Kingston NY

Kingston – A charming gem nestled in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, this historic city blends small-town warmth with vibrant culture and scenic beauty. As New York’s first capital, Kingston wears its heritage proudly while embracing an artistic, forward-thinking spirit. Whether you're strolling the vibrant Rondout Waterfront, exploring Uptown’s colonial streets, or admiring views of the Catskill Mountains, Kingston offers a uniquely enriching experience for visitors and locals alike.

• Population: ~23,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70–85°F), crisp colorful autumns, snowy winters, and mild springs.
• Places To Visit: Hudson River Maritime Museum, Stockade Historic District, Forsyth Nature Center, Trolley Museum of New York, Kingston Point Beach.
• Top Activities: Wandering farmers markets, enjoying live music and gallery hops, hiking nearby trails, exploring local breweries, and kayaking along the Hudson River.
• Famous Food: Farm-to-table dishes at Ship to Shore, wood-fired pizza at Osteria Aperitivo, craft brews at Kingston Standard, artisanal cheeses from local creameries.

Kingston, NY, is a historic city nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley, with a growing economy driven by healthcare, education, public service, and tourism. As more families and professionals relocate from nearby metros like New York City, Kingston offers a balanced mix of urban infrastructure and small-town charm. Here are some of the most in-demand jobs currently shaping the economy of Kingston.

Top 5 Jobs in Kingston, NY

Kingston, NY might be a small city, but it’s packed with charm, history, and plenty of low-key spots where students can kick back and recharge. Whether you’re staying on campus or exploring the town, Kingston offers a cool mix of nature, art, and local flavor just waiting to be discovered.

Rough Draft Bar & Books – This cozy café-bar hybrid is a favorite among students and creatives. You can sip on locally roasted coffee or craft beer while working on school projects or just catching up with friends by the fireplace. Bonus: tasty pastries and plenty of books line the walls.

Riverview Walkway & Kingston Point Beach – When the weather’s nice, nothing beats a walk along the Hudson River. The trail ends at a small sandy beach where students often gather for sunsets, picnics, or casual frisbee games. Great for clearing your head after a hectic week.

Outdated Café – This vintage-style café doubles as an antique shop, which makes it a fun, laid-back place to grab brunch or coffee. Vegetarian-friendly, artsy atmosphere, and lots of comfy corners to chill in—perfect for long conversations or Instagram-worthy shots.

UPAC (Ulster Performing Arts Center) – Looking for a low-cost night out? Check out UPAC’s schedule for live music, comedy, and indie film showings. Many performances offer student discounts, and the historic theater setting adds to the experience.

Forsyth Nature Center & Zoo – Need to escape your screen for a while? Spend some time with alpacas, peacocks, and goats at this small urban zoo and nature center. It’s free to visit, and the park nearby is great for reading, meditating, or just lying on the grass.

Keegan Ales – If you’re of age, this local brewery hosts live music nights, open mics, and trivia that attract a fun crowd of locals and students. Relaxed atmosphere, great pizza, and easy-going vibes make it a top weekend spot.

Kingston Farmers Market – Happening every Saturday during spring through fall, this market is ideal for leisurely strolls, discovering local food, and catching some live music. Pick up fresh snacks or handmade goodies with friends after a long study week.

Hudson River Maritime Museum Dock – Right by the waterfront, this is a scenic place to hang out, especially in the evening. You can watch the boats go by, relax on a bench, or grab ice cream from one of the nearby shops while soaking up the peaceful river vibe.

O+ Mural Walk – Kingston is covered in art thanks to the annual O+ Festival. Take some time to explore the city’s vibrant murals. It’s a unique way to get inspired and appreciate how the local and student communities blend through creativity.

Whether you’re into nature, art, food, or just finding a quiet corner to unwind, Kingston has a little bit of everything. You don’t need to travel far to relax and have fun—it’s all right here in your backyard.

Kingston, NY is rich in educational opportunities, offering a mix of public and private institutions that support a diverse spectrum of students. Whether you’re seeking an affordable start at a community college, transfer opportunities, or specialized private education, Kingston's colleges stand out for their dedication to student growth and community involvement.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Kingston, NY

Ulster County Community College (SUNY Ulster) – As part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, SUNY Ulster offers associate degree programs and professional certificates. Known for its supportive faculty and transfer pathways to four-year colleges, it’s a popular starting point for local students.

Empire State University (SUNY Empire State College – Hudson Valley Center) – This institution focuses on flexible, individualized degree programs for working adults and non-traditional students. With a Kingston center, it offers bachelor’s and master’s degree options alongside credit for prior learning.

