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Keene is a small city of approximately 23,000 residents in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, serving as the county seat of Cheshire County and the commercial and cultural hub of the Monadnock region. The city is home to Keene State College, which enrolls roughly 3,000 students and has a significant presence in the local economy and community. Keene's downtown, centered on Central Square, is considered one of the most attractive small-city downtowns in New England, featuring independent restaurants, shops, a year-round farmers market, and community events including the Keene Pumpkin Festival. The city blends a strong sense of local identity with the energy of a college town, creating a welcoming environment for students and long-term residents alike. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world, located about 20 miles to the east. Skiing, hiking, kayaking, and cycling are all accessible within a short drive. The housing market is relatively affordable compared to larger New Hampshire cities, with options ranging from apartments in historic downtown buildings to houses in quiet residential neighborhoods.
The area immediately surrounding Central Square offers apartments above retail storefronts and in historic buildings, putting residents within steps of Keene's best restaurants, cafes, and community events. This is the most walkable location in the city for students and young professionals alike.
The residential streets branching off Winchester Street and Main Street between downtown and the Keene State campus are the most popular with students. This corridor offers older New England homes, many converted to multi-unit rentals, at a range of price points.
The quieter residential streets east of campus and east of downtown offer a more suburban feel with lower rents. These neighborhoods are still within biking distance of campus and are popular with students seeking more space and a calmer environment.
The northern residential areas of Keene along Roxbury Street and surrounding streets offer affordable single-family homes and small apartment buildings. These areas are a bit farther from campus but are accessible by bike and attract students who prioritize space and price over walking distance.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Keene.
Keene is served by Dillant-Hopkins Airport for small aircraft, but most residents and students rely on road transportation. The Keene Community Transportation Service provides limited local bus service connecting key points in the city. For students at Keene State, the campus is close enough to most student-friendly destinations that local transit supplements rather than replaces walking and biking as primary modes of getting around.
Keene is one of the more walkable small cities in New Hampshire, with most student housing, the campus, and downtown Central Square within comfortable walking or biking distance of each other. The city has invested in sidewalk infrastructure and designated bike routes that connect campus neighborhoods to downtown and to the Cheshire Rail Trail, a paved multi-use path that runs for miles through the region. Biking is a practical and popular choice for students traveling between housing and campus throughout the academic year.
For students with cars, parking near the Keene State campus ranges from free street parking in residential neighborhoods to paid surface lots near downtown. Campus parking permits are available through the college for students who need to park on campus regularly. Parking is generally less stressful in Keene than in larger New Hampshire cities, though residential streets near campus can fill up on weekday mornings during the academic year.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Shared houses near Keene State typically rent for $500 to $800 per person per month. One-bedroom apartments in or near downtown Keene range from $850 to $1,100 per month. Keene is generally more affordable than larger New Hampshire cities like Manchester or Portsmouth.
Browse student housing near each Keene-area university.