Tucked amongst the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and bordering the Hudson River, Kingston is steeped in American history. Sitting high above gently rolling hills is the city's oldest neighborhood, the Stockade District, which served a crucial role when Kingston was named New York’s first capital. The neighborhood’s name stems from its original function as a stockade, which encircled this small, former Dutch colony and protected its residents from neighboring tribes and the British during the American Revolutionary War. "Kingston has survived many ebbs and flows throughout the years, but its beautiful and historic architecture has been embraced, and a renaissance of new businesses has emerged," says Sean Zimmerman, associate broker at Halter Associates Realty Inc., who has been helping homeowners sell their homes for over 20 years.
The Stockade District and Hudson Valley have grown since the 2020 pandemic, as many New York City residents headed north, seeking open spaces and affordable housing. Although its historic charm and growing food scene draw people in, the welcoming community makes them stay. "The departure of IBM in the '90s made residents look inward to see how we would survive as a community," says Jess Davis, Vice President of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce. "We overlooked what we had, but we've got it all: the art, the culture and the natural beauty."
Colorful rowhomes that house hip eateries and boutiques line Wall Street and North Front Street, but Front Street Tavern's inviting atmosphere stands out. "The community is everything," says Antonio Giaccio, co-owner of Front Street Tavern, noting its active and caring residents. "When we were looking for a spot to open another restaurant, we searched all over the Valley, but Kingston was the one." Giaccio, one of Front Street Tavern's newest owners, brings in an elevated menu that includes tuna tartare and blackened salmon. "We care about our customers, especially our regulars. When we took over, we kept about 30% of the menu the same, like the Smash Burger," Giaccio says. Front Street Tavern also hosts rooftop concerts on Wednesday evenings, "and they offer cooking classes, where you can make fresh pasta, ravioli and pizza," says Alex Stier, associate broker with Keller Williams Realty, Hudson Valley North, and former owner of Home Plate Deli.
Blocks away, Sissy's Cafe is a cute, casual and colorful spot for a breakfast sandwich, while high-end restaurants like Le Canard Enchaine, known for its refined French cuisine, are down the road. In addition to classy cocktail bars, "Snapper McGee's is a popular dive bar with a punk rock jukebox and old school prices," Zimmerman says. Kingston's close-knit community is also apparent through its restaurant scene. "During the pandemic, we didn't know what to do," Stier says. "That's when the Ulster County Eateries United Facebook group came into play." Restaurants posted their daily specials, menus and delivery services, while residents curated lists of eateries with outdoor seating. "Business owners were awarded grants through Project Resilience, which aimed to enhance food security during the pandemic. We were making pennies on the dollar, but it helped keep staff employed, our doors open, and those in need fed."
Small businesses range from bridal boutiques and antique shops to art galleries and bookstores. Rough Draft Bar & Books features a mix of eclectic books, a coffee shop and a bar in one of the stone buildings that make up the Four Corners, the only area in the country with pre-revolutionary stone buildings on each corner. At Reracked Vintage + Coffee, customers can peruse the aisles with freshly brewed coffee. Hannaford is less than a half-mile down the hill in Kingston Plaza, while additional box stores are about 4 miles northeast.
Some of the city's largest events, like the Irish and Italian Festivals, occur about 3 miles away along the riverfront. However, newer events highlight this close-knit and caring community. "During the Disabilities Awareness Parade, crowds of people, even wheelchair bound, take to Broadway and march through the city," Stier says. "Then we have the Bike for Cancer Care, where proceeds help cancer patients needing financial relief at our local hospital." The fundraiser consists of a 12-, 25-, or 50-mile bike ride throughout the county every September. "O-Positive is another popular three-day event, where artists, musicians and filmmakers trade their creative work for health services provided by local doctors, dentists and wellness providers," Zimmerman says.
Forsyth Park is just under 1 mile away along Lucas Avenue and features sports courts and a castle-themed playground. The park is also home to the Forsyth Nature Center, which boasts an animal exhibit and landscaped gardens. "The center also hosts many kid-oriented events," Stier says, like movie nights and year-round youth programs. Up the road, Andretta Pool is the city's only public swimming pool.
Waterfront parks that line the Hudson River are about 3 miles east of the Stockade District. At Kingston Point Park, amenities include a dog park, a BMX track, sports fields and a 9-hole disc golf course. Across the street is a small, lifeguarded beach. Additional amenities include a soccer field and colorful playground, funded by the Kingston Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.
A short walk leads to Rotary Park, an open green space with a covered picnic pavilion and Kingston Point Rail Trail access. This small gravel trail parallels the city's old railroad tracks and the Hudson River, offering distant views of the Rondout Lighthouse. "We have so many different trails that I love biking along," Davis says. "We have the Hurley, the Brickyard and the Ashokan Rail Trail." The latter spans 11 miles around the Ashokan Reservoir, whose trails pass by crystal clear waters with distant rolling green hills in the background. Swimming in the reservoir is prohibited, while fishing and hunting are restricted to permit holders.
Historic, colorful homes line Stockade's streets. Most properties were built after 1777 when the British burned down the city during the American Revolutionary War. Small cottages and American Foursquares start in the $300,000s. 19th and 20th century Victorians line Main Street, while Dutch colonials pay tribute to its past. Stone houses and American Foursquares sit next to traditional colonials, many of which have been converted into multi-unit properties and duplexes. Most single-family homes range from the $400,000s to the $800,000s, while multi-unit buildings can sell for over $1 million. Street parking is the norm, though some homes feature detached garages. Sidewalks add to Stockade's walkability factor, and Stier notes that city improvements aim to improve the area's accessibility.
Local students are served by the Kingston City School District, which earns a B rating on Niche. Kindergarteners through fourth graders may attend Harry L. Edson Elementary, which scores a C-plus. Fifth through eighth graders may attend the B-minus-rated J. Watson Bailey Middle School. And in addition to an A-minus rating on Niche, Kingston High School boasts a 200-member marching band. Kingston High has an active varsity crew team that regularly competes against local high schools along the Hudson River. The Hudson River Maritime Museum also partners with the local YMCA and the Rondout Rowing Club to offer young residents a summer rowing program.
The Old Dutch Church stands out with its stately Renaissance Revival stone facade and small graveyard, which reflects its age. Small colorful leaflets with handwritten notes hang along a metal sign that states, "Take a prayer, leave a prayer," highlighting its cheerful and welcoming congregation to those passing by. The church hosts events like weekly farmers markets, yoga classes, drum circles and reiki healing sessions. The church is also home to Voice Theatre, a local theatre group that puts on various productions and offers in-school educational outreach programs and summer youth workshops.
Ulster County Area Transit bus routes run along Fair Street and Main Street, while The Trailways Station is nearby. Major roads include New York State Route 28, which heads west, and U.S. State Route 209, which heads east. Interstate 87, or the NY State Thruway, leads about 64 miles north to Albany International Airport and 100 miles south to New York City. Kingston's HealthAlliance Hospital is also just 3 miles away.