$337,154Average Value$229Average Price per Sq Ft71Homes For Sale
A growing suburb between Des Moines and Altoona
Like other relatively young Des Moines Area suburbs, the transition from cornfields to subdivisions is still somewhat fresh in Pleasant Hill. “We’re a bedroom community right outside Des Moines,” says Mary Hamilton Ross, longtime resident and local Realtor with Re/Max Precision. “My family moved here in the ’60s when there was only one street.” Residential lanes branch north and south of Iowa Highway 163, the main drag leading west to the downtown heart. Paved trails and highway access connect Pleasant Hill to the broader region, though Ross emphasizes that this community of around 10,000 maintains a “small-town feel.” Familiar, locally owned eateries sit alongside chain additions, while hometown parks serve as event hubs each season.
The Pleasant Hill Diner serves classic diner fare with a funky retro aesthetic.
Pleasant Hill residents love the bike trails at Copper Creek Lake Park.
1/2
Older split-levels, Copper Creek views and new construction
The median price in Pleasant Hill is around $320,000, below the national median value and on par with nearby suburban cities like Altoona and Bondurant. “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,” Ross says. New Traditional single-family homes and townhouses back up to golf greens or lakefront views in Copper Creek , one of several subdivisions added within the past 30 years. New constructions pop up periodically as the city fills out its remaining development space. Pleasant Hill sees hot, humid summers and snowy winters, and residents are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks outside their properties.
Ranch-style homes are common in Pleasant Hill, with both traditional and modern examples
Pleasant Hill features a number of charming split-level homes set into the neighborhood's namesake terrain
1/2
Big-box Pleasant Hill shopping and local digs
The Pleasant Hill Diner has served greasy spoon staples from a retro atmosphere since its early days as the 5 & Diner. “It’s changed hands four or five times, but it’s still a good place to go,” Ross says. A handful of fast-food and casual chain options join the local digs along Iowa Highway 163. Hy-Vee and Fareway have Pleasant Hill locations, while Aldi is less than a mile east. Target and Lowes are about 5 miles away in Altoona, though Copper Creek 9 saves the drive to Cinemark Altoona for new movie releases.
Rolling Smoke BBQ serves fantastic brisket just minutes from Copper Creek Park and Theater
Great Escape features food, bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and more for Pleasant Hill residents.
1/2
Attending Des Moines or Southeast Polk schools
The Des Moines Independent Community School District scores a C from Niche, while the Southeast Polk Community School District scores a B-plus. Pleasant Hill students are zoned for one of these two options, though they can apply for an inter-district transfer. High school students can take college credits through the Des Moines Area Community College’s Career Advantage program.
Southeast Polk High School was built in 2010.
Four Mile Elementary School front enterance.
1/2
Pocket parks, Copper Creek recreation and bike trails
Many Pleasant Hill subdivisions are within a mile of a neighborhood playground with a covered pavilion, sports fields or both. Public tee times at Copper Creek Golf Club are down the road from Copper Creek Lake Park, a warm-weather hotspot for boating and fishing. The paved lakefront trail and the 13-mile Gay Lea Wilson Trail link Pleasant Hill in with the Des Moines Area biking network.
The Basketball Court at Sunrise Park.
The Playground at Sunrise Park features modern play equipment surrounded by trees.
1/2
Commuting throughout the Des Moines Area from Pleasant Hill
Some residents work within the local school districts or small businesses in Pleasant Hill’s business park, while many others commute to corporate offices or hospitals in downtown Des Moines and surrounding suburbs. U.S. Route 65 leads north to Interstate 80, part of a wider circle of freeways that connects the region. Iowa Highway 163 serves as the weekday bus route for Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority’s rush hour service to Pleasant Hill. The Des Moines International Airport is about 10 miles away, and full-scale hospitals are within a 7-mile drive, though MercyOne Pleasant Hill Family Medicine is right in town.
Crime statistics and tornado preparedness in Pleasant Hill
FBI statistics show that violent and property crimes fluctuated in Pleasant Hill on an overall downward trend from 2015 to 2022. Crimes occurred at a rate of about 9 per every 1,000 residents in 2022. Residents can track reported crimes by type, location and date using the Des Moines Area Law Enforcement Response Map. Like other Iowa communities, Pleasant Hill is vulnerable to severe weather. A category EF-2 tornado damaged over a dozen Pleasant Hill homes and caused one injury in April 2024. Over 100 volunteers joined the Pleasant Hill Parks & Recreation department to clean up the aftermath and plant new trees. Polk County tests its outdoor warning sirens on the first Saturday of each month at noon, while residents are encouraged to keep itineraries of personal belongings in case they need to process an insurance claim.
Neighbors gather to “Chill on the Hill” or shop the farmers market
Copper Creek Lake Park becomes a live music venue during Chill on the Hill, which takes place once a week from late May through June. Attendees must be at least 21, though 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 big deal for local residents.
1/2
Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Liz Lashier,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Pleasant Hill, IA over the last 12 months is $317,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, this stunning new construction two-story home offers an exceptional blend of modern luxury and comfortable living. Boasting 2755 square feet of meticulously designed space, plus an additional 1300 square feet in the finished lower level, this residence offers room for everyone and everything. Built with quality 2x6 construction, you can enjoy energy
Discover your new home in Lexington Park, the newest community in Pleasant Hill. Built by Paramount Homes, this twin home comes with an impressive list of standard features and offers tax abatement along with a great location just minutes from anywhere in the metro via nearby Hwy 65 Bypass. Open floor plan on the main level boasts a large great room, eating area, and kitchen. Natural light shines
Welcome Home to Pleasant Hill! This charming ranch-style home in the heart of Pleasant Hill offers comfortable living with a bright living room, spacious kitchen, three bedrooms, one full bathroom, and a generously sized backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The walk-out lower level is unfinished, providing an excellent opportunity for added value and customization. A newer roof offers
Come home to Pleasant Hill will easy access to the entire metro area via nearby Hwy 65 "bypass". Built by Paramount Homes, this twin home comes with an impressive list of standard features and offers tax abatement. Open floor plan on the main level boasts a large great room with large windows for plenty of natural light. Owner's suite on the main level includes bath and large walk-in closet.
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
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
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
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.
