Brownstoner Upstate: Cute in Kingston

We’re digging on Kingston these days, what with last weekend’s Made in Kingston, an event that showcases local businesses and makers, and the upcoming wildly popular New Year’s Eve celebration in uptown (this year’s theme is circus freak show). The Ulster County city and first capital of New York seems to get cooler by the second, with new music venues, restaurants, and shops cropping up all the time. Kingston is also home to the O+ Festival, which aims to connect musicians and artists with health care professionals. And, it’s not called the Gateway to the Catskills for no reason. A short drive will take you straight to mountain views and nature. There are lots of real estate options in and around the city, from farmhouses on land not far from town to sweet homes in residential neighborhoods located approximately two hours from Brooklyn. Here’s a handful, all priced under $160,000.

This two-story affordable home is located in midtown Kingston, yes, but tucked away in a residential neighborhood behind the Wiltwyck Cemetery (hey, at least the neighbors are quiet). The interior couldn’t be sweeter, with stunning wood floors, pressed tin ceilings, and a private backyard with a deck. Kitchen is small but attractive. Beds: 3. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1275. Lot Size: .07 acres. Est. Taxes: $4748.

131 Pine Grove Avenue, Kingston (Murphy Realty Group) GMAP

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So much potential here in this Foursquare just a couple of blocks over from the first property. It’s turnkey, but the large kitchen needs some modernizing and fixing up, as do a few of the rooms in this four-bedroom, two-bath house on a corner lot. Includes a walkup attic and detached two-car garage. First order of business: Get rid of the chain link fence. After that, some backyard plantings to add privacy. Beds: 4. Baths: Square Feet: 1667. Lot Size: .17 acres. Est. Taxes: $6021.

58 Andrew Street, Kingston (Win Morrison) GMAP

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The status on this Victorian is pending, but that never stopped us from looking. There’s much about the interior that doesn’t turn us on in terms of light fixtures and wallpapering (a little too “grandma’s house” for us), but the high ceilings and original woodwork make the house desirable. We suppose that’s why its status is pending. Love the exterior paint job. Beds: 3. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1279. Lot Size: .1 acre. Est. Taxes: $4266.

168 Highland Avenue, Kingston (Westwood Metes & Bounds) GMAP

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And finally, we wanted to find something a little more countrified, something close to everything in Kingston but with a far-away feeling. This updated farmhouse with separate studio might just fit the bill. The lot size, which is a quarter of an acre, is bigger than what you’ll find in one of the more dense residential neighborhoods. Also located at the end of a dead end street. The house has a pretty interior but we’re curious about the inside of the studio. Beds: 2. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 1804. Lot Size: .25 acres. Est. Taxes: $5161.

7 Ulster Street, Kingston (Coldwell Banker Village Green) GMAP