Keene is a small, lively New England city in Cheshire County with a population near 23,000 and a compact downtown centered on Main Street and Central Square. The city combines a college-town vibe (Keene State College), local healthcare and light industry, and recreational access to Mount Monadnock and surrounding woodlands — features that keep steady buyer interest in both owner-occupant and investor segments. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Over the past decade Keene’s housing market has shown modest but persistent appreciation with some variability by submarket. Major aggregator snapshots show mid- to upper-hundreds median values and positive year-over-year movement in recent years. Zillow’s city-level Home Value Index places Keene’s average home value in the mid-hundreds (roughly the $340k–$380k range depending on the feed and date), while Redfin and other listing services report median sale prices in the low-to-mid $300k range and per-square-foot metrics that help compare micro-markets. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key pattern (2016–2025): steady growth, a sharper post-2020 rise in demand for renovated move-in homes, and increased competition for well-located properties near Keene State College or downtown amenities. Thin inventory at times results in faster sales and price premiums for turnkey listings.
U.S. listing feeds usually show $ per square foot. To display metric prices for international visitors or consistent comparison use:
1 ft² = 0.092903 m² — multiply $/ft² by 10.7639 to get $/m².
| Representative tier | Example $ / ft² | Converted $ / m² | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renovated downtown / college-adjacent | $230 / ft² | $2,476 / m² | Premium finishes, proximity to Keene State College. |
| Typical single-family neighborhoods | $190 / ft² | $2,045 / m² | Most owner-occupied homes across Keene. |
| Entry / fixer / small multi | $95 / ft² | $1,022 / m² | Older units or properties that need renovation. |
Use the specific listing $/ft² to compute an exact $/m² for any property — the examples above are illustrative and intended for easy conversion and comparison.
Keene’s market is a patchwork: historic rowhouse streets and walkable downtown blocks, quiet residential wards, and nearby small suburbs and towns that feed commuter demand. Commonly referenced local areas include:
Broadly speaking:
• Most expensive: renovated homes near downtown and college corridors, and upscale properties in Keene West and some adjacent towns. • Mid-range: stable single-family neighborhoods across Keene with steady demand. • Most affordable: older central blocks, small multifamily buildings and fixer-uppers popular with investors. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Keene publishes regular crime reports and the city’s police department provides monthly statistics — these show variation across blocks and over time. Third-party analyses indicate Keene’s violent crime rate is near national averages while property crime is higher than some peer towns — this makes block-level checks essential before purchase. Municipal improvements (lighting, downtown activation) have helped reduce incidents in several corridors. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Infrastructure strengths that influence housing demand:
Below are four districts chosen for deeper pages — each will include active comps, school context, micro-safety maps and renovation guidance.
The cultural core with restaurants, shops, theatres and strong walkability. Housing includes converted lofts, small condos and some rowhouses. High demand from renters and buyers seeking urban convenience; renovated units command premiums.
Keene West offers tree-lined streets, larger lots and proximity to parks and schools. It’s popular with families and buyers seeking move-in-ready single-family homes at upper-mid market pricing.
North Keene and areas near Keene State see strong rental demand and steady buyer activity — a mix of student housing, duplexes and owner-occupied properties that trade at a premium for proximity to campus.
South Keene and the Swanzey corridor provide more affordable single-family options and easy commuter access; excellent choices for buyers prioritizing yard space and lower entry prices.
North Keene is considered a safe and family-friendly neighborhood. Streets are well-maintained with sidewalks and adequate street lighting. Residents enjoy easy access to schools, parks, and local amenities.
| Sub-area | Median Price | Price $/m² | Safety / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Central | $240k–$260k | $2,585–$2,800 / m² | Safe, family-oriented, good access to parks and schools |
| Peripheral North | $220k–$240k | $2,370–$2,585 / m² | Quieter streets, some renovation potential |
| Duplex / Investment Pockets | $210k–$230k | $2,260–$2,470 / m² | Steady rental demand, ideal for investors |