$343,755Average Value$226Average Price per Sq Ft53Homes For Sale
Why Pleasant Hill feels connected yet tucked into nature
Pleasant Hill stays true to its name as a quiet area with access to nature that’s just a short drive away from Downtown Des Moines. Highway 163 divides the growing area with newer development to the north and established neighborhoods to the south, which are typically zoned for different school districts. Paved trails and highway access connect Pleasant Hill to the metro area, though it maintains a small-town feel and has its own city government. Familiar, locally owned eateries and chain restaurants are available, and hometown parks are hubs for community events.
The Pleasant Hill Diner serves classic diner fare with a funky retro aesthetic.
Residents love the bike trails at Copper Creek Lake Park.
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What Pleasant Hill buyers can expect for home sizes and cost
“We have an older dynamic in the neighborhood with ’60s, ’70s and ’80s split-levels, but then we have a lot of new construction, too,” says Mary Hamilton Ross, longtime resident and local Realtor with Re/Max Precision. There are New Traditional single-family homes and townhouses backing up to golf greens or lakefront views in Copper Creek, one of several subdivisions added within the past few decades. The median lot size here is a little over a quarter of an acre.
Housing prices in Pleasant Hill vary with age and size:
Smaller houses under 1,000 square feet start in the high $100,000s and go up to the low $300,000s.
Larger homes can get up to the high $700,000s.
Townhouses range from the mid-$100,000s to the low $300,000s.
Pleasant Hill has a median sale price in the low $300,000s, which is higher than Des Moines ’ median in the $200,000s. Homes stay on the market for an average of about 85 days, compared to the national average of about 55 days.
Ranch-style homes are common here, with both traditional and modern examples
The area features a number of charming split-level homes set into the neighborhood's namesake terrain
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How school zoning and choice work for Pleasant Hill families
Students in the central and western sections of Pleasant Hill may attend schools in the Des Moines Independent Community School District, while the northern, eastern and southern outskirts of Pleasant Hill are typically zoned for the highly rated Southeast Polk Community School District. High schoolers in both districts can take dual enrollment courses through Des Moines Area Community College. In addition to intradistrict transfer options within assigned school districts, Iowa state law allows families to choose the district best suited to their students’ needs if space is available.
Southeast Polk High School was built in 2010.
Four Mile Elementary School front entrance.
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Annual traditions and music nights highlight the area’s community life
“We’re a bedroom community right outside Des Moines,” Ross says. “My family moved here in the ’60s when there was only one street.” While Pleasant Hill has grown since then, it still has a close-knit community. Copper Creek Lake Park becomes a live music venue during Chill on the Hill once a week from late May through June. The waterfront also hosts Trick or Treat Around the Lake, Art on the Lake and other annual all-ages events. The Community Farmers Market of Pleasant Hill fills the Berean Church parking lot on Monday evenings throughout the summer.
Pleasant Hill enjoys weekly live music during Chill on the Hill in the summer months.
The Pleasant Hill Farmers Market is a fun time for local residents.
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Parks, playgrounds and trail connections in Pleasant Hill
The community has several parks, a community garden and several trails. Residents can participate in both kids’ and adults’ sports leagues. Many Pleasant Hill subdivisions are within a mile of a neighborhood playground with a covered pavilion, sports fields or both. Copper Creek Lake Park is popular for boating and fishing. The paved lakefront trail and the 13-mile Gay Lea Wilson Trail link Pleasant Hill with the Des Moines Area biking network. Down the road, Copper Creek Golf Club has public tee times.
The Basketball Court at Sunrise Park.
The Playground at Sunrise Park features modern play equipment surrounded by trees.
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Major highways and a transit route link residents to the metro area
Pleasant Hill is a car-dependent area, but it’s conveniently located near major thoroughfares. The community is at the intersection of U.S. Route 65 bypass and Iowa Highway 163. Drivers can travel around the metro area on Interstates 35 and 80. Route 10 on the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority's bus line connects Pleasant Hill to the surrounding metro area.
