Part of the Monadnock Region, Keene, 56 miles from Manchester, is Cheshire County’s regional hub. It includes the Chesire Medical Center, Keene State College and a thriving downtown. Rural areas surround Keene’s dense urban core, so nature lovers can enjoy bucolic scenery without long drives out of town. Around 17,000 people work in Keene, which has most of the county's retail, healthcare, science and technical services jobs. As of 2023, Keene has a population of 22,917, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With more people working from home since the pandemic, New Hampshire is seeing a rise in population due to the lack of sales tax and income tax, along with access to nature, says Diana Elfreich, a resident and real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan in Keene. As Keene grows, the city aims to update its downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, according to Keene’s Comprehensive Master Plan, with sustainability and accessibility in mind.
The city of Keene offers a vast selection of parks, trails, and outdoor opporunities for any adventure seekers.
Some Keene residents enjoy taking a stroll down Main St to explore a multitude of shopping and dining options.
1/2
Mountains, parks and lakes near Keene
Keene has all four seasons, with snow from November through April and summers in the high 70s and low 80s. During the fall and spring, temperatures slowly drop or increase, respectively, gearing up for the next season. “We have lots of leaf peepers,” notes Elfreich. “People come in the fall to look at the leaves.”
Many are drawn to Keene because of its access to nature. With Mount Snow in Vermont a little over an hour away and surrounded by ski resorts, trails, parks and lakes. The city has local and drivable locations where residents can enjoy hot summer days and snowy winter weather. At Wheelock Park, residents may swim in the pool or catch a Little League baseball game at the sports fields. Children can play on the colorful play structure, and bikers can test their moves at the bike park. Bretwood Golf Course is a private, 36-hole course with views of covered bridges over the Ashuelot River. Greater Goose Pond Forest has over 1,000 acres of greenery, veined with trails and a 42-acre pond.
Enter Wheelock Park and explore an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in Keene.
Immerse yourself in nature and take a hike along the trails inside the Greater Goose Pond State Forest in Keene.
1/2
Multi-unit homes in city center
Many of Keene’s amenities and homes are clustered in its thriving downtown. The gridded streets have commercial buildings alongside single-family, multifamily and multi-unit residences. Outside the city center, single and multifamily homes line winding roadways. Split-level, Colonial Revival and minimal traditional styles are common in the area. The median home price is $350,000, well below the national median of $406,100 reported by the National Association of Realtors. “We have lots of snowbirds,” says Elfreich. “They’ll be in Keene for x amount of months and then go to Florida. They all go at different times.”
Violent crime in Keene decreased 14.28% from 2023 to 2024, while property crime decreased 23.15% from 2023 to 2024.
You'll find a vast selection of Colonial Revival-style homes in Keene.
Minimal Traditional-style homes are becoming more popular in the downtown Keene area.
1/2
Locally owned businesses and national retailers near downtown
Main Street cuts through the center of downtown, bordered by locally owned businesses and restaurants, from Thai to Italian. Artistic centers like The Colonial Theatre, the Keene Public Library and the Cheshire Children’s Museum also inhabit downtown, hosting events and programs throughout the year. For more nationally known retailers and restaurants, residents head less than a mile outside downtown to shopping malls like Riverside Plaza, Monadnock Marketplace and others with businesses like Home Depot, ALDI and Walmart.
Keep an eye on the event calendar at the Colonial Theatre in Keene and catch a show with your family and friends.
The Keene Public Library opened its doors to residents in 1898.
1/2
Keene State College, a major employer
Keene is served by the Keene School District, which receives a C-plus from Niche. The city is also home to Keene State College, a major employer in the area that is known for its programs in education and health sciences.
Keene Middle School has an overall Niche grade of C.
The David F. Putnam Science Center at Keene State College aims to provide students with a wealth of knowledge.
1/2
Commuting on state Routes 9 and 12
Keene is at the intersection of many major roadways. Commuters may reach Manchester and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, 70 miles away, using state Route 9. By taking state Route 12, residents can reach Boston in 2 hours. Keene has its own bus system, City Express, and has routes around the city with stops by the Cheshire Medical Center and Market Basket.
