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Esopus, NY

Frequently asked questions

Esopus, NY

Esopus is a town in Ulster County, New York, United States. The population was 9,548 at the 2020 census. The town was named after the local indigenous tribe and means "small river" in English. They were one of the Lenape (Delaware) bands, belonging to people who ranged from western Connecticut through lower New York, western Long Island, and parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania along the Delaware River. The town is on the west bank of the Hudson River south of the city of Kingston. Its center is in Port Ewen. US Route 9W passes along the eastern side of the town.

The town was founded in 1811 from territory taken from Kingston, New York, which also was called "Esopus" at one time. It was officially formed on April 5, 1811. In 1818, a part of it was set off to Kingston, and a portion of Hurley was annexed. On April 12, 1842, a portion of New Paltz was annexed, making up what is mostly present-day Esopus.

The first known European to settle in the area was a trapper by the name of Christoffel "Kit" Davits, who bartered with the Esopus people, a branch of the Lenape. Around 1652 or 1653 many settlers moved south from the Manor of Rensselaerswyck where they had worked the patroon's land.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 41.9 square miles (109 km2), of which 37.2 square miles (96 km2) is land and 4.6 square miles (12 km2) (11.08%) is water. The eastern town line, marked by the Hudson River, is the border of Dutchess County. The Rondout Creek marks the northern town line, while the Wallkill River defines the western border.

The lowest point in the town is the shore of the Hudson River, which is at sea level. The highest point is the summit of Hussey Hill, at 906 feet (276 m). Hussey Hill is part of the Marlboro Mountains, which run roughly north to south through the central and eastern sections of Esopus. Esopus also has three lakes: Esopus Lake and Mirror Lake, which are in Ulster Park, and Louisa Pond, which is located to the west of the hamlet of Esopus. Louisa Pond is located in the Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area.

​​Health and wellness are paramount in Esopus, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Esopus Medical is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Esopus Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Esopus Strength and Fitness and Doctors Health Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Esopus, such as the Black Creek Preserve Trail and Hudson River Overlook via Red Trail Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Esopus, NY are the Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site.

Population: 9,548 (2020). Elevation: 100 feet (30 meters). ZIP Code: 12429. Area code: 845. 

FAQs

What is Esopus, NY known for?

Esopus was formed in Kingston on April 5, 1811. It became a favorite spot for country homes for people of means from New York and Brooklyn. Port Ewen, near the mouth of the Rondout, was founded by the Pennsylvania Coal Company in 1851 as a coal depot. Rifton, on the Wallkill, was the site of a large cotton mill. 

What is the poverty rate in Esopus, NY?

In 2022, the median household income of Esopus households was $78,768. Esopus households made slightly more than Freeville households ($78,750) and Conesus households ($78,681). However, 6.1% of Esopus families live in poverty.

Is Esopus, NY Safe?

Esopus, NY is a small town located in the Hudson Valley with a population of just over 12,000. Despite its size, the town has significantly lower crime rates than the United States national average. The violent crime rate in Esopus is 10.6 per 1,000 people while the US average rate is 22.7 per 1,000 people. Similarly, the property crime rate in Esopus is 26.1 per 1,000 people compared to 35.4 for the US as a whole. Residents of Esopus can feel safe knowing that their town has lower-than-average crime rates when compared to other towns and cities across America.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Esopus

Esopus Medical 

Esopus Parks and Recreation Department 

Esopus Strength and Fitness 

Doctors Health Fitness

Black Creek Preserve Trail 

Hudson River Overlook via Red Trail Loop

Mohonk Preserve

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

Exhibits

NewYork Demographics

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