Kingston, New York offers an interesting mix of historic charm and modern amenities in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Located about 90 miles north of New York City, this small city of approximately 23,500 residents combines affordability, cultural richness, and access to natural beauty.
Anyone considering a move to Kingston will benefit from understanding the practical aspects of life here, from cost of living and housing options to healthcare facilities and transportation networks. Equally important are the intangibles that define daily life: the community character, local culture, and overall lifestyle that make Kingston distinctive among Hudson Valley communities.
We’ve scored Kingston on a whole range of factors, including lifestyle points and demographics, to help you understand whether it’s the right choice for your next move. You can find out more about how we score each town in the references section at the end.
Lifestyle Scores
- Luxury living: 45.11
- Hip & trendy factor: 77.98
- Quietness: 41.75
- Nautical/boating lifestyle: 0
- Urban sophistication: 50.39
- Walkability: 74.43
- Car friendliness: 73.66
- Cycling friendliness: 10.98
- Vibrancy/liveliness: 60.75
- Public transit friendliness: 34.58
Kingston scores strongly in trendy, walkable, and car-friendly lifestyles, indicating a vibrant urban culture attractive to those who prefer city amenities and convenience. However, it significantly lacks appeal for cycling enthusiasts, boating activities, and is notably weaker for luxury living. Quietness and public transport options are also below average, suggesting Kingston may appeal more to younger singles or urban professionals rather than families seeking a tranquil setting or retirees needing easy transit access.
Demographic Scores
- College friendliness: 59.81
- Family friendliness: 30.43
- Young singles appeal: 52.61
- Retirement friendliness: 47.59
- First-time homebuyer friendliness: 49.00
- Vacation home appeal: 0
Kingston offers moderate appeal to college students, young singles, and first-time homebuyers, suggesting affordability and social opportunities that fit these groups. However, family friendliness scores relatively low, indicating limited amenities or conditions favorable for raising children. The lack of vacation home appeal and modest retirement friendliness further implies Kingston is primarily suited to younger, working-age demographics rather than families, retirees, or those seeking leisure or secondary properties.
Kingston has the feel of a tight-knit small city with a diverse and evolving community. The population is about 23,500 people, essentially a small city or large town where many people recognize familiar faces. The median age is 36.8, a bit younger than New York State’s median, indicating a good number of young adults.
You’ll find a significant population of young professionals and artists who have moved from larger cities, as well as college students. There is also a sizable senior community—long-time residents who’ve stayed on and retirees drawn to Kingston’s amenities. The city is less dominated by families with children than some suburbs; while plenty of families do live here, Kingston’s vibe skews more toward singles and couples in their 20s-40s and older empty-nesters.
Home Prices
The Kingston, NY metro area has experienced remarkable housing market transformation over the past fifteen years, with average median home prices surging 89% from $210,314 in 2010 to $397,315 in 2025. This dramatic appreciation wasn’t steady, however. The market initially declined from 2010-2013 when prices fell 16.6%, before beginning a modest recovery in 2014 with annual increases of 1-3% through 2017. Growth then accelerated to 5-6% yearly from 2018-2020, setting the stage for extraordinary price surges in 2021 (21.9%) and 2022 (17.3%), likely driven by pandemic-related migration patterns. Since 2023, growth has moderated but remains robust at 7-8% annually.
Housing Variety
Housing in Kingston is characterized by its historic charm and variety. The city’s neighborhoods offer everything from 19th-century Victorian houses to modern apartments. In Uptown’s Stockade Historic District, you’ll see beautiful colonial-era stone houses (some dating to the 1700s) alongside Victorian-era brick storefronts—this area is one of four officially designated historic districts in Kingston.
Similarly, the Rondout Waterfront District downtown showcases picturesque 19th-century townhouses and old mercantile buildings with cast-iron façades. Many of these historic homes have been preserved and restored, often converted into unique residences, B&Bs, or mixed-use properties.
Modern Housing Options
Newer and more conventional housing exists as well. Outside the historic core, Kingston has tree-lined residential areas with early- to mid-20th-century single-family houses (Cape Cods, farmhouses, and bungalows). These neighborhoods have a cozy, “dense suburban” feel, often with small yards and driveways.
In addition, there are a number of multi-family buildings and apartment complexes, especially in Midtown and along Broadway. You can find anything from a unit in a converted factory loft, to a modern condo, to a high-rise senior apartment building.