Ice sculpture competitions
In February, ice sculptures line the streets of downtown as professional ice carvers from all over New England compete. Residents enjoy the sculptures during the Keene Ice and Snow Festival competition while watching street-side circus acts or making s’mores by a campfire. In August, music fills the air during the Keene Music Festival as more than 80 bands perform around downtown Keene, representing different music styles and genres.
Religious holidays and services are held at local houses of worship, such as Monadnock Covenant Church, Congregation Ahavas Achim, The United Church of Christ of Keene and others.
Make sure you walk around downtown Keene and take a look at the professionally carved ice sculptures in February.
You will find ice sculptures around every corner in downtown Keene during the month of February.
1/2
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Video By
Everett Hall-McNeill
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angeline Gorham,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Keene, NH sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Keene, NH over the last 12 months is $350,000, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous new D.R. Horton home in the The Canyons community located in Keene and Keene ISD! This thoughtfully designed single-story Lexington floorplan Elevation C, with a quick estimated Winter completion, features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage with an open-concept layout that connects the family room, dining area, and kitchen to create a spacious and functional living environment.
Presenting a rare opportunity to own a beautiful 18+ acre parcel of land in lovely Keene, NH. Whether you are looking to build a dream home or subdivide and develop the land, this might be exactly what you have been waiting for. Nearly 1000 feet of frontage on scenic Concord Rd, close to the vibrant downtown, schools, hospital, golf course, and major highways.
Experience refined, low-maintenance living at 238 Base Hill Road in Keene, New Hampshire, nestled within the desirable Farmstead Commons community. This well-established neighborhood is known for its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location, just minutes from major shopping destinations, the Keene Country Club, downtown Keene’s vibrant restaurants and cultural offerings, and easy access to
Very inviting and well-maintained home with privacy. The formal entry foyer leads to a nice sized living room with crown molding and chair rails. Continue thru an arched opening to the dining room which has access to a roomy screened porch overlooking the side yard. Back thru the dining room to the remodeled eat-in kitchen with granite counters, a center island and large pantry. This area
Beautiful large parcel with an abundance of mature hardwood. This section is on a class VI road. Buyers exercise due diligence for approvals. Abuts conservation and snowmobile trail system. Pins are easily located and flagged on all 4 corners. There are multiple lots in the immediate area being considered for solar farm use.
Bring your Industrial/Manufacturing business to this highly visible 12.9 acre lot adjacent to NH Route 101. Join other local, regional and national manufacturing and distribution companies along this gateway to business friendly Keene, NH! Public water, public sewer, high speed internet and 3 phase power are available at this level site. This property is zoned Industrial Park. 14,000 vehicle
New Price Improvement! Welcome to Base Hill Coop in Keene. Enjoy the quiet setting, yet have the benefit of all the amenities that Keene has to offer near by. This home is to be ordered and built. Buyer can choose colors and some factory options. Reach out for more details. Lead picture is a similar model in another coop.
