Mid-Hudson Valley & Catskills
Kingston, New York
City in Ulster County
Ulster County's seat and New York's first capital
Kingston is the seat of Ulster County, on the Hudson's west bank where the Rondout Creek meets the river. Its Stockade district, Uptown and Rondout waterfront give it three distinct centers, and it served briefly as New York's first capital.
History & Local Character
Kingston was settled by the Dutch in 1652 and burned by the British in 1777 after serving as the state's first capital. It later became a canal, cement and shipbuilding city, and its waterfront and Uptown have revived around dining and the arts.
Housing & Real Estate
The city offers Dutch and Victorian houses in the Stockade, rowhouses and apartments Uptown, and converted industrial buildings along the Rondout.
Restaurants & Shopping
Uptown's Wall Street and the Rondout's waterfront hold a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars, with a strong farm-to-table and music scene.
Schools & Education
Kingston City School District serves the city, with a high school and several elementary schools. SUNY Ulster is nearby.
Parks & Recreation
The Kingston waterfront, Hasbrouck Park, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and nearby Catskill Park provide recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
The New York State Thruway (I-87) crosses the town, with buses along Broadway and Route 9W; the nearest Metro-North station is in Poughkeepsie across the river.
Local Businesses
Restaurants, galleries, breweries, shops and professional offices line Wall Street and the Rondout, supported by tourism and a growing creative economy.
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Nearby Attractions
- Stockade Historic District
- Rondout waterfront
- Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
- Senate House
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Three walkable districts with distinct character
- Strong arts, music and dining scene
- Access to Catskill Park
Considerations
- No direct commuter rail to New York City
- Older housing stock
- Winter tourism slowdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Kingston the capital of New York?
Yes. Kingston served as New York's first capital in 1777 before the British burned the city.
Is Kingston a city?
Yes. Kingston is a city in Ulster County and the county seat.