Residents can work locally with careers in the school districts or small businesses in Pleasant Hill’s business park, or commute to corporate offices or hospitals in downtown Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs. “It connects and goes right up to the East Side of Des Moines— the boundaries are right there,” says Angela Veatch, a Realtor with Re/Max Revolution who sells in the community. “But Pleasant Hill is its own area.”
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Pleasant Hill, IA sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Pleasant Hill, IA over the last 12 months is $312,500, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful story and-a-half townhome loaded with updates and perfectly positioned in an unbeatable location! Enjoy peaceful views of greenspace right out your front door. Inside you will find newer flooring, updated kitchen, fully finished basement offering extra living space for entertaining and relaxing. This home features three bedrooms, an attached two-car garage, and major mechanical updates
Welcome to Lexington Park Townhome community located in the heart of Pleasant Hill. Take advantage of the $2,500 builder incentive! This is a brand new "Watson" plan with several amenities new to this community. Immediately you will notice the spacious main floor with natural light and luxury plank flooring. The kitchen features all appliances (yes- including a refrigerator!), quartz countertops,
Welcome to the Cascade Plan by Jerry's Homes! This 3-bedroom 2 bath, 3 car garage ranch home boasts a vaulted great room that's open and perfect for get-togethers. The spacious family room with gas fireplace flows nicely to the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen has quartz countertops and seating at the island. The dining area has a sliding glass door leading out to your nice size deck. All
There is room for the entire family in Jerry's Homes Cedar plan that offers a spacious family room with a gas fireplace and a kitchen with tons of storage, a large peninsula, and dining area. The peninsula is the perfect place for quick meals or to set up for buffet-style entertaining. Ample cabinets with quartz countertops offer a beautiful, bright kitchen and LVP for ease of maintenance! Enjoy
BUILDER PROMOTION FEATURED ON THIS HOME - $8,000 in total incentives to be used for rate buy downs, closing costs, appliances, blinds, or upgrades with approved vendors. Applies to non-contingent offers that are accepted by 4/3/2026, and must close within 60 days or sooner of contract date. Check out Jerry's Homes Caldwell plan in Sunrise Point that backs up to a private backyard. The Caldwell
BUILDER PROMOTION FEATURED ON THIS HOME - $8,000 in total incentives to be used for rate buy downs, closing costs, appliances, blinds, or upgrades with approved vendors. Applies to non-contingent offers that are accepted by 4/3/2026, and must close within 60 days or sooner of contract date. There is room for the entire family in Jerry's Homes Cedar plan that offers a spacious family room with a
BUILDER PROMOTION FEATURED ON THIS HOME - $8,000 in total incentives to be used for rate buy downs, closing costs, appliances, blinds, or upgrades with approved vendors. Applies to non-contingent offers that are accepted by 4/3/2026, and must close within 60 days or sooner of contract date. The 3 car Duke Expanded plan by Jerry’s Homes is one of our most popular Roots collection plans. With over
BUILDER PROMOTION FEATURED ON THIS HOME - $8,000 in total incentives to be used for rate buy downs, closing costs, appliances, blinds, or upgrades with approved vendors. Applies to non-contingent offers that are accepted by 4/3/2026, and must close within 60 days or sooner of contract date. Welcome to the Cascade Plan by Jerry's Homes! This 3-bedroom 2 bath, 3 car garage ranch home boasts a
Designed exclusively for 55 or better, this spacious ranch townhome offers low-maintenance living with all the essentials on the main level. The open-concept layout features a kitchen with a center island, a dining area, and a great room that flows seamlessly to a patio. Enjoy a private primary suite with a walk-in closet and bath, plus a second bedroom, full bath, and convenient laundry. The
This 0.9 acre lot offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in a peaceful setting. Corn fields to the north and east border the lot. Great location with a country feel. Septic will be needed.