This exceptional 5-acre building lot offers a rare opportunity to create your dream home in a serene, country-like setting while enjoying the convenience of city living. Nestled in a tranquil oasis, the property boasts the peaceful ambiance of rural life, yet remains just minutes from vibrant urban amenities including shopping, dining and entertainment. This unique lot blends the best of both
PRICE IMPROVEMENT just in time for the holidays! This beautifully renovated historic home offers the perfect balance of character and updates. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a dedicated office with it's own outside entrance and a large bonus room with stunning exposed brick, there's a space for everyone to live, work and relax. The brand new kitchen shines with modern finishes, while
Welcome home to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath split-level ranch, tucked into a sought-after neighborhood close to multiple schools. This home offers peace of mind with major updates already done, including the furnace, roof, and central air—all updated within the last five years. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable and functional layout with space to spread out, while the wood stove
This fully renovated home offers high-quality finishes and thoughtful updates throughout, creating a fresh, move-in-ready space. The layout is practical and comfortable, suited for everyday living. Located near schools and within walking distance to downtown, you’ll enjoy easy access to clothing and gift shops, restaurants, cafés, and the Colonial Theatre and Showroom. Grocery stores and the
Welcome to this Fabulous 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home ideally located just steps from downtown, Keene State College, shopping, schools, and parks. Inside, you’ll find beautiful hardwood floors, an updated open kitchen, vinyl windows, and a fresh, neutral paint palette throughout. The first floor offers flexible living with a sunny updated kitchen and living room, a convenient half bath(updated), a
Keene’s landmark Colony Mill has been fully renovated, and now features 89 pet-friendly loft apartments with sleek, modern kitchens, in-unit washer/dryer, central air, on-site fitness center, community gathering room, theatre room, Wifi lounge and off-street parking! Residents of Colony Mill are also sure to love the easy walk to Keene’s quaint downtown, which offers an excellent array of dining,
Cozy studio apartment located just off Central Square in downtown Keene. Enjoy convenient in-town location with easy access to local shops, restaurants, transportation and more. The apartment features a bright living space with ample natural light, an efficient kitchenette with stove, refrigerator, and ample cabinet storage, and a clean bathroom with shower. Heat and hot water included. Tenant
Apartment living located in downtown Keene. Beautiful new apartments with granite counter tops in both the kitchen and bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, washer/ dryer hookups in every apartment, ceiling fans, central air and 24 hour emergency maintenance. When you live at Washington Park of Keene you are a short distance away from all that Keene's tree lined main street has to offer,
Clean, bright and cozy second floor one bedroom one bath with bonus room on the 3rd floor (CANNOT BE USED FOR SLEEPING) perfect for office, crafts etc. Neutral interior paint and updated flooring. Covered porch off the kitchen. 2 parking spaces. Walk to downtown Keene. NO PETS, NO SMOKING. $1025 per month utilities not included. Gas heat. $1025 security deposit. Application, verifiable source of
Wesley St. PierreKeller Williams Realty Metro-Keene
3-Bedroom Apartment Near Downtown Keene | Off-Street ParkingSpacious 3-bedroom, 1-bath second-floor apartment located in a walkable neighborhood just minutes from downtown Keene and Central Square. Enjoy the convenience of being close to shops, restaurants, parks, and local amenities while living in a quiet residential area.The apartment offers a comfortable layout with three well-sized
Charming 1-bedroom second floor apartment in downtown Keene now available for rent. Enjoy convenient access to local shops, restaurants and public transportation. Heat and hot water included. Pets negotiable. Professionally managed mixed-use property. Credit and background check required at tenant expense.
3 bedroom/ 1 bath duplex in Keene. 1900.00 a month. Water/Sewer-trash removal and snow removal included. Tenant pay for Oil-heat and utilities no pets. Must have verifiable income and references
This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is located on a quiet street in desirable West Keene. The home features hardwood floors throughout most of the living space, two comfortable bedrooms, and a versatile bonus room with laundry hook-ups—ideal for tenants who prefer first-floor laundry. Enjoy the back screened-in porch. Exit the porch through the French doors to the back yard. There is a
Available is a updated 2 Bedroom 1 Bath apartment. Offers a charming galley kitchen, separate dining area, nice sized living room, and both bedrooms are large and have plenty of closet space. Separate washer and dryer in the basement, these are not shared. This apartment is a short walk to downtown, close to schools, and the hospital. Rent is $1,800 per month and includes water and sewer, trash
“$500 security deposit with your good credit on all one- and two-bedroom apartments.” Keene’s landmark Colony Mill has been fully renovated and features over eighty pet-friendly loft apartments with sleek, modern kitchens, in-unit washer/dryer, central air, on-site fitness center, community gathering room, theatre room, Wifi lounge, lending library and off-street parking! Residents of Colony Mill
1 year lease, 1 month security deposit. Background Check and References required. Heat, hot water, trash, and all outside yard care are included in rent. Tenant pays electric, cable, internet.
Be the first to enjoy this newly renovated home at 101 Main St #20, Keene, NH 03431! Featuring a fresh renovation with updated finishes, a spacious bedroom, and a versatile den ideal for an office or guest room. The modern kitchen offers good storage and appliances, and large windows fill the space with natural light. Located on Main Street, you're steps from Keene's best shops, restaurants, and
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
