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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Michelle Peterson,
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.
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On average, homes in Keene, NH sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Keene, NH over the last 12 months is $340,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Open House! Saturday March 21, 2026 Compact and yet spaciousOpen Concept living room/kitchen area are the focal point of this 4 bedroom 3/4 bathroom cape. abundant store with full bases, 1 car garage and garden shed Neighborhood setting, level backyard, garden area with deck and pergola.Walking distance to Wheelock Park, Keene High School, Keene's community garden.
Thomas TraversGreat Beginnings Real Estate Services, LLC
Come see this charming, spacious home with a marvelous back yard, close to downtown, shopping, schools, and local amenities. Thoughtfully planned Perennial Gardens bring it to life Spring to Fall, and the backyard provides an ideal gathering space for friends and family. The main level features a centrally located kitchen, 2 bedrooms, a full bath, a cozy living room, and a sunny dining area that
Available for a Quick Move-in!! Stunning new D.R. Horton home in The Canyons community located in Keene and Keene ISD! Complete and Move-In Ready! This beautifully designed single-story Tupelo floorplan, Elevation C, offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage with an open-concept layout that connects the family room, dining area, and kitchen to create a warm and functional living space.
Welcome to this charming circa 1929 Craftsman-style bungalow ideally situated in West Keene, close to schools, parks, and neighborhood amenities. This solidly built home showcases timeless architectural character including gleaming hardwood floors, a board & batten living room ceiling, wide wood trim, classic built-ins, and a cozy fireplace that anchors the spacious living area. The updated
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.
PRICE REDUCED! EXTREMELY MOTIVATED SELLER! Welcome to this charming home offering versatile living space and timeless appeal in an established neighborhood close to downtown, shopping, schools, and local amenities. The main level features three bedrooms, a full bath, comfortable hardwood and vinyl flooring, and a bright living room with a cozy wood-burning fireplace—perfect for relaxing at the
Charming Move-In Ready 4-Bedroom 2-Bath Home with Year-Round Comfort! Welcome to this inviting and well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2 full bathroom home nestled in a lovely neighborhood! Conveniently located near schools, walking trails, and shopping, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort and accessibility. The heart of the home features a bright kitchen with Corian countertops, skylights,
Brand New Ranch in Sought-After Keene – No HOA!Be the first to enjoy this beautifully crafted, brand-new ranch style home ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Keene, NH. Designed for easy one-level living, this thoughtfully built home offers 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths with a bright, open-concept layout perfect for today’s lifestyle.The stylish kitchen features
Open House! Saturday March 21, 2026 Compact and yet spaciousOpen Concept living room/kitchen area are the focal point of this 4 bedroom 3/4 bathroom cape. abundant store with full bases, 1 car garage and garden shed Neighborhood setting, level backyard, garden area with deck and pergola.Walking distance to Wheelock Park, Keene High School, Keene's community garden.
Thomas TraversGreat Beginnings Real Estate Services, LLC
Tucked into a convenient Keene location just minutes from downtown shops, restaurants and everyday amenities, this charming Cape offers warmth, character and a peaceful backyard setting with views of the Ashuelot river. Set on .46 acres, the property features a fully fenced backyard with a paver patio-perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying the natural beauty of the river just beyond,
Come see this charming, spacious home with a marvelous back yard, close to downtown, shopping, schools, and local amenities. Thoughtfully planned Perennial Gardens bring it to life Spring to Fall, and the backyard provides an ideal gathering space for friends and family. The main level features a centrally located kitchen, 2 bedrooms, a full bath, a cozy living room, and a sunny dining area that
Charming 1890 home blending historic character with great walkable location! An inviting country kitchen has multiple prep surfaces and features a spacious walk-in pantry for all your storage needs. The dining room is open to both the kitchen and the LR for entertaining friends and family. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms and a bath and a half. A back stairway runs from the back bedroom down to the
Opportunity to build a home on a beautiful wooded lot on dead end road in Keene. This 5.0+/- acre lot was specifically created so you could be in an area that rarely comes available to build. Be downtown in 5 minutes yet feel like you are still living in a rural environment. Down the road is a nice path to take you right up onto Otter Brook Dam. A short walk to Robin Hood conservation land and an
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.
Spacious and well-located 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment available at 70 Davis Street in Keene, New Hampshire. This unit offers comfortable living with a practical layout, featuring two bedrooms, a bright living area, and a full bathroom. Conveniently situated close to downtown Keene, the apartment offers easy access to local shops, restaurants, parks, and everyday amenities. Commuters will
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,
1 bedroom Apt located on first floor. Large sunny Living Room and Bedroom with eat in kitchen. Bedroom has large bay window for additional space. Off street parking, heat, trash, water and sewer included. Tenant pay own electric. $1500 per month.
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,
Introducing an exceptional 3BD/2BA townhouse apartment in the sought-after West Keene area! This rental opportunity offers a prime location near the Rail/trail system, shopping, schools, and the Keene Country Club. The apartment boasts a stunning updated kitchen, under mount sink, electric range top, recessed lights, and pantry. Throughout the space, you'll find beautiful hardwood floors and a
Renovated 2-bedroom apartment ideally located within walking distance to downtown Keene. This updated unit offers a clean, modern living space with convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and amenities. Rent includes heat, trash removal, snow removal, landscaping, and on-site parking, providing low-maintenance living year-round. Tenant is responsible for electricity and WiFi. Pets
The Pines Apartments are located just a short distance from downtown Keene, New Hampshire, Keene Medical Center and major highways. Keene has so much to offer: great dining, shopping and the advantages of access to Keene State College. You can enjoy the view of Mt. Monadnock from our meticulously maintained grounds. Our pool is a great summertime meeting place. We are owner managed with pride for
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
Welcome home to this bright and inviting 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located in the heart of downtown Keene. This thoughtfully designed 650 sq. ft. unit features a comfortable living area filled with natural light, neutral carpeting throughout, and two well-sized bedrooms ready for you to make your own. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, wood cabinetry, and practical storage,
Property Id: 196287a four-bedroom 2nd floor apartment for rent with a nice big yard, plenty of off street parking, and a porch. It's located at 68 South Street. The rent includes water and sewer and garbage removal. Heat is oil and hot water is electric. Nice neighborhood, close to downtown, and walking distance to Keene State. MUST have full month's rent for security deposit AND 1st
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