Welcome to the Woods of Copper Creek nestled in Des Moines, between Altoona & Pleasant Hill. Custom ranch offers over 2,800 finished sqft of upgrades. Generous amounts of espresso stained woodwork is paired w/neutral paint color. Vaulted great room gives center attention to the fireplace flanked w/windows on either side. Choose from barstool seating at the kitchen counter or the dining area for
3 Bedroom, Single-story Townhomes for rent in Pleasant Hill, IA - Kading offers affordable living with desired amenities such as washer/dryer hook-ups, cable/internet fiber, air conditioning, ceramic tile flooring in all common areas and carpeted bedrooms. Open concept floor plans provide ultimate flexibility to decorate your personal space and make it your own. Let your kids enjoy a space to
Modern designs, elegant finishes, and upscale amenities are waiting for you at Forge65. Our Pleasant Hill luxury apartments come in one, two, and three-bedroom layouts that are spacious and adaptable. Our community also offers more spacious layouts, townhomes with multiple two and three-bedroom options. No matter which layout you choose, our variety of interior luxuries include granite
Welcome to Golf View Apartments, your perfect retreat in Pleasant Hill! Conveniently located near Des Moines, our community offers the ideal balance of comfort and convenience. With spacious floor plans ranging from 616 to 1322 square feet across a wide array of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options, we’re sure to have a place you can call home.While the amenities are off-site, residents enjoy a
Located just off Highway 163/University Blvd and NE 70th St in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Rising Ridge Apartments offer Studio, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, and 3 Bedroom apartments in a beautiful new development with unmatched amenities. Each unit features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers/dryers, a balcony/patio, and spacious floor plans. The community also offers a fitness
Canterbury Park is located off of University Avenue in the pleasing suburb of Pleasant Hill. There is easy access to entertainment being just minutes from Copper Creek 9 Theaters, Copper Creek Golf Course, the Altoona Aquatic Center, and several restaurants. Students can acquire a great education as it is a part of the SE Polk School District. Grocery stores are within blocks, with Hy-Vee less
Discover Riverwood Apartments, your ideal living destination in Pleasant Hill! Located near beautiful trails and just a short drive from Des Moines, Riverwood offers a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Our spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments feature layouts ranging from 640 to 1325 square feet.Residents can enjoy detached garages for rent to keep their vehicles protected,
Move-In Special: Free 55” TV — call for detailsEnjoy small town living just minutes from Des Moines!This newer building offers modern comfort, great amenities, and unbeatable convenience. Located directly across from Hy Vee and close to Des Moines Public Schools, shopping, and interstate access—everything you need is right at your doorstep.Apartment FeaturesNew appliances
Property Id: 39163Large yard, lovely views, ample parking, walking distance to shopping and on site laundry just to name a few amenities of Oak Creek. Water & trash removal are included with your rent to make life a little easier. Contact us today to schedule a tour of your new home. We do allow cats. Please visit for more information and to complete the application.
Pine Valley Development in Pleasant Hill. 5623 Buckthorn Drive, Pleasant Hill, Iowa3 bedroom townhomes feature an attached two car garage, 2 1/2 baths and 1,589 square feet of living space. The main floor has LVP Floors, quartz countertops, stove, microwave and dishwasher included and sliding door to the patio. Three bedrooms upstairs with the master having its own full
3 bed, 1 bath, 1,088 sq ft | available June 10, 2026You are going to love this duplex located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Dishwasher, stove, microwave and refrigerator provided. Nice size bedrooms. Ample fenced in yard space and storage shed available. Your own driveway. Pets allowed. No monthly pet fee. $350 non-refundable pet security deposit. Maximum 2 pets.
