Quiet hamlet offers rural charm near Kingston’s shopping hub
Ruby is a quiet, rural hamlet just outside Kingston, featuring winding roads and a range of modest homes. The central shopping corridor of the metro area is only 6 miles away via U.S. Route 9W. "Kingston is what I consider the hub of Ulster County," says Greg Berardi, principal broker at Berardi Realty. "It's right in the center of the Hudson Valley, and you're 10 to 15 minutes from everything. Nearby hamlets can be extremely rural but close to shops and restaurants." Ruby offers a secluded country lifestyle and borders extensive woodlands while still being conveniently near popular Hudson Valley communities like Woodstock, Saugerties, and Kingston. With a low CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10—well below the national average—affordable homes, and proximity to amenities, Ruby is attractive to first-time homebuyers and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Ranch-style homes dominate two subdivisions with spacious lots
This small hamlet comprises two main subdivisions that feature a mix of 20th-century cottages, bi-level and ranch-style homes that range from $100,000 to $390,000. Most properties sit on spacious lots that average around half an acre and offer privacy but are close enough to wave to passing neighbors. Attached garages are standard, while others showcase detached garages with matching color schemes and extra storage sheds. Other streets give way to the occasional Colonial Revival, Dutch colonials that pay homage to the region’s past, or an early 19th-century stone house hidden beyond the tree line. Cape Cod-style farmhouses with dormer windows are scattered in between. Prices for these properties can range from $525,000 to $605,000, but they are less common than the typical ranch-style house. Homebuyers should note that the area’s winding country roads are prone to flooding due to their proximity to waterways like Plattekill Creek.
Outdoor spots range from riverside parks to mountain trails
Nestled in the Catskills' foothills, Ruby is close to hiking trails and natural preserves. The hamlet borders the Highwoods Multiple Use Area, a popular spot for hunting and off-the-beaten-path hiking and camping. About 5 miles south, Bluestone Wild Forest spans 3,000 acres, offering rugged trails for hiking and mountain biking, a freshwater lake for fishing, and the Sawkill Family Ski Center for winter sports. Thorn Preserve provides 60 acres of meadows and walking paths, while nearby Zena Recreation Park Swim and Tennis Club is a summer favorite. Ulster Landing County Park features a riverside beach, picnic areas, a playground and hiking. The Ashokan Rail Trail, 10 miles away, circles the Ashokan reservoir for 11.5 miles. "It was originally created in the early 1900s to provide clean drinking water to New York City residents," says Alex Stier, associate broker at Keller Williams Realty. "Multiple hamlets were flooded or relocated during the creation of the reservoir. People still joke that they can sell the tops of old buildings in the water."
Major retailers and grocery stores line the Route 9W corridor
U.S. Route 9W is the main shopping corridor, home to major retailers like Target, Home Depot and Sam's Club. The corridor also has grocery options such as Aldi, ShopRite and Adam's Fairacre Farms. Fast-food chains including Chipotle and Five Guys are found here, along with local pizza parlors and sit-down spots. Italian eateries like Reginato Ristorante and Mexican favorites like Casa Vallarta provide diverse dining, with Casa Vallarta known for its live mariachi band on Thursdays.
Students attend strong schools with access to private options
Ruby falls within the Kingston City School District, which earns a B rating on Niche. E.R. Crosby Elementary scores a B and funnels into M. Clifford Miller Middle School, rated a B-minus. Students may continue to the A-minus-rated Kingston High School, which offers a variety of extracurricular options, including student-led organizations, weight-training and competitive sports like crew on the Hudson River. "Alternative schools are heavily sought out around here," says Sean Zimmerman, associate broker at Halter Associates Realty Inc. The Zena Democratic School, about 6 miles away, is a popular private option focusing on autonomy and conflict resolution. Additional private schools include the Woodstock Day School and Middle Way School.
Events in nearby Woodstock, Saugerties and Kingston
Ruby is a short drive from Woodstock, Saugerties and Kingston, all known for vibrant events. Saugerties hosts the annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, a major event featuring live music, cooking demos and garlic-infused foods. "Every food item must include garlic," Stier says. In Woodstock, Bearsville Theater offers year-round concerts and played a key role in the 1960s music scene. Kingston, just 9 miles south, has lively weekends with live music and festivals like Hooley on the Hudson and the Italian Festival at T.R. Gallo Waterfront Park.
Route 9W and I-87 connect Ruby to cities and airports
Ruby is car-dependent with no public transit, but bus stations on U.S. Route 9W in Lake Katrine are 6 miles away. Interstate 87 connects to Albany International Airport, located 60 miles to the north, and New York City, which is 105 miles to the south. Kingston's HealthAlliance Hospital is less than 10 miles away, with Woodstock and Saugerties also nearby.
![Christina von Claparede-Crola]()
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
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James Leynse
