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
Laurie Mack,
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 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Keene, NH over the last 12 months is $338,250, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Skip the "to-do" list and move right into this meticulously updated 3-bedroom home. Combining the ambiance of a country setting with the convenience of being minutes from downtown Keene, this property offers the best of both worlds. The layout is designed to grow with you. In addition to the three bedrooms, the home features multiple bonus rooms—perfect for a dedicated home office, a vibrant
New Construction Home on 1.75 Acres – Keene, NH Rare opportunity to secure a new construction home on 1.75 acres just minutes to downtown Keene and the hospital. This to-be-built 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offers 1-level living with a 2-car garage, open-concept design, and modern finishes including durable LVP flooring, granite countertops, and quality cabinetry. Enjoy the convenience of city water
Welcome spring in this one-of-a-kind Edgewood gem—a charming 1920 Craftsman set against a rare nearly 2-acre common use grass field, where blooming landscapes create the perfect backdrop for morning walks, afternoon picnics, and peaceful evenings outdoors. Just moments from downtown Keene, this home offers an ideal blend of convenience and timeless character. Inside, natural light pours across
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
INVESTORS TAKE NOTICE!Motivated seller!Schedule your showing today!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
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
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!
ATTENTION Builders or those seeking acreage for the Forever Home: As large parcels of land in the city of Keene have become very rare and difficult to come by, this parcel presents a rare opportunity to purchase an 18+ acre parcel of land in a scenic part of Keene, NH and convenient to everything Keene has to offer. Approximatey 1000 feet of frontage on Concord Rd allows for many options for road
300 Perk Street, Keene, Texas, is a new home built by D.R. Horton in The Canyons community. This home is Complete and Move-In Ready! The Macon is a spacious two-story home offering approximately 2,231 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a game room, and a 2-car garage. A welcoming front porch opens into a defined foyer that leads into an open-concept layout where the kitchen,
Designer sophistication meets pastoral serenity. Surrounded by a tapestry of established farmland and organic gardens, this sun-drenched residence blends "designer flare" with timeless country charm. At the heart of the home, a gourmet galley-style kitchen features sleek black granite counters and a marble backsplash, all illuminated by a stunning bay window—the perfect nook for your morning
Well-maintained two-family property in Keene offering excellent income potential and flexibility for both investors and owner-occupants. Each unit features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a walk-in pantry, living room, hardwired smoke alarms, and recessed lighting, along with separate utilities for efficiency and ease of management. Each unit also includes its own washer and dryer, adding convenience for
Beautiful level building lot in east Keene. The 3.57 acres are part of a quiet, scenic neighborhood convenient to outdoor activities like Sunset Rock, Robin Hood Park and also all that downtown Keene has to offer. This is the perfect dream home setting.
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
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
57 Winchester Street – Keene, NHAll-inclusive student housing within walking distance to Keene State College. This well-maintained property is designed for students seeking a clean, organized, and reliable living environment.$1,095 per month per room – ALL utilities included(Electric, heat, water, high-speed WiFi, laundry, and parking — no additional costs)Each tenant
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
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,
1 month Free on a 13 Month Lease special! $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
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
Building completely renovated in 2011. First floor, 1 level apartment available. Coin-op laundry room, freshly painted. Four bedrooms, however living room space is smaller (combined with Kitchen space) so using the 4th bedroom as a living room is a good option. Nicely maintained building. Mini-split air conditioning in Living/Kitchen.
Recently-renovated 1BR apartment available for rent in beautiful and convenient West Keene, close to YMCA, universities and all shopping.It has recently been upgraded with a new bathroom and fixtures, luxury carpet in the bedroom, large spacious open concept living/dining area and kitchen.This cozy and private cottage is just under 500 sqft, attached to the home of a young
Welcome to your lakeside retreat, offering 190 feet of private frontage on Wilson Pond, complete with a sandy beach, private dock, and breathtaking sunset views. Tucked away in a quiet setting yet just minutes to downtown Keene, this property offers the perfect balance of privacy and convenience.Inside, the home features an open-concept kitchen and living area designed for both comfort and
This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment at 31 Martin St offers 650 square feet of living space. The living room provides ample room for relaxation and includes natural light from windows. The bedroom is well-sized, accommodating a queen bed and additional furniture. The bathroom features standard fixtures and has a walk in shower with glass doors. This smoke-free unit ensures a clean and healthy
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