Keene, NH

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Keene is located in the southwestern corner of the state of New Hampshire in what is known as the Monadnock Region. The region is considered something of a hidden treasure in northern New England with fascinating historical landmarks and a lively spirit that peaks several times a year during community events. Geographically situated in the heart of New England, residents and visitors have easy access to and from several popular metropolitan areas, including Boston, Hartford, Montreal, Portland, and New York.

Keene is a regional center for commerce, employment, and entertainment. The business community represents the full spectrum of enterprises, from family-owned companies to industry leaders. Keene’s residential population of 23,000 swells to an estimated 60,000 during the day, filling the city with workers, students, shoppers, and diners. Still, Keene retains its historic, small-town charm with sophisticated events and cultural attractions, access to an extensive array of outdoor activities, and highly advanced social and educational resources.

Main Street

Keene is known for its views of Mt. Monadnock (the most climbed mountain in the world where one can see Boston on a clear day) and its picturesque Main Street that starts with a white, steepled Church overlooking Central Square ringed with trees and stretching down three retail- and restaurant-lined blocks. The “widest Main Street in America,” as it was termed at one time, is still the heart of the city and a pleasant walk during any season. A stroll of the street will reveal locally-owned businesses from boutiques and consignment stores to coffee houses, galleries, artisan marketplaces, and restaurants featuring a variety of fare from elegant Mediterranean to casual home-style, intimate Thai to a brewpub.

Big city entertainment is also close-at-hand at Main Street’s Colonial Theatre, which schedules a varied lineup of independent films, plays, ballets, operas, and live musical events ranging from classical orchestra to acoustic rock.

While Keene is safely nestled in the quiet corner of New Hampshire, it enthusiastically offers residents and visitors a wide range of cultural and educational opportunities. A visit to an art gallery or museum, attendance at a play or musical performance, and fine dining all have their place on an agenda for a Saturday night.

Healthy Monadnock 2020

The Healthy Monadnock 2020 initiative was set in motion by Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth Hitchcock-Keene, the City’s main healthcare facility, and strives to make the greater Keene area the healthiest community in the country by the year 2020.

Keene Students are Encouraged to Stay

  • Recruiting and retaining skilled, educated young people in the Granite State is the mission of Stay Work Play NH
  • Keene Young Professionals is an under 40 networking group that holds regular events in the Keene area (Facebook)

Keene and the Region

For more information about the City:

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