Kingston

Kingston is a booming city of the luscious Hudson River Valley, famous for its history, culture, and connection with the arts. Once home to the Esopus Iroquois tribes, Kingston was established by the Dutch in 1652. Today, it’s home to many artists who have their galleries here, and people who wish to live in a lively business district, surrounded by charming restaurants and shops along the main streets.

The main place to be if you visit Kingston is the historic neighborhood of Rondout, where you’ll be reminded of the burning of Kingston in 1777 by the British invaders during the Revolutionary War. (They re-enact the burning each year to educate about the city’s history). Here is where you’ll find well-known city events like the Artist’s Soapbox Derby Kingston Jazz Festival, and Rondout Creek, whose currents flow into the Hudson. Go uptown and you can visit the Senate House, which is the capital building that was established in the 1670’s.

There’s lots of things to do in Kingston: you can visit the Kingston Point Park and beach along the beautiful Hudson River shores, visit the park and children’s zoo at the Forsythe Nature Center (24 animal exhibits and at least 12 gardens), discover what’s new at the Downtown Vistor Center, and go swimming at the Andetta Municipal Pool.

The only troubling thing about Kingston is a high crime rate, 4 out of 5 for NY state. That’s why Kingston has programs like EQUIP, which helps youth discover coping mechanisms to help them combat social issues and prevent things from getting out of control, and the grassroots organization the Neighborhood Watch, a committed group of people who set out to make Kingston a safer place to be.

The median price to live in Kingston is $144,200, and there is affordable housing for both families and seniors. You’re right near state-of-the-art facilities such as Kingston and Benedictine Hospital for all your medical needs. Kingston has lots of parks for kids to play---but make sure there’s an adult with them, as Kingston is a city and it’s good to keep an eye out.

All in all, Kingston is a fun place to visit and live, if you’re careful. There are wonderful restaurants and shops to visit, as well as fun things to do like visiting the Trolley Museum, taking a Hudson River Cruise or, afterwards, going to visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum that can tell you all about the history of the Hudson River. It’s also got a great artist’s community which is bringing people all over to visit the art galleries. Kingston may have its issues, but it has great schools for children to acquire a quality education, and a wonderful community of people who are dedicated to the effort of making their city beautiful. That’s what makes living in Kingston worth it.