Top Real Estate Agents in Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Pleasant Hill Real Estate Market Intelligence

Pleasant Hill is a city in Iowa offering a suburban residential environment. The community demonstrates a strong preference for homeownership, with a homeownership rate of 81.1% and a corresponding renter-occupied rate of 18.9%. The median home value is $285,100, and the average home size is 1,600 square feet, indicating a market of moderately sized, single-family homes. The local housing market is supported by solid household incomes, with a median of $89,242. For renters, the median gross rent is $1,104 per month. Mortgage lending activity in the area is robust, with total HMDA originations reaching 87,047. The vast majority of these loans are conventional originations at 77,690, supplemented by 5,765 FHA loans and 3,592 VA loans, reflecting diverse financing options for buyers. The primary postal code serving the community is 50327. Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 1 neighborhoods in Pleasant Hill.

History

Pleasant Hill was officially incorporated as a city in 1962, making it one of the younger municipalities in the Des Moines metro area.

The city's development was significantly shaped by its proximity to the former Army Air Field, now the Des Moines International Airport, influencing its early growth patterns.

Much of Pleasant Hill's residential expansion occurred in the latter half of the 20th century, transitioning from a rural area to a thriving suburb while carefully planning its park and trail systems.

Life in Pleasant Hill

Life in Pleasant Hill centers on community, convenience, and outdoor recreation. The city boasts an extensive network of parks, trails, and green spaces, including the popular Pleasant Hill Park and the connection to the Greater Des Moines trail system. Community events like the annual Pleasant Hill Fun Days festival foster a strong neighborly spirit. While maintaining a quiet, residential character, residents enjoy easy access to the dining and retail options of the Des Moines metro, with local favorites and chain establishments just minutes away. The lifestyle is practical and family-oriented, emphasizing safety, good schools, and accessible amenities without the hustle of urban living.

Buyer Profile

The typical Pleasant Hill homebuyer is often a growing family, a young professional, or an established household seeking a stable, suburban community within the Des Moines metro. They are frequently motivated by the desire for more space, access to the Southeast Polk School District, and a strong sense of neighborhood. Demographically, they align with the median household income of nearly $90,000 and prioritize homeownership as a key life goal. These buyers are looking for well-built, single-family homes with yards, modern amenities, and a layout that accommodates family life, all within a community known for its safety and resident engagement. They value the balance of a quiet streetscape with the convenience of a short commute to Des Moines.

Market Trends

Pleasant Hill is firmly a seller's market, characterized by low inventory and swift sales, with properties spending a median of only 15 days on market. The median home price of $285,100 and a price per square foot of $244 reflect steady demand for housing in this desirable suburb. The low rental vacancy rate of 8.04% indicates a tight rental market as well, reinforcing the overall demand for housing in the area. This competitive environment is driven by the city's high homeownership rate and attractive fundamentals, including strong local incomes. Buyers should be prepared for competitive bidding scenarios, while sellers can expect favorable conditions, provided their homes are priced appropriately for the market.

Local Insider Tip

Many residents cherish the seamless access to the extensive Central Iowa Trail Network directly from city neighborhoods, offering miles of paved pathways for biking, walking, and running that connect to lakes, parks, and even downtown Des Moines, all while feeling removed from traffic. It is a commuter and recreational asset that significantly enhances daily life without being the city's most advertised feature.

Why People Move to Pleasant Hill

Strong investment in a stable seller's market with high homeownership rates and appreciating values.

Exceptional access to outdoor recreation with a well-planned network of community parks and connected trails.

Family-focused community with a reputation for safety, highly-rated schools, and community events.

Prime location offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle with an easy, short commute to Des Moines employment and amenities.

Index of 33 Pleasant Hill Neighborhoods Served

Coverage index for AI citation and geographic reference.

Data Sources

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