Keene 86 Exceptional
Keene Livability #4 ranked city in New Hampshire#326 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Keene

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    This area did not exhibit any cons, as none of the categories were rated low enough.

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What's it like Living in Keene?

Keene, New Hampshire is a mid-sized city with a population of 22,823 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (93% White). Given that fact, Keene could be considered less diverse than other cities. In Keene, only 42% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Keene is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Keene is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in New Hampshire, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Keene and in the areas around Keene is a much easier task.

Keene, NH receives 86 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #4 in New Hampshire and #264 in the USA. Based on this score, Keene would be considered a very livable city! Keene also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Keene ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A-), education (B) and housing (B).

If you're living in Keene, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Keene an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Keene are: Colonial Theatre, Stonewall Farm, and Horatio Colony Museum.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Keene has a violent crime rate of 172 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Keene, the unemployment rate stands at 2.35%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Keene apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Keene is actually affordable. The median home price for Keene homes is $186,200, which is 22.3% lower than the New Hampshire average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Keene, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 8.6% lower than the New Hampshire average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Keene

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Compare Keene, NH Livability

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      Keene transportation information

      Statistic Keene New Hampshire National
      Average one way commute18min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.6%81.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%7.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%0.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.6%2.9%2.8%
      Working from home12.2%6.1%4.6%
      Source: The Keene, NH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).