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
Karen R. Brown,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Keene, NH sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Keene, NH over the last 12 months is $338,250, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
This expansive Victorian on an oversized Lot has been lovingly restored, improved and maintained. Convenient to Downtown Keene, hospitals and shopping, this amazing home blends classic elegance and workmanship with modern convenience. Vinyl Harvey windows throughout, updated kitchen with Granite and nearly new appliances, and a First Floor Primary added by the current owner, with French Door
Step into this freshly renovated New England style home conveniently located near Keene's downtown shopping, dining and nightlife as well as Keene State University. The home's versatile layout offers the opportunity for true single level living with a first floor bedroom and newly updated bathroom as well as a first floor laundry. A separate outdoor entrance in the bedroom makes the home perfect
Build Your Dream Home on This Exceptional 2.7-Acre Keene Building Lot! Discover the perfect balance of privacy, nature, and convenience with this outstanding 2.7-acre approved building lot located just minutes from the heart of Keene. Set well back from Old Walpole Road, the homesite offers an ideal setting surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of mature hardwoods, creating a peaceful environment
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
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,
OPEN HOUSE 8/2 10:30-12:30 Thoughtfully updated, exceptionally well maintained, and tucked into one of Club Estates' most desirable locations, this end unit checks all the right boxes and boasts a setting that's hard to beat.Bordered by a wooded green space, this home offers a level of privacy that's hard to find in condo living, creating the feeling of having a much larger backyard..without
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.
It is all here for you..the right buyer! Such a comfortable easy to live in ONE LEVEL home can be yours. The two car garage is a few steps from the back door of the house and so close to the backyard pergola which is surrounded by the newly painted fence around the backyard.. There is an open lawn area for more plantings, games, toys and fun. It is a private back yard. Come inside and sit at the
AUCTION- OCCUPIED. Cozy rambler offers 3 beds, 1 bath with an unfinished basement and sits on a spacious lot. The property is sold as with NO property disclosure, or inspection report, NO lease in place, NO interior photos, NO ACCESS - the seller does not represent or guarantee occupancy status. Please DO NOT DISTURB the occupant. "As is" CASH ONLY sale with no contingencies or inspections. Buyer
Andrea ButcherRealHome Services and Solutions Inc/NH
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
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.
Cute 4 bedroom 3/4 bathroom cape in walking distance to Wheelock Park, Keene High School, Keene's community garden. Open Concept living room/kitchen area abundant storage with full basement, 1 car garage and garden shed
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
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,
Welcome to 37 Franklin St, Unit 2, in the heart of Keene, New Hampshire! This charming 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers comfortable single-floor living with beautiful hardwood floors throughout and abundant natural light. Shared coin-operated laundry in the basement. The inviting layout features a bright living area, a spacious kitchen with ample cabinet and counter space, and a comfortable
Property Id: 1505915 Wright Estate Condominiums is located just 2 miles from lovely downtown Keene and nestled on the scenic grounds of the historic Wright Mansion. This second floor unit has two good size bedrooms with separate bathrooms (one tub/shower, the other shower) and ample closet space all complimented by an open concept living/dining area with a wrap around bar adjoining the
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
Sunny, newly refinished 1 BR , first floor, near downtown in a quiet neighborhood. Two large rooms. Open kitchen, dining, living room. Large BR with double closets and full bath. Efficiency kitchen with various kitchen appliances, dish ware, etc.Tenant pays heat and internet. Other electricity, water included. Snow removal, lawn maintenance, trash and recycling provided.Some furnishings
Convenient East Keene location. Just a few blocks to walk to Main Street, and just a few minute drive to surrounding shops, restaurants, schools, etc. On the corner of Church and Gurnsey.
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