Renters vs. Owners
One thing to note is Kingston’s split between renters and homeowners is about 50/50. Approximately 52% of residents rent their home while 48% own. This is unusual for a small city and speaks to Kingston’s demographics—there are many young adults and singles who rent, as well as longtime residents who own homes.
For those looking to move to Kingston, the housing market is competitive but still more affordable than downstate NY. Whether you’re after a historic fixer-upper, a turnkey suburban home, or a trendy loft apartment, Kingston likely has something in its inventory.
Community Spirit
The community vibe in Kingston is often described as creative, eclectic, and progressive. There’s a strong sense of local identity—people are proud of Kingston’s history and its recent renaissance as an arts hub. Newcomers often remark on how friendly and accessible the community is: it’s easy to meet people at the farmers market, strike up a chat at a gallery opening, or get involved in local groups.
Kingston’s blend of long-time natives and newer transplants has created a unique social fabric. Longtime Kingstonians (some with roots going back generations) bring stability and deep knowledge of the area. New arrivals, often from NYC or other metro areas, bring fresh energy, entrepreneurship, and some “Brooklyn hipness.” In fact, Kingston has been humorously dubbed “the new Brooklyn” by various publications.
Cost of Living
Kingston’s cost of living is relatively moderate for New York, though about 10.6% higher than the U.S. average, yet roughly 9% lower than New York State’s average. This means everyday expenses tend to be somewhat above what you’d pay in an average American town, but still less than many other parts of New York.
Housing is one area where Kingston shines in affordability. Home prices in Kingston are generally below national and state medians, making buying or renting easier on the budget than in downstate NYC suburbs. Rentals are also reasonably priced with the median rent hovering around the national median (roughly $1,300/month).
Meanwhile, healthcare costs can be higher (New York’s healthcare costs run about 20% above U.S. norms on average). Utilities and groceries in Kingston are around the national average or a touch lower, so your food and electricity bills shouldn’t break the bank. Overall, living in Kingston lets you stretch your dollar further than in metro NYC, though you may spend a bit more than in the typical mid-American town.
Safety Profile
Kingston’s crime rates are about on par with the national average overall. The city sees roughly 2,310 total crimes per 100,000 residents, which is just a hair (0.6%) below the U.S. rate. Violent crime in Kingston is notably low—around 30% lower than the national violent crime rate. In a recent year, Kingston had only 62 violent incidents with no homicides, and a low rate of robberies and assaults. This translates to about a 1 in 390 chance of being a victim of violence annually, significantly better than the 1 in 274 chance for New York State as a whole.
Most of Kingston’s reported crimes are non-violent property incidents. The property crime rate is slightly above the U.S. average (about 5% higher), driven by petty theft and burglaries. In the latest data, the city had approximately 497 property crimes (mostly larceny-theft), equating to a 1 in 49 annual chance of property crime. This is still moderate, but higher than the New York State average (Kingston’s property crime rate is about 45% above the state’s average).
Within the state, Kingston doesn’t rank especially well for safety—it falls in the lower tier compared to many smaller New York communities.
Historic Charm and Modern Culture
One of Kingston’s biggest draws is its rich local culture and amenities. Despite its small size, the city is bursting with history and arts. Kingston was actually New York’s first capital (back in 1777), and that heritage is evident in its preserved historic districts and landmarks. You’ll find centuries-old stone buildings, museums, and historic sites throughout Uptown (the Stockade District). History buffs can visit the 18th-century Senate House or the Old Dutch Church (built 1659) among many other sites.
Three Distinct Districts
At the same time, Kingston is vibrantly modern. The city has three lively, distinct districts—Uptown Stockade, Midtown, and the Downtown Rondout Waterfront—each with its own character.
Uptown is known for boutiques, cafés, and weekly farmers markets on a quaint colonial-era streetscape. Downtown (Rondout) is along the Hudson River waterfront, offering art galleries, the Hudson River Maritime Museum, marinas, and waterfront restaurants with scenic views. Midtown is Kingston’s creative heartbeat, home to studios, murals, music venues, and theaters.
Throughout these districts, you’ll find award-winning farm-to-table restaurants, cozy coffee shops, breweries, and locally owned shops. Kingston’s dining scene is diverse—from upscale New American and authentic Italian, to vegan cafes and classic diners. Nightlife is low-key but present: a few bars, brewpubs, and live music spots provide evening entertainment, and there’s a growing artsy nightlife due to the influx of young residents.
