Keene

Keene is a city in southwestern New Hampshire, United States. It is the county seat of Cheshire County and the largest city in the county. Located along the Ashuelot River, Keene lies roughly 90 miles northwest of Boston and serves as a regional educational and cultural hub. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 23,409. Keene supports a mix of educational institutions, government services, retail, and small businesses, with a focus on outdoor recreation and historic downtown life.

The city is home to Keene State College, a public liberal arts college established in 1867, and to Antioch University New England, a graduate school offering programs in environmental studies, education, and mental health. Keene’s historic downtown features 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, local shops, and cultural facilities that contribute to the city’s regional identity. The surrounding area offers outdoor opportunities on the Ashuelot River and nearby foothills, contributing to tourism and local quality of life.

The name Keene is used for several other communities in North America, including small towns and unincorporated communities in Canada and the United States. These places share the toponym but are separate municipalities or localities. Keene, New Hampshire remains the best-known association with the name, while other Keenes reflect the broader use of the name in North American geography.