Non-driver-move to Kingston,NY? (New York, Newburgh: rent, crime, attorneys)

[jrose]

I would love to move upstate to Kingston but do not drive. No intention of getting license.I would be moving with disabled elderly mother.Not a good idea? Now live in Brooklyn,NY with "conveniences" but am sick of it here.Comments appreciated. jrose

[winnie]

Why would you not get a license??? Driving in upstate is a lot easier than driving in NYC if that is part of your fear...

I don't know - Kingston is not a desireable city to start with, then you having no personal transportation??? Sounds like a bad move to me. You are going to find yourself with a whole seperate set of problems without a car as taxis are not as common, not good with helping disabled people, and I doubt Kingston's rates are very reasonable. Then if you want to go anywhere it is a 20 minute drive or taxi fare...I would NOT advise walking around some parts of Kingston alone either.

Kingston has moved ahead of Newburgh in the Hudson Valley area as far as crime goes. And I know a few guys from Brooklyn (Canarcie) and the Bronx who do not like those areas because they are slummy.

Either get a license and move to a nicer area in "upstate" Orange or Ulster area or stay in NYC, that would be my advice!

I am familiar with the area for 24 years BTW.

[TaxDiva]

I would have to agree. Kingston is very tough to get around without a car/license. You may consider New Paltz (expensive) but if you live in the village you can walk to supermarkets, library, post office, etc. Any town with a nice walkable village area will be a bit expensive as far as rent goes.

[elikelp]

Hi- I live in Kingston, and if you like to walk this is a great walking town. We have public transportation, but it ends early in the evening. We have a special dedicated bus system that is on call for the elderly and disabled.

We have a bunch of parks, three quaint town centers, and walkable pharmacies and supermarkets from several sections of the city. Many people here choose not to drive.

We also have public transportation to a huge shopping area mall area.
The whole area has great catskill and occasional Hudson river views because we're on a set of gentle hills.

The other replies seem to assume that you are not familiar with a non-driving lifestyle, while I am assuming you must be.

[Griffis]

I've been curious about Kingston too. It seems a good size for my family, but then I heard it was getting kind of slummy and crime-ridden. I like the proximity to the Catskills though.

Any more info? Schools and crime, cost of living/housing, etc.?

Or good alternatives to Kingston?

Appreciate it.

[janineb200]

There is public transportation in Kingston and a very good system for getting elderly/disabled people to their destinations. Kingston is a great city, with several different sections of vastly different flavor. There is the artsy Rondout district on the Rondout Creek that flows to the Hudson - great restaurants and music, There is the Stockade District with it's historic stone houses and the first Senate House in New York. There is a large supermarket and drug store within walking distance of Wall and Fair streets - location of businesses, courthouse, attorneys and several good restaurants. Uptown is full of wonderfully kept houses on neat little streets. Midtown is on the upswing, and many large and wonderful homes are still priced within reach for most people. The Ulster area is close to malls and shopping and is growing by leaps and bounds. Kingston has it's difficulties, as do all cities - even New Paltz where I live. If you happen to be in town on any night after midnight, the streets are overrun by college students in various states. In any event - I am a Realtor in Ulster County Moderator cut: advertising. Ulster County is one of the most beautiful spots in New York, and I really love living and working here.

Best Regards,

Janine Bowen

[anika]

Janineb200,
I am in the same position as you are, although I drive. I also have been looking at Kingston area to get out of S. Florida. I don't think the job market is great but where there is a will there is a way.

Anika

[LadyTymell]

i was wondering did you make the move an if so hows it going cause im getting ready to move to kingston with no car but i do have a drivers license. An i Know that a car is a must out of the city.

[lexlex]

I grew up in Saugerties which is right next to kingston and absolutely loved it. It is a great place to raise a family. Big yards, small feel, great schools, but still not to far from the city. I was just back home a few weeks ago and kingston has grown a lot. It is a nice little city. Of course there are less desireable areas like anywhere, but i've never not felt safe in saugerties or kingston. The village of saugerties has grown a lot since HITS moved in. Have you thought about that area? New Paltz is also a great choice!

[ucb91]

move to new rochelle it has plenty of nice areas and is only a half an hour from grand central o yea transpotation is great and starting in april you can now use your metro card on the new rochelle public transpotation lines