Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2019. With a population of 23,942, Kingston is a small town. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Zoey James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 44, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Fairview and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
36 upvotes
Isabella A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
23 upvotes
Ezekiel A.
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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