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
Shane Lampinen,
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 18 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 $323,785, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Open house this Friday, 4:30-6pm. Seller is offering $5k towards buyers closing costs! Thoughtfully updated, exceptionally well maintained, and tucked into one of Club Estates' most desirable locations, this townhouse checks all the right boxes and boasts a setting that's hard to beat.This home abuts an expansive wooded area, offering a level of privacy that's hard to find in townhouse
Welcome home to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home! Featuring an updated kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, and newly remodeled bathrooms, this home offers a wonderful blend of comfort, charm, and modern updates.The first floor features 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom, while the second floor offers 2 additional bedrooms and another full bath. The basement includes an open bonus area
Welcome to this charming West Keene Craftsman, nestled in a well-established neighborhood. Lovingly cared for, this adorable three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home beautifully blends original character with thoughtful updates, including wood floors throughout the main living areas and bedrooms.Step inside to a nicely sized kitchen with a cozy breakfast nook. Just off the kitchen is a
Welcome to 169 Gilsum Street in Keene! This well-located 3–5-bedroom ranch is just minutes from downtown Keene and Keene State College. The main level features an open-concept kitchen and living area, a primary bedroom with a convenient ¾ bath, two additional bedrooms, and a full bath. The partially finished basement offers added flexibility with two bonus rooms, laundry room, another bonus room,
Welcome to 45 Old Walpole Road, a beautifully appointed 2022-built ranch offering 1,739 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed one-level living. Step inside to a bright, open-concept floor plan highlighted by cathedral ceilings, a stylish kitchen with quartz countertops, quality cabinetry and appliances, and warm, inviting open concept living spaces. The heated flex-room addition provides exceptional
Back on the market due to buyer inability to get financed. Finding a home that offers value in today's market can be a challenge, but 26 Blue Jay Court presents an excellent opportunity to make homeownership more attainable. Tucked into a convenient Keene location, this well-maintained home offers comfortable living with practical spaces designed for everyday life.Inside, you'll find a
Welcome Home to 158B Pako Avenue!This charming and beautifully refreshed 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a wonderful combination of comfortable living space, thoughtful updates, and a fantastic location. The first floor features two bedrooms, a freshly painted interior, beautiful hardwood floors, and an updated kitchen with newer appliances. A separate dining room provides an inviting space for
Vacant land directly across from established self-storage facilities along Base Hill Rd. Ideal for storage expansion, flex industrial, or commercial use. Positioned near existing development with strong access and visibility in a growing commercial corridor.
Location! Location! Situated in Keene and Surry this 11 acre lot awaits YOU! Stunning mountain views with some cutting/clearing. Private location, wooded area. Private road shared with 3 owners. Perfect spot to build your dream home! Close to amenities, yet so private. Don't miss this opportunity!
To properly evaluate this property, the buyer should schedule an in-person showing rather than relying solely on a drive-by or online listing. 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
Open house this Friday, 4:30-6pm. Seller is offering $5k towards buyers closing costs! Thoughtfully updated, exceptionally well maintained, and tucked into one of Club Estates' most desirable locations, this townhouse checks all the right boxes and boasts a setting that's hard to beat.This home abuts an expansive wooded area, offering a level of privacy that's hard to find in townhouse
Enjoy private country living that is only 5 mins from downtown Keene! This surveyed lot includes beautiful woodlands with mature timber, stonewalls, gentle slopes, level areas and a 4-bedroom septic design. It is part of the 4-lot Thompson-Chapman Conservation association which includes an 11.35-acre conservation area and an existing home off Chapman rd. All have access to the 11.35-acre lot.
For the first time in over 60 years, this beloved Keene home is ready to welcome its next chapter. Built in 1864 and thoughtfully cared for through the decades, this well-maintained 3-bedroom home offers a wonderful combination of character, flexibility, storage, and outdoor space - all within easy reach of downtown Keene. Inside, the versatile floor plan provides a first-floor bedroom,
Welcome home to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home! Featuring an updated kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, and newly remodeled bathrooms, this home offers a wonderful blend of comfort, charm, and modern updates.The first floor features 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom, while the second floor offers 2 additional bedrooms and another full bath. The basement includes an open bonus area
Located across the street from Wilson Pond is this small ranch style homeon a beautiful level lot with a 24' x24' garage with an attached 14' x 24 leanto. Separate 8' x 12' shed. Town water & sewer. Home will need to be completely renovated. Oak floors & softwood under some floors. Gas range, refrigerator, washer dryer & woodstove will stay.
Off campus living is made easy with all-inclusive rent, fully furnished apartments, and amenities designed for students. Located just down the street from Keene State College, we offer individual lease agreements within spacious 3 or 4 bedroom floorplans. Call or email our leasing team to arrange for a personal tour and see for yourself why you will love living at Arcadia
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,
Princeton at Mill Pond Apartments for Rent in Keene, NH boasts exciting amenities such as heat and hot water included, pet friendly locations, online rent pay and maintenance notifications as well as reserved covered parking. Take a stroll around the property in a wooded peaceful environment to get some air and clear your head. Taking your four-legged friend out to play, there is plenty of
Two-bedroom townhouse condo. Open concept living and dining rooms. Adorable galley kitchen with pass-through to dining area. First floor has kitchen, dining and half bath. Second floor has two bedrooms and full bath. Laundry is located in the basement. Trash removal, water and sewer all included in rent. Complex has a pool and tennis court. Unit to be completely painted. New carpet
Beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring an open-concept living and dining area, lots of closets and built ins plus an extra space—perfect for working from home or 2nd living space.Recent upgrades include a new roof, new windows, fresh interior and exterior paint, updated bathrooms, new appliances, new furnace, and updated wiring and lighting throughout.Enjoy a
This is a wonderful 3 bedroom+ apartment located just north of downtown. Apartment is fully sprinklered for fire protection and sits on the second floor above a quiet business. The historic property dates back to the 1800s with recent renovations including vinyl windows, tile, carpet, and modern appliances. However the historic charm can be felt. There is ample off-street parking.
Large 4-unit apartment building only a few blocks from downtown Keene. All units have been renovated with new floors, updated bathrooms, kitchens, and appliances. Large driveway for parking.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom single family ready to be your next home! With a brand new roof, electrical, heating, insulation and more, this single family rental is truly ready for its next tenants! Parking for 2 cars, sheds and basement available for storage. Landlord is including snow removal and lawncare. First & Security due at signing. Pets are negotiable.
Modern, two bedroom, one bath, second floor apartment in nice neighborhood. Covered parking. Close to schools, store, tennis courts. Washer/dryer hook ups, large yard, garden space. $1,650/mo.
Beautiful home , walking distance to downtown, close to schools, washer and dryer, parking for 2 cars. Home is not furnished. Must provide proof of current employment/incomeMust have strong, verifiable referencesMust pass a background and credit checkThis home is ideal for tenants seeking a clean, well-cared-for property. Serious inquiries only.
Property Id: 196287 a 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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