Thriving Arts Scene
The arts and culture scene in Kingston is remarkably robust for a small city. In fact, arts and cultural industries are a major economic driver here, supporting over 1,600 jobs and $167 million in revenue per year. The city has the highest concentration of arts and cultural establishments of any NY city its size.
Galleries and studios abound, and events like the annual O+ Festival (which exchanges art and music for healthcare services for artists) underscore Kingston’s creative spirit. There are several museums (the Maritime Museum, Trolley Museum, and a Children’s Museum slated to open) and performing arts venues like the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC), which hosts concerts and theater. Kingston’s calendar is filled with street fairs, art walks, live music, and community festivals.
Outdoor Recreation
For recreation, residents enjoy many amenities. Kingston has plenty of parks and green space—from small neighborhood playgrounds to larger parks like Forsyth Park (with a small zoo) and Kingston Point Beach on the river. The Hudson River and nearby Catskill Mountains offer outstanding outdoor activities just minutes away: hiking, boating, kayaking, and biking are popular weekend pastimes. In summer, you can launch a kayak on the Rondout Creek, and in winter, ski resorts in the Catskills are about an hour’s drive.
Public Services and Infrastructure
As a small city and county seat, Kingston offers a full range of public services and has been investing in improving infrastructure. City residents are served by dedicated police and fire departments, a centrally located City Hall, and numerous municipal offices. Public utilities are city-run and reliable, with ongoing upgrades to systems as needed.
Transit Improvements
One notable advancement has been in public transit infrastructure. Kingston previously ran its own CitiBus local transit. In a push for greater efficiency and coverage, the city merged its bus system with Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) to form a single, integrated transit network. This consolidation improved routes and extended bus service to areas that lacked coverage. The new combined system created better hubs, shorter wait times, and connections beyond city lines. UCAT currently offers fare-free bus service on its routes—an incentive for public transport use.
County Services
As the Ulster County administrative center, Kingston hosts the county courthouse, offices, and services like the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Social Services. The city also has a well-used public library (Kingston Library), which is part of the regional library system and offers everything from community events to free Wi-Fi and computer access.
Schools and Education
Public schools are operated by the Kingston City School District and are generally rated above average. The district encompasses several elementary schools, a middle school, and Kingston High School (recently renovated with a modern campus). For higher education, while Kingston itself isn’t a college town, there are nearby institutions: SUNY Ulster’s community college campus is just outside town, and Bard College and SUNY New Paltz are within a 30-minute drive.
Healthcare
When it comes to healthcare, Kingston serves as a medical hub for the mid-Hudson region. The centerpiece is the HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, which is the city’s main hospital and largest medical facility. Recently expanded and modernized, HealthAlliance Hospital (part of the Westchester Medical Center network) is a 162-bed acute care hospital offering comprehensive services.
Hospital Services
HealthAlliance is equipped to handle most medical needs locally. It’s a Level III Trauma Center and a Certified Primary Stroke Center, so even serious emergencies like trauma injuries or strokes can be treated right in Kingston. The hospital provides a range of specialties: cardiac care (with a cardiac cath lab on-site), orthopedics, women’s health, dialysis, mental health services, and more.
For a city of Kingston’s size, having this breadth of care is a huge asset—you don’t have to travel to Albany or NYC for routine surgeries or specialist visits, as many doctors have local practices affiliated with the hospital.
Additional Medical Facilities
In addition to the main hospital, Kingston has numerous clinics, private practices, and healthcare facilities. You’ll find primary care doctors, pediatricians, dentists, and urgent care centers around town. The Broadway Campus site is being developed into a health complex that will include outpatient services like physical therapy, imaging, and a new behavioral health center.
For veterans, a VA clinic operates in the area (nearby in Port Ewen). And for senior care, there are nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Kingston and the surrounding towns, along with home health agencies.
Should a medical need arise that can’t be handled in Kingston, residents are about 20-30 minutes from larger hospitals in Poughkeepsie and roughly an hour from Albany Medical Center.
Taxes
Taxes in New York can be complex and, frankly, on the higher side. Property taxes in Kingston (and Ulster County) are well above the national average. The effective property tax rate in Ulster County is about 2.67% of a home’s value—that’s nearly two and a half times the U.S. average rate (~1.1%). In dollar terms, a median home in Ulster might have an annual property tax bill around $6,000-$7,000.
