Section Image

Esopus

Esopus

Neighborhood in Ulster Park, New York

Ulster County 12401, 12487, 12528, 12561

$518,076 Average Value
$375 Average Price per Sq Ft
20 Homes For Sale

An affluent rural town on the Hudson River

The town of Esopus is best known for its sweeping views of the Hudson River and forested nature preserves. But there Esopus offers more than scenic views, with roots dating back to the 1700s as this rural community was once home to the famous naturalist John Burroughs and the birthplace of abolitionist Sojourner Truth. Today, a statue of Sojourner sits along the crossroads of Port Ewen’s main thoroughfare, New York State Route 9W, and Salem Street. Tucked between Kingston and New Paltz, “Esopus is a rural town littered with tiny hamlets that offer a laid-back lifestyle,” says Isabel Alves, Realtor with Re/Max Town & Country, who has 16 years of experience in the industry. “It’s the scenery that draws people in.” With New York City just 90 miles south, Esopus is also a popular spot for affluent residents looking for a second vacation home overlooking the river or a secluded country estate. However, one would never know due to Esopus’s down-to-earth residents and laid-back ambiance. Upscale restaurants and wineries are the only clues that hint at this quietly wealthy community. “People aren’t presumptuous,” says Deborah Medenbach, an experienced Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Nutshell Realty. Esopus, West Park and Ulster Park are known for their expensive waterfront properties, while a mix of modest and historic homes are scattered along Route 9W and throughout the other eight hamlets.

The Esopus meadows Lighthouse has guided boaters safely through the Hudson since 1871.
The Esopus meadows Lighthouse has guided boaters safely through the Hudson since 1871.
An older colonial in Esopus sits behind a wall made from river stones.
An older colonial in Esopus sits behind a wall made from river stones.
1/2

5,000 acres of protected lands

The town of Esopus hugs the western banks of the Hudson River and is nestled within the Marlboro Mountains, attracting residents looking for scenic and secluded escapes. Forested areas like John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary, Black Creek State Forest, and Black Creek Preserve comprise the nearly 5,000 acres of protected land in Esopus. Shaupeneak Ridge is just one of many parks with rugged terrain that overlooks the river and hiking trails that weave along ponds and waterfalls. In Ulster Park, Esopus Meadows Preserve stretches 96 acres along the river and offers views of an 1871 lighthouse. Smaller green spaces like Joseph H Clark Recreational Park feature a playground and open fields West Park, and St. Remy, a small hamlet on the outskirts of Kingston, is home to Cas Landi Park, which has soccer fields, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, and a playground. About 10 miles west of the hamlet of Esopus, Sturgeon Pool is a massive lake favored by anglers and kayakers on the edge of Rifton.

Shaupeneak Ridge Park has a beautiful hike along the Hudson River.
Shaupeneak Ridge Park has a beautiful hike along the Hudson River.
With its easy access to the Hudson Esopus, Meadows Preserve is a great spot for bird watching.
With its easy access to the Hudson Esopus, Meadows Preserve is a great spot for bird watching.
1/2

Historic estates and custom-built homes

Wooded areas feature a mix of secluded properties on acres of land. Home styles around town vary greatly, including historic Victorians and colonials in the heart of these small hamlets to 20th-century split-levels and ranch-style homes scattered along winding country roads. Prices for these properties can range from the mid $200,000s to the mid $500,000s, depending on acreage and interior updates. Contemporary homes with large windows are hidden far from the road, ranging from the $600,000s to $1 million. Rural mountain houses and spacious custom-built properties that offer breathtaking views of the Hudson River can sell into the millions, with some going for over $5 million. Historic estates with 18th-century stone cabins, farmhouses and the occasional water wheel are another multimillion-dollar option. Prospective homebuyers can also build their own dream home, with plots of land selling from $50,000 to over $200,000.

Along the Hudson river lie some of Esopus's largest estates.
Along the Hudson river lie some of Esopus's largest estates.
Nestled in the trees in Esopus stands this beautiful Victorian style home.
Nestled in the trees in Esopus stands this beautiful Victorian style home.
1/2

Country-to-city commutes in Esopus

Esopus is a car-dependent community, and New York State Route 9W is the main road, leading about 9 miles north to Kingston. Port Ewen is home to the closest bus route, which services the Kingston metro area. New York City is about a 90-mile drive along Interstate 87, and the Metro-North train in Poughkeepsie is 15 miles south. The train takes about 2 hours to reach Manhattan’s Grand Central station. Rhinecliff’s Amtrak Station is about 20 miles northeast, and the Trailways bus line runs through New Paltz and Rosendale. Residents are nearly equidistant from Poughkeepsie’s Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital and Kingston’s HealthAlliance Hospital, and New York Stewart Airport is about 30 miles away, although it has a limited flight schedule.

