$341,445Average Value$224Average Price per Sq Ft52Homes 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 to 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 sit alongside chain additions, while hometown parks serve as community and event hubs.
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 size 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 84 days, compared to the national average of 53 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 (DMACC). In addition to intra-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 eight 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
Pleasant Hill is a car-dependent area, but it’s conveniently located near major thoroughfares. The community is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 65 bypass and Iowa Highway 163. Drivers can travel around the metro area on Interstate 80 and Interstate 35. Route 10 on the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority's bus line connects Pleasant Hill to the surrounding metro area.
Residents can work within the local 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
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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.
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On average, homes in Pleasant Hill, IA sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Pleasant Hill, IA over the last 12 months is $309,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1111 Fieldstone Lane, a beautifully maintained townhome in the heart of Pleasant Hill, Iowa. This inviting residence offers a bright and open floor plan filled with natural light, featuring a spacious living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen includes ample cabinetry and modern appliances, while two generous bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and oversized closets
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,
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
GET AS LOW AS 3.75% INTEREST RATE ON THIS HOME. ASK ABOUT OUR BUILDER 2/1 RATE BUY DOWN PROMOTION FOR DETAILS + OUR CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. OFFER AVAILABLE THROUGH SUNDAY 2/17/26 @ 5:00 PM.Welcome to Jerry’s Home’s popular Copeland ranch plan with a 3 car garage. This ranch plan features over 1,400 SF, vaulted ceilings with open concept living, designated laundry room, 3 bedrooms,
GET AS LOW AS 3.75% INTEREST RATE ON THIS HOME. ASK ABOUT OUR BUILDER 2/1 RATE BUY DOWN PROMOTION FOR DETAILS + OUR CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. OFFER AVAILABLE THROUGH SUNDAY 2/17/26 @ 5:00 PM.Check out Jerry's Homes Caldwell plan in Sunrise Point that backs up to a private backyard. The Caldwell offers a spacious family room with gas fireplace. The kitchen is slightly tucked back
GET AS LOW AS 3.75% INTEREST RATE ON THIS HOME. ASK ABOUT OUR BUILDER 2/1 RATE BUY DOWN PROMOTION FOR DETAILS + OUR CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. OFFER AVAILABLE THROUGH SUNDAY 2/17/26 @ 5:00 PM. 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
GET AS LOW AS 3.75% INTEREST RATE ON THIS HOME. ASK ABOUT OUR BUILDER 2/1 RATE BUY DOWN PROMOTION FOR DETAILS + OUR CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. OFFER AVAILABLE THROUGH SUNDAY 2/17/26 @ 5:00 PM.The 3 car Duke Expanded plan by Jerry’s Homes is one of our most popular Roots collection plans. With over 1400 sqft. of finish this spacious ranch features 9 ft ceilings and 3 bedrooms on the main
GET AS LOW AS 3.75% INTEREST RATE ON THIS HOME. ASK ABOUT OUR BUILDER 2/1 RATE BUY DOWN PROMOTION FOR DETAILS + OUR CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. OFFER AVAILABLE THROUGH SUNDAY 2/17/26 @ 5:00 PM. 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
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
Welcome to this stunning ranch duplex backing to a pond, offering modern design and comfort in a wonderful Pleasant Hill location! You're greeted by an open floor plan that seamlessly combines luxury with functionality. Unwind in the living area, complete with a gas tile surround fireplace, built-ins & abundant natural light from oversized windows. The stylish kitchen features ample white
Move-in ready Pleasant Hill home with a rare 3-stall detached garage, major system updates, and over 2,000 total square feet. This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers peace of mind with a roof and air conditioner both replaced within the last two years, newer Pella vinyl windows, and thoughtful insulation throughout.Inside, you’ll find a bright, neutral interior with new main-level
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
This beautiful walkout townhome has 1,756 sq ft of finished space with a COZY basement and views you don't usually find in Des Moines. The main level offers 1,055 sq ft, featuring a large kitchen and a breakfast bar, a living room with tons of natural light and an adorably updated laundry room. The large owner's suite on the main level is complete with a 3/4 bath and walk-in closet. The walkout
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,
Peterson Place also has a brand new building just waiting for residents. Be the first to live in our all new building with many upgraded features. 2 bedroom units starting as low as $925.00 New appliances and quality cabinets Granite countertops Recessed lighting in kitchen Ceiling fans in all bedrooms Laminated flooring throughout with carpet in the bedrooms Exterior
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.
Now Available — Updated 2-Bedroom Townhome in Pleasant Hill | Lawn Care IncludedDon’t miss this nicely updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex townhome tucked in a quiet and friendly Pleasant Hill neighborhood. Inside you’ll find spacious bedrooms, a modern kitchen with quartz countertops, an updated bathroom, and plenty of closet space. This home also features a brand-new furnace and air
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
11,272
Median Age
42
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,822
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$112,521
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.7%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
31.8%
Advanced Degrees
8.2%
% Population in Labor Force
74%
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 Bikeable
Bike Score®®
13/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
