Keene blends higher education with small-town charm
Keene doubles as a university town, home to Southwestern Adventist University, and a family-oriented small town about 30 miles south of Fort Worth. Its history is tied to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which first established a university here in the late 1890s. Life today revolves not only around higher education, but local events, a tight-knit school system and community ties. It's a popular bedroom community with a commutable distance to the metroplex. "A lot of families are moving in because they like the small-town feel, they like the small public schools, the proximity and the affordability," says Dalena Spencer, Realtor with Texas Legacy Realty who lives and works in the Cleburne-Keene area. "I would say it's a friendly, welcoming town."
New construction homes for lower costs than Dallas-Fort Worth
Several new home communities are in the works here, with generally lower prices than in Dallas-Fort Worth. D.R. Horton's The Canyons community features various one and two-story new construction properties. "They're mostly brick, which is different than a lot of the cheap tract builders," Spencer says. Keene's median single-family price is about $300,000, which is lower than the bigger cities. Spencer says builder incentives help to add to the affordability factor. "I would say the reason people want new homes is because ... builders offer 1 to 2 percent lower interest rates," she says. "And they're paying part or all of the closing costs." Existing homes include ranch-style properties and bungalows with front porches. Apartments and rental properties may also be available.
Tight-knit public schools and many postsecondary degree options
Keene Independent School District has a tight-knit enrollment of about 1,000 students. "It's small, so people know your kid," Spencer says. Keene Elementary School serves kindergarten through second grade, and the Summit Leadership Academy serves third through fifth grade. The latter uses the Ron Clark Academy House system, which sorts students into different "houses" to instill team spirit. Keene Junior High serves sixth through eighth grade, and Keene High School serves ninth through 12th grade. Older students can participate in dual credit courses and hands-on experiences in digital media, public relations and sports reporting. Each school earns a B from Niche, except Keene Junior High, which earns a B-plus.
Southwestern Adventist University has undergone different iterations since its founding in 1893, but it remains rooted in faith-based education. "They offer degrees to everyone — you don't have to be Christian or Adventist to go," Spencer says. "Nursing is their big one — they have a brand new, state-of-the-art nursing building." It provides over 40 other undergraduate programs and three graduate programs.
Elisa Carver Park and university fishing pond provide outdoor fun
On Keene's north side, Elisa Carver Park is one of the city's two main green spaces. Within its 16 acres are a basketball court, soccer field, playground, baseball fields, pickleball courts and a nearly mile-long paved walking trail. Southwestern Adventist University also contributes green space. The university's Callicot Student Park is open to the public and features a fishing pond, picnic area and several sports fields and courts. Birders can spot various species within Keene, from common crows and blue jays to seasonal cedar waxwing and eastern phoebe.
Mom-and-pop eateries serve ramen, sandwiches and barbecue
Medical offices, restaurants and shops are centered on Old Betsy Road, the main north-south route through town. Subway and Sonic Drive-In are chain options, and a handful of mom-and-pop businesses have set up shop near the university. Universe Tea serves milk teas and traditional ramen. Secret Spot Bakery offers meat and veggie sandwiches and desserts. Buffalo Creek Barbecue is equally known for its savory brisket and sweet options such as pecan pie. Dollar General provides some pantry staples, and locals typically head out of town for groceries. Albertson's, Kroger, H-E-B and Walmart Supercenter are in nearby Cleburne.
Seasonal celebrations through the active Chamber of Commerce
The lighted Christmas Parade and Fireworks Show is a bright spot in December. Businesses and civic groups light up the parade route and compete for the best float. The city welcomed a new tradition in 2023 with the first annual Christmas Market, featuring local vendors and pictures with Santa. In lieu of trick-or-treating, families enjoy Starfest, the annual October celebration with games, performances, food and drinks. Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church, the city's original house of worship, hosts Sunday services and holiday events.
Short commutes and highways support commuters
Highway access to Dallas-Fort Worth supports a commuter lifestyle. "I have a lot of clients and friends who work at, say, hospitals like Huguley in Fort Worth, or even Arlington," Spencer says. "Keene is commuting distance, but it's cheaper." Interstate 35 provides a route into Fort Worth and may have the typical rush-hour traffic. U.S. Route 67 offers an east-west route into nearby Cleburne. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital is the closest medical facility, about 6 miles west in Cleburne. It offers a Level IV trauma center. About 50 miles north, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is a major global super-hub with nearly 200 domestic and nearly 70 international nonstop destinations. City/County Transportation provides on-demand rides throughout Johnson County.