Home to the neighborhood’s namesake lake park and the sprawling golf course, Copper Creek is an idyllic, picturesque community tucked on the north side of Pleasant Hill. “Copper Creek has everything; there are parks in development, a golf course, a movie theater, tons of restaurants, sports bars and shopping. Many Des Moines locals like to retire in Copper Creek,” says Jenn Ho Goh, Realtor at Realty ONE Group Impact who has been servicing the Des Moines greater metropolitan area. Residents can drive along Copper Creek Drive and visit local eateries, catch a film or access Copper Creek Lake for natural outings. Comfortably secluded from the bustle of city life, Copper Creek offers serenity and peaceful living.
Compared to the residences in Des Moines, Copper Creek is a relatively young neighborhood with most homes developed in the late 1900s and the early 2000s. Single-family properties typically have three to five bedrooms and are built with Colonial Revival, ranch-style, New Traditional and Tutor Revival architecture. Ranging from single-story, 1,000 square feet ranches to two-story homes close to 3,000 square feet, most properties in Copper Creek may list between $300,000 and $600,000. Unique home design elements that are defining elements of the neighborhood include tile roofs, brickwork or moonstone facades and pastel palettes. The yards are delicately kept and are often a quarter or half an acre in size, and the tree-lined streets are complemented with sidewalks that end in residential cul-de-sacs. “There are also some really big houses on the golf course,” Goh adds. These few estate homes with golf course views are priced at $700,000 and go up to around $1 million.
Area students are zoned for the Southeast Polk Community School District, which is a highly rated public school system in Iowa. Young learners may begin primary education at Clay Elementary School and continue to Southeast Polk Junior High School, both of which are rated B-plus by Niche. Southeast Polk High School scores a B and was nationally recognized for its commitment to empowering students.
As the main attraction of the locale, Copper Creek Lake Park is an oasis of peace and a natural haven. Residents may relax by the 40-acre lake and take a stroll along the lakeside walking trail, or try fishing under the lake’s catch-and-release guideline. Golfers can perfect their swings at Copper Creek Golf Club, which meanders through the community with green terrain. Farther to the south, Sleepy Hollow Sports Park offers fun activities such as mini golf, laser tag, bumper boats and football in the warmer months. When winter comes, locals may enjoy Stiga and Zipfy sledding and tubing, and the park turns into a haunted theme park every autumn in anticipation of Halloween.
Residents may go grocery shopping at Hy-Vee, which is a couple of blocks south, and big-box retailers such as Target and Walmart are located several miles north in Altoona. Grab a brisket sandwich or an order of ribs at Rolling Smoke Barbeque. For authentic Mexican dishes, enjoy a sit-down dining experience at La Feria Mexican Restaurant. Mugsy’s Pizza House and Irish Sports Pub boasts an upscale interior design alongside a full bar, pub fare and arcade games. Copper Creek 9 is a family-owned movie theater that runs a collection of first-run films.
Art on the Lake is an annual festival that provides artists with opportunities to flourish and display their artwork. Every Friday in June, Chill on the Hill has live music and alcoholic beverages at Creek Lake Park. Pleasant Hill organizes the annual Summer Fest with music performances, a parade, fireworks and family-friendly activities. The city also organizes celebrations for holidays such as Christmas and Independence Day, and additional festivals include the Art, Wine & Music Festival and the Blues and Brews Festival. Notable events in Des Moines include the Iowa State Fair and the 80/35 Music Festival.
Des Moines International Airport is about 17 miles to the south via U.S. Route 65. Major highways, Interstate 35 and Interstate 80, lead into Minneapolis and Chicago, respectively. UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital is about 5 miles west of the neighborhood, and residents may access the city with public transit, which is the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART).
Property Mix - Square Feet
Pleasant Hill Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
12,712
Median Age
42
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$92,384
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$114,570
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.3%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
32%
Advanced Degrees
8.5%
% Population in Labor Force
71%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Somewhat friendly
Bike Score®®
30/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Walk Score®®
20/ 100
Not friendly
Transit Score®®
0/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
