Jaffrey sits at the base of Mount Monadnock in the Monadnock Region, one of the most-climbed mountains in the world thanks to its accessible trails and panoramic summit views. The mountain's presence shapes much of the town's identity and draws a steady stream of hikers throughout the year.

Jaffrey's historic downtown includes a restored theater and a mix of civic and arts organizations that keep the town's small commercial core active. Housing costs remain more affordable than the Seacoast or Merrimack Valley, though downtown retail vacancy has been a persistent challenge for the local economy.

Many Jaffrey residents commute to jobs in Peterborough or Keene, and the town's population includes a mix of longtime families, outdoor enthusiasts, and residents drawn by the region's relative affordability. Its proximity to conservation land and hiking trails remains its biggest year-round draw.