Income and Sales Tax
Income taxes are another consideration. New York State has a graduated income tax system with rates from 4% up to 10.9%. Most middle-class households will fall somewhere in the middle of those brackets. Unlike NYC, Kingston has no city income tax, so you only pay the state (and federal) tax.
On a brighter note, sales taxes in Kingston are more typical. The combined sales tax rate is 8.0% (New York’s state sales tax is 4% and Ulster County adds another 4%). However, New York exempts essential items like unprepared groceries and clothing under $110 from sales tax. That means your supermarket food shopping isn’t taxed, and buying clothes or shoes under the threshold won’t incur state tax either.
Transportation Connections
Despite being a small city, Kingston is well-connected by transportation. It sits at a strategic spot in the Hudson Valley, which makes getting around (and getting to major cities) relatively easy. Kingston is about 91 miles north of New York City and 59 miles south of Albany. For drivers, the city is right off the New York State Thruway (I-87)—there’s an exit (Exit 19) that leads directly into Kingston.
Within the region, Kingston is something of a crossroads. It’s the western terminus of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, which carries Route 209/199 across the Hudson River to Rhinecliff and Dutchess County. This bridge is a crucial link—for instance, it’s how you’d drive to catch an Amtrak train at Rhinecliff station (about a 15-20 minute drive across the river).
Public Transit Options
While Kingston doesn’t have its own passenger rail station, there’s an Adirondack Trailways bus station in Kingston, with daily coach buses to New York City’s Port Authority Terminal (usually a 2 to 2.5 hour ride). The bus is a popular choice for those who don’t want to drive.
For local and regional transit, Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) runs buses that cover Kingston and beyond. There are several fixed routes in the city and routes linking to neighboring towns. UCAT even runs a free shuttle to the Park and Ride lots near the Thruway exit, where carpoolers or bus riders can leave their cars.
Commuting Patterns
Commuting patterns for Kingston residents vary. Many people both live and work in Kingston or in Ulster County, leading to fairly short commutes. The average commute time is only about 23 minutes, which is well below the national average (roughly 27 minutes) and much shorter than big-city commutes.
For those who do work farther afield, some commute south to Dutchess or Orange County, or even into New York City one or two days a week (the rise of remote and hybrid work has made Kingston a bedroom community for a number of NYC professionals who don’t need to be in the office every day).
Within the city for daily travel, most people drive cars—Kingston is car-friendly and parking is generally easy to find (often free or inexpensive). Traffic in town is usually light, with occasional congestion on busiest strips like Ulster Avenue or during summer tourist weekends.
Outdoor and Cultural Activities
Kingston is a very human-scaled, personable place. You can walk along the waterfront at sunset, join a community yoga class, bike to a farmers market, and drive 10 minutes to a trailhead in the mountains—all in the same day. The lifestyle here tends to attract those who appreciate a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural enrichment, and laid-back living.
There is no frantic rush hour, and people often know their barista or chat with neighbors on their stoop. You’ll have conveniences like shopping centers (there’s the Hudson Valley Mall and plenty of big-box stores on the outskirts for practical needs) and farm markets for local produce. And when you crave more, NYC is a day trip away.
References
- How we score each town – Home Stratosphere
- Cost of Living Calculator Kingston, NY – BestPlaces
- Kingston, NY Crime Report, 2023 – HomeSnacks
- Welcome to the City of Kingston, NY – Landing Page – City of Kingston
- Top Things to Do in Kingston, NY | Hotels, Dining, & Attractions – I LOVE NY (NYS Tourism)
- City of Kingston and Ulster County Bus System Integration | Regional Economic Development Councils – Regional Economic Development Councils
- HealthAlliance Foundation – WMCHealth Giving – WMCHealth/HealthAlliance
- Ulster County, New York Property Taxes – Ownwell
- New York Income Tax: Rates, Who Pays in 2025 – NerdWallet
- Ulster County Sales Tax Calculator 2025: Lookup New York Tax Rates | Avalara – Avalara
- Labor Statistics for the Hudson Valley Region | Department of Labor – NY Department of Labor
- Kingston, New York Population 2025 – World Population Review
- Historic Districts – Friends of Historic Kingston – Friends of Historic Kingston
- Kingston, NY – Niche – Niche
- Kingston – Apartments for Rent – Walk Score – Walk Score
