Nicknamed the ‘Elm City’, Keene has the highest population of any town in Cheshire County and has held the County seat since 1769. Granted in 1735, Keene was originally known as Upper Ashuelot and was granted to soldiers who fought in the war against Canada. It was not until a year later that Keene was settled and was meant to be a port town protecting Massachusetts during the French and Indian Wars.

Described as one of the most beautiful towns in New England, Keene is located in a valley and bordered by hills on each side of the town. The Ashuelot River runs through town and was the source of power for a number of tanneries, grist mills, sawmills and other mills. With the arrival of the Railroad in 1848, Keene became a bustling industrial center that specialized in manufacturing many types of products.

Now, Keene is a center for medical facilities, insurance, educational institutions and tourism. Keene’s market area extends far beyond city limits and is the commercial hub of the region. It is home to Keene State College, Antioch New England, many small businesses, cultural functions and recreational activities including the annual Pumpkin Festival, Keene Music Festival and Art in the Park.

Keene is home to many architecturally stunning homes ranging from large Victorian estates with extensive landscaping and beautiful detailing to fine antique colonials that retain the charm of yesteryear to classic working class homes scattered throughout the city. Many family friendly neighborhoods in a suburban setting can be found on the outer edges of the city as well, adding to the vast array of property types and styles that are found in the Elm City.