Hudson Valley Educational Consortium (HVEC) – While not a traditional college, HVEC is a partnership between SUNY Ulster, SUNY Sullivan, SUNY Orange, and SUNY Rockland. Through this consortium, Kingston residents benefit from expanded course offerings in health, criminal justice, and more.

State University of New York at New Paltz – Located a short drive from Kingston, SUNY New Paltz attracts Kingston residents with its vibrant campus, art programs, and engineering degrees. Its close proximity makes it an accessible public option for higher learning.

Kingsborough Community College (Satellite Classes in Ulster County) – Occasionally, CUNY’s Kingsborough Community College offers workforce development and continuing education programs in the Kingston area, bringing big city resources to local learners.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Kingston, NY

Bard College – Although technically in nearby Annandale-on-Hudson, Bard is a top liberal arts college well-connected with Kingston. Many students and faculty live or participate in Kingston art and music events, and the college offers innovative programs in the arts, science, and social change.

The Center for Creative Education – This private Kingston institution provides arts and academic enrichment for students of all ages, known for its dance, music, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) programs that prepare students for higher academic success.

Mount Saint Mary College (Newburgh Campus, Serving Kingston Residents) – Mount Saint Mary College offers respected nursing, education, and business programs. Its Newburgh campus is just a short drive from Kingston and attracts many local students looking for a faith-based private college experience.

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) – Located about 30 minutes from Kingston in Hyde Park, the CIA is one of the world’s premier culinary colleges. Many Kingston residents enroll here, thanks to easy access and its outstanding reputation in the culinary arts.

Woodstock Day School – This private K–12 school, close to Kingston, is well-known for creative, student-centered learning. While not a college, it has a strong record of preparing students for entrance into top colleges and universities, making it beloved in the Kingston region.

If you’re considering higher education in Kingston, NY, you’ll find a welcoming community and a variety of pathways to success—whether you’re starting at a public college or seeking the unique offerings of a private institution. The city’s academic institutions are dedicated to nurturing your potential and opening doors to a bright future.

Kingston, NY, nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley, is home to several top-notch high schools that offer a blend of strong academics, diverse extracurriculars, and supportive environments. Whether you're looking for public or private education, Kingston has great options for teens looking to reach their full potential.

Choosing the right high school is a big decision, and it's important to consider what fits best for each student’s unique goals and learning style. Here's a look at the top public and private high schools in the Kingston area to help guide your search.

Top Public High Schools in Kingston, NY

• Kingston High School – As the largest public high school in the city, Kingston High offers a broad selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, robust music and arts programs, and a wide range of extracurricular clubs and sports. The school also has partnerships with local colleges for early college credit opportunities.
• Rondout Valley High School – Located just outside Kingston in Accord, Rondout Valley High is known for smaller class sizes and personalized learning. It offers strong academic programs, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) tracks and opportunities for hands-on learning.
• Saugerties Senior High School – A short drive from Kingston, this school blends a supportive community atmosphere with solid academic programming. The school emphasizes college prep and also offers a strong athletic department.
• Onteora High School – Serving multiple towns near Kingston, Onteora is recognized for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student well-being. Small class sizes and dedicated teachers help deliver a personalized educational experience.
• Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center – Though not a traditional high school, this program allows high school students from the Kingston area to explore specific career paths like healthcare, digital media, and automotive. It’s a great option for students looking to gain real-world experience while finishing high school.

Top Private High Schools in Kingston, NY

• John A. Coleman Catholic High School – Located in Hurley, just minutes from Kingston, Coleman Catholic offers rigorous academics grounded in faith-based values. With small class sizes, strong college counseling, and unique electives, the school nurtures both intellectual and personal growth.
• The Mount Academy – A private Christian high school located in nearby Esopus, The Mount Academy provides a high-quality academic experience with an emphasis on moral development and community service. Class sizes are small, and students benefit from a peaceful learning environment.
• Woodstock Day School – This independent, progressive school is just a short drive from Kingston and serves students from pre-K through 12th grade. Known for its arts integration, STEM focus, and individualized education, it's a great fit for creative and curious learners.
• Oakwood Friends School – Located in Poughkeepsie, about 30 minutes from Kingston, Oakwood is one of the nation’s oldest coeducational boarding and day schools. It combines strong academics with Quaker values, fostering a thoughtful and inclusive learning space.
• Poughkeepsie Day School – Though not directly in Kingston, Poughkeepsie Day School is a popular choice for families in the Hudson Valley seeking a progressive learning environment. The high school program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, creativity, and collaboration.

