Keene looks good to me (Manchester, Nashua: homes, movies, school district)

[nanciegord]

We have returned from our mini-tour of New Hampshire. We started out in Lincoln (beautiful area, limited jobs), then Hanover (too pricey for us), then Manchester (weren't thrilled with the city, but liked Bedford, Lichtfield, Goffstown), then Keene and surrounding areas. We (three related families) really liked the Keene area the best by far. Maybe part of it is that we are more familiar with it than the other areas, I don't know. The homes that we saw there that we liked the most were in Rindge, about a 20-25 min. drive from downtown Keene. In our price range, we could get a lovely home there. Also, Swanzey properties looked great - those furthest away from Keene (again, 15-20 min) were the best. Taxes in Rindge weren't low, and neither were Keene's. I know in any area outside Keene, we're going to have to drive into Keene for shopping and other activities. I am thinking that we will lose the feeling of "belonging" if we are not really Keene residents, but need that for all of our needs, if you know what I mean. We did see some Keene properties within our price range. They were fine, but not as good as what we could get in Rindge. I know, you get what you pay for, and Keene properties come with the package deal - the town, the good schools, etc.
There has been so much negativity about Keene displayed on this forum, I keep thinking I'm missing something, with liking this town (and outlying area) so much. Yes, I know it's somewhat isolated. I know taxes are pretty high. I know it's a college town. I know that winters can be challenging. Any other big things I should know about? Please help. Nancie

[WannaComeHome]

Hi Nancie-

Actually Rindge has quite a bit. There are 2 good sized grocery stores (Market Basket & Hannafords) and there are a few shopping stores as well. I think they're all at Rts 119 & 202?? If you go to the Rindge town page Welcome to the Town of Rindge there's a page for shopping that tells you about what's around. So you don't actually have to go too far for some shopping. We're actually debating whether it would be easier to go to Milford or to Rindge (from New Ipswich) for groceries - they're about equidistant.

A lot of the negativity on the board is from 2 reasons: Many people feel that Keene is a bit isolated from much of the rest of southern NH, and it gets different winter weather than 2/3 of SoNH (definitely snow belt). the other reason is that someone moved up from FL looking forward to living in NH and her first winter, but had a really bad experience both with the feeling of remoteness, an unusually snowy winter, and a problem in her own marriage - and within 5months hated the state. So keep that in mind when you read about problems Some people actually like Keene!

[bryfry]

Personal attacks aside, any negativism about Keene came mainly from one person who moved there from Florida and had nothing but bad experiences, according to her. She was more than vocal about her husbands job woes and the lousy place she rented. Don't let that sway you.

Keene isn't a bad town. It has it's problems like any large town, but compared to what? Cleveland? Not even on the same planet. Keene has some charm! It's a college town but at the same time, not. Nice downtown. You will always find higher taxes in the smaller towns surrounding. It's just the nature of the beast in NH with the way things are structured. As long as you feel you are getting the services you need, then it is what it is. Just remember, you may have to drive 20 minutes to get a gallon of milk!!

There is a lot to do around Keene!! Follow your heart, that usually will tell you!! Good luck.

[JCPTNH08]

I grew up in Rindge and have lived in the surrounding area most of my life. Rindge has two grocery stores, a WalMart, Olympia Sports, Fashion Bug and a card store. Good for basic needs, but if you want more you're looking at traveling 30 minutes to Keene or Massachusetts, or an hour or so to the mall in Nashua. Beyond that, there isn't much in Rindge, including no real 'downtown' area. If you have young kids, I'd look closely at the school system. The elementary school isn't bad but the high school leaves something to be desired. As for Keene, it's not a bad town, its just very isolated in my opinion. Everything you need is there - shopping, restaurants, movies etc. But once you want a change of scenery, there isn't much else around.

Snow is going to be an issue anywhere in the state. It's true that some towns get more than others, but when you're talking about getting 6 inches of snow vs. 10 inches in a single storm, it really doesn't make that much of a difference, it's still going to be a pain to dig out.

[nanciegord]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to do more research on Rindge. Thanks for the link. I'm not going to bash where we live now (Miami) because many people love it here, but any problems that develop in a "large town like Keene" we would most likely be able to deal with! We are looking for an area that is very, very different from where we live now. Anyone else who has info or even just an opinion, your input would be appreciated.
Nancie

[Asta]

Originally Posted by WannaComeHome

A lot of the negativity on the board is from 2 reasons: Many people feel that Keene is a bit isolated from much of the rest of southern NH, and it gets different winter weather than 2/3 of SoNH (definitely snow belt).

I personally feel that this is to Keene's advantage! I lived in the Nashua and surrounding areas for years when I was younger. I didn't like the urban sprawl and gridlock of southern NH and the I93 corridor south and east of Concord. To me, southern NH was quickly becoming an extension of northern MA. And having grown up in a small town, I didn't care for it. No offense to anyone who may live in southern NH. Everyone is different. What seems like a perfect town for some, may be awful for others. Adding - my sister lives in the Nashua area, and she wouldn't live anywhere else. Cheers!!!

[vsaksena]

Rindge can be a haul especially in winter if you have to drive into Keene everyday; One of my buddies lives in Fitzwilliam (off route 12) & he has had challenges last year getting into town.....

Swanzey has some beautiful properties, covered bridges etc; not a good school district though. Tht being said I think you can pay the tax diffrence b/w Swanzey & Keene for your kids to go to school in the Keene school district if needed.

There are a few towns around Keene (Surry, Chesterfield, westmoreland & so forth where the kids go to the Keene school district automatically; You can check with the town hall)

Drive from these is probably 15-20 mins as you said, coming from some of the gridlocks (NJ, Chicago, TX) I have had to drive for an hr each way to get to work this is a very relaxing 20 mins... (we live in Surry, just outside Keene)

Regarding the downsides, yeah sure my wife would love to have a Saks & a good shoe store, for now we drive to Boston & get her shoes off Zappos...

& BTW winters in Keene for me have been a piece-o-cake compared to Indiana & Chicago (not including last year)

If you have any questions shoot me a mail

[Idunn]

In little more than driving through Keene, NH, my impression was very positive. In many respects it seemed like the quintessential New England town. Quite charming at first glance.

Perhaps I would choose Hancock, NH instead, but Keene would seem the more practical choice for most. Not with the access or services of Manchester, NH, but still the regional hub for the area. In trade for ease in certain things you have a smaller town of a certain charm.

While the reality of living there surely not all roses, it did seem to offer a lot. I liked it at first glance.

[Ann_Arbor]

I lived in Peterborough a few years ago; going to Keene or Milford/Nashua was like going to the big city! Town size is all relative- Keene is the regional center of SW NH and will have more amenities than the average NE town of 25,000.

I loved Keene- great Main St.

[JViello]

A friend just moved to Ashuelot just South of Keene and I'm there visiting a bit.

The short times I was in Keene it was "nice"...but the more time I spend there the more I dislike it.

To me the town just has a wierd college/white trash/tattoo haven/bohemian strange kind of vibe. It's just weird.

Compared to small towns in the rest of New England, to me it's low on the pole...and believe me, I'm not some kind of snob by any means. I'm a simple life New England kind of guy...born and raised here my entire life and love the region. I'm just sharing how the town has grown on me past the online, quick stop, postcard view. Definetly not for me now that I've spent time there. A town like Rockland ME has my attention far and above Keene.