Keene 88 Exceptional
Keene Livability #4 ranked city in New Hampshire#174 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Keene

PROS
  • Amenities 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 Commute

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

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing 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 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.

CONS
  • Nothing Found Nothing Found

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

What's it like Living in Keene?

Located in the state of New Hampshire, Keene is a mid-sized city with a population of 23,283 people. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Keene residents are White, 2% Black and 2% Asian. 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 prefer shorter commutes, living in Keene will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in Keene can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of New Hampshire, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Keene and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Hampshire and national averages.

Keene has a livability score of 86/100 and is ranked #4 in New Hampshire and #326 in the USA. Clearly, Keene is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Keene also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Keene ranks very well for amenities (A+), crime (B), education (B) and housing (A+).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Keene, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Keene undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Colonial Theatre, Stonewall Farm, and Horatio Colony Museum.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Keene shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 179 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

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 2.5%, 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.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Keene market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

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 $343,504, which is 20% 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 4, which is 2.4% lower than the New Hampshire average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Keene

See all the best places to live 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) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.