Parents and students in Kingston, NY have access to both strong public and private high school options. Whether you’re drawn to advanced academics, specialized career paths, or values-based education, there’s a school nearby ready to help your student thrive.

Kingston, located in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley, may not boast major league franchises like New York City, but its professional and semi-professional sports scene offers a tight-knit community atmosphere and passionate local support. Sports in Kingston revolve more around regional pride, gritty determination, and development of future stars.

While Kingston doesn’t currently host top-tier major league teams (like the NFL, NBA, or MLB), it has made its mark through minor league and semi-professional organizations, especially in soccer and baseball. These teams bring together families, friends, and fans, providing high-energy entertainment and showcasing emerging talent striving for national attention.

Baseball – Kingston Colonials (Hudson River League; Historical)

• Kingston Colonials – In the early 20th century, the Kingston Colonials played in the Hudson River League, part of the minor league baseball network that helped develop future stars. Though the team no longer plays today, it left a legacy of Kingston’s early enthusiasm for America’s pastime and reflects the area's long relationship with baseball.

Soccer – Kingston Stockade FC (NPSL)

• Kingston Stockade FC – Founded in 2015, Stockade FC plays in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth tier of the American soccer system. Based out of Dietz Stadium, they’ve quickly become a local sensation. The team’s name pays tribute to Kingston’s historic stockade district, and they’ve built a fiercely loyal fanbase known for their spirited chants, community love, and gritty play. With a mission to grow soccer locally while competing at a high level, Stockade FC provides a pathway for rising talent in the Hudson Valley.

Hockey – Local Youth and Amateur Leagues

• While Kingston doesn’t currently field a professional or semi-professional hockey team, the city has active participation in the sport. Ice hockey thrives through youth leagues and amateur teams hosted at local rinks. These leagues are crucial to developing young players and keeping the passion for the game alive in the region — and many players move on to collegiate and even pro levels.

Basketball & Football – Community and Semi-Pro Opportunities

• Kingston doesn’t host professional basketball or football teams, but local high schools and recreational leagues keep these sports at the center of community life. The region's proximity to New York City means sports-minded residents can easily catch big-league games, while locally, fan attention is often directed to rising youth athletes. Occasional traveling semi-pro teams and exhibition games also bring pro-level action to the area.

So, while Kingston, NY may not roar with the crowds of Madison Square Garden or Yankee Stadium, its charm lies in community-driven sports culture. From historic baseball roots to a highly respected soccer team in Stockade FC, Kingston proves that heart, heritage, and hustle make for unforgettable game days just the same.

Kingston, New York is a small city with a big personality. Nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley, it’s full of vibrant history, rich culture, and quirky surprises. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to explore someplace new, here are some fun facts about Kingston, NY:

1. First Capital of New York – Kingston was the original capital of New York State in 1777. Though it only held the title briefly, it's still a major point of pride.
2. Burned by the British – After becoming the capital, Kingston was burned down by British troops in the Revolutionary War. Locals quickly rebuilt the city with even more determination.
3. A City of Neighborhoods – Kingston is made up of three distinct areas: Uptown (historic Stockade District), Midtown (the artsy heart), and Downtown (the scenic Rondout Waterfront).
4. Home to the Oldest Intersection in America – The corner of John and Crown Streets features four original 18th-century stone houses, making it the only intersection of its kind in the U.S.
5. Birthplace of the Hudson River School – This famous American art movement, focused on nature and landscapes, got its start in Kingston. Today, the city continues to attract artists and creatives.
6. Trolley Time – Kingston is home to the Hudson River Maritime Museum and the popular Trolley Museum of New York, where visitors can ride restored trolleys from the past.
7. Music & Murals Everywhere – Kingston has embraced its cultural roots with street art, live music, and community festivals year-round—especially the famous O+ Festival that mixes music and medicine.
8. Hidden Waterways – The city's Rondout Creek used to be a bustling canal port in the 1800s, connecting Kingston to Pennsylvania coal country. Today, the waterfront is prime for kayaking and sunset strolls.
9. Farm-Fresh Living – Kingston is in the heart of Hudson Valley farm country, so you’ll find farmer’s markets, farm-to-table restaurants, and locally brewed cider and beer all across the city.
10. Haunted Hometown? – Kingston’s long history has inspired lots of ghost stories. From old hotels to historic districts, locals say the city has its share of supernatural visitors.

Whether you're visiting for the history, the art, or just the amazing food—Kingston has a little something for everyone. And who knows? You might even run into a ghost or two.