch-style houses, and occasional Colonial Revival and Cape Cod-style farmhouses, typically on spacious lots. However, the area’s winding roads are prone to flooding due to nearby waterways.