Upscale restaurants along State Route 9W

New York State Route 9W is dotted with a handful of small businesses. “Esopus has a brewery, a distillery, and a winery,” Alves says, “so there’s a lot of things to do that draws in visitors.” In West Park, Hudson House and Distillery is one of the community’s newest establishments located on an Italian villa-inspired estate. and known for its expansive deck overlooking the Hudson River. Rotating menus serve a mix of American fare with locally sourced ingredients, and on Sundays, patrons can enjoy a family-style Italian dinner. Visitors can tour the distillery and taste small batches of bourbon, vodka and gin. Due to its sweeping views and grandeur, Hudson House also serves as an event venue. Across the street, residents can enjoy live music, drinks and food from The Culinary Institute of America graduates at RMV Cellars, a collaboration between the local Red Maple Vineyard and Great Life Brewing. While many C.I.A. grads move on to high-end restaurants in some of the nation’s largest cities, many choose to stay around Hudson Valley after school. Other restaurants range from End Cut, an upscale steakhouse, to casual pizza joints. In Esopus, a Dollar General and Country Store cater to last-minute needs, and Ulster Park is home to one gas station. “You’re also just 15-to-20 minutes away from Kingston,” Alves says. Larger grocers and big box stores are 10 miles north in Kingston or 15 miles south in Poughkeepsie.

There is often a lively crowd for dinner at End Cut in Esopus.
There is often a lively crowd for dinner at End Cut in Esopus.
Diners at Hudson House can enjoy views of the Hudson River while sipping on craft cocktails.
Diners at Hudson House can enjoy views of the Hudson River while sipping on craft cocktails.
1/2

Extracurriculars at Kingston High

Three school districts serve the town of Esopus, including Highland Central School District, New Paltz Central School District, and Kingston City School District. Some of the town’s most populated hamlets are zoned to Kingston City schools. Kindergarten through fourth graders may attend Robert R. Graves Elementary School, which scores a B-plus on Niche. The B-minus-rated J. Watson Bailey Middle School serves fifth through eighth graders, and Kingston High School earns an A-minus. High schoolers can also participate in many extracurricular activities, like the alpine ski team and the garden club.

Kingston High School has 1,856 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
Kingston High School has 1,856 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
Kingston middle schoolers can attend J. Watson Bailey Middle School.
Kingston middle schoolers can attend J. Watson Bailey Middle School.
1/2

Events at the Klyne Esopus Museum

The arrival of fall leads to crowds at Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Attractions, a community staple for over three decades. Esopus’ small-town lifestyle includes other events like seasonal farmers markets and the Klyne Esopus Strawberry Festival. The festival began as a fundraiser for the Klyne Esopus Museum, and today is the community’s main summer event. Every June, festivities include live music, presentations from local historians, games, food, and desserts infused with strawberries. The Klyne Esopus Museum was formerly the Low Dutch Church of Klyne Esopus. Today, the museum is a designated National Historic Landmark, and its interior gallery dives into the history of the church and the region.

Monasteries around the valley

The Hudson Valley’s beauty and seclusion make it a sought-after region for religious monasteries, kids’ summer camps, retreat centers and communes. The town of Esopus is home to multiple Brudehof communities, a Christian religious movement that began in Germany in the mid-1900s.

Esopus, NY is surrounded by nature.
Esopus, NY is surrounded by nature.
The El Paso Winery in nearby Ulster Park has been making wine locally for nearly 50 years.
The El Paso Winery in nearby Ulster Park has been making wine locally for nearly 50 years.
1/2
Lillie Duston
Written By
Lillie Duston
James Leynse
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Omar Harper, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

New York Stewart International

51 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Esopus US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$650,000
Median Single Family Price
$650,000
Median Townhouse Price
$425,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$375
Number of Homes for Sale
20
Last 12 months Home Sales
43
Months of Supply
5.60
Median List Price
$575,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
60%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,166
Median Year Built
1966
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,843
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,275
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
60,983

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    300 Union Center Rd, Ulster Park, NY 12487

    $335,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,120 Sq Ft
    • 300 Union Center Rd

    Welcome to 300 Union Center Rd. This well loved 3 bedroom ranch on .8 of an acre is waiting for its next owner. Upon entering the front door, you immediately find yourself in the warm and inviting living room with a brick fireplace. Enjoy a large eat in kitchen, spacious rooms, high ceilings, and lots of natural light in this cozy home. Whether you're looking for a full time home or a weekend

    Maureen Mayone Howard Hanna Rand Realty

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Omar Harper, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,487
Median Age
44
Population under 18
19.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,707
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,098

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.1%
% Population in Labor Force
64.8%

Area Factors

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Esopus neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Esopus
Omar Harper
Epique Realty
Section Image