With its historic homes and collegiate atmosphere, Keene is one of the most charming small town communities in New England. With a downtown square that was designated as one of the Top 10 Great Public Spaces in 2009 by the American Planning Association and the city's high quality of life, it makes sense that so many New Hampshire residents are finding picturesque Keene apartments for rent. Named "The Elm City," the 2010 population was more than 23,400, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Although Keene is now part of New Hampshire, it was originally part of a land grant from the state of Massachusetts. In 1741, New Hampshire separated from Massachusetts and the area in the southern part of the state was named after Sir Benjamin Keene, an English minister to Spain and a West Indies trader. After the Revolutionary War, the city began to grow and eventually became a manufacturing hub. Keene eventually incorporated in 1874, and after the Great Depression, New England manufacturing eventually declined and the city began to develop into the center for insurance, education and tourism it is today.
Although the city is known by tourists as a wonderful display of Victorian architecture, the locals take great pride in their community festivals. The most popular by far is the autumnal Pumpkin Festival. With a fall-themed parade, pumpkin-lined streets that host a one-mile race, pumpkin-inspired desserts and a spectacular jack-o-lantern tower in the Central Square, this is a favorite community event for adults and children alike.
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