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Aerial view of Central Square and Main Street in downtown Keene, New Hampshire
Long-Term Rentals

Keene, NH

Culture and community in the Monadnock Region

Photo by WaxMulatter603

Keene is the cultural hub of southwestern New Hampshire's Monadnock Region. Home to Keene State College and a thriving arts community, the city offers an eclectic mix of local shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and year-round events on its beautiful Main Street — one of the widest in New England.

Our long-term rentals in Keene serve students, professionals, and families looking for quality housing in this welcoming community. With Mount Monadnock nearby for hiking and covered bridges dotting the surrounding countryside, Keene is a special place to put down roots.

The city punches well above its weight culturally, with the Colonial Theatre hosting live performances, the Monadnock International Film Festival drawing cinephiles each fall, and a downtown that supports more independent shops and restaurants per capita than almost anywhere in the state. Main Street's tree-lined width creates a sense of openness rare in New England downtowns.

Surrounding Keene, the Monadnock Region is a landscape of small villages, working farms, and covered bridges that feels like stepping back in time. Six covered bridges lie within a short drive of downtown, and the rolling terrain is threaded with hiking trails, country roads perfect for cycling, and streams ideal for fly fishing.

Why Keene?

  • Vibrant downtown with local shops and restaurants
  • Home to Keene State College
  • Near Mount Monadnock — most-climbed mountain in North America
  • Active arts and music scene
  • Affordable cost of living
Mount Monadnock summit as seen from Bald Rock during fall foliage

Photo by Jonwmcinenrey

Things To Do in Keene

Attractions, events, and experiences you won't want to miss.

Colonial Theatre

Year-round

Beautifully restored 1924 theater hosting live music, plays, comedy, and film screenings in downtown Keene.

Monadnock International Film Festival

Fall

Annual fall film festival showcasing independent cinema from around the world at venues across Keene.

Main Street Shopping

Year-round

One of New England's widest main streets lined with independent bookstores, galleries, clothing shops, and specialty stores.

Keene State College Events

Year-round

The college hosts concerts, lectures, art exhibitions, and theater productions open to the public throughout the year.

Covered Bridge Tours

Year-round

Six historic covered bridges within a short drive of Keene. Self-guided driving tours wind through scenic countryside.

Stonewall Farm

Year-round

Working dairy farm and education center with farm tours, a farm store, hiking trails, and seasonal events.

Outdoor Recreation

Trails, water, and wide-open spaces in every season.

Mount Monadnock

Year-round

At 3,165 feet, Monadnock is the most-climbed mountain in North America. Multiple trails from easy to challenging with stunning summit views.

Ashuelot River Park

Year-round

Riverside greenway with paved walking and biking trails, kayak launch, and playground in the heart of Keene.

Otter Brook State Park

Summer

Quiet state park with a beach on Otter Brook Lake, picnic areas, and wooded trails for hiking.

Pisgah State Park

Year-round

New Hampshire's largest state park with 13,000+ acres of wilderness, multi-use trails, and ponds for fishing.

Cheshire Rail Trail

Year-round

Converted rail trail running from Keene to Brattleboro, VT. Flat terrain ideal for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing.

Cresson Covered Bridge over the Ashuelot River in Swanzey near Keene, NH

Photo by John Phelan

Dining & Entertainment

Where to eat, drink, and enjoy yourself in and around Keene.

Luca's Mediterranean Cafe

Restaurant

Farm-to-table Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal menus, house-made pasta, and an award-winning wine list.

The Stage Restaurant

Restaurant

Creative American fare in a warm downtown setting. Known for craft cocktails and locally sourced ingredients.

Branch & Blade Brewing

Brewery

Craft brewery with a rotating tap list, wood-fired pizza, and a spacious taproom with live music.

Prime Roast Coffee

Cafe

Local favorite roasting their own beans. Cozy downtown spot with espresso drinks and fresh baked goods.

Elm City Brewing Company

Brewery

Keene's original brewpub housed in a converted mill building with handcrafted ales and hearty pub meals.

Living in Keene

What you need to know about making Keene your home.

Schools & Education

Keene School District offers strong public education K-12. Keene High School is the region's largest and offers extensive AP and vocational programs. Keene State College and Antioch University provide higher education options.

Cost of Living

Keene offers one of the most affordable costs of living on NH's I-91/Route 101 corridor, with no state income or sales tax. Housing costs are well below Seacoast and southern NH cities while providing strong amenities.

Major Employers

Cheshire Medical CenterKeene State CollegeC&S Wholesale GrocersKeene School DistrictCity of KeeneAntioch University

Commute Times

25 min

Brattleboro, VT

75 min

Concord, NH

65 min

Nashua

70 min

Manchester

20 min

Mount Monadnock

Questions About Long-Term Rentals in Keene?

We manage apartments and homes available for year-round leasing. Contact us to learn about current availability, pricing, and the application process.