Pleasant Hill is indeed a pleasant place. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if somewhere in this article we accidentally refer to is at Pleasantville (not anything like the movie, we promise). Residents report feeling safe, enjoy easy access to nature, and benefit from a strong sense of community and good schools, all within a reasonable drive of big city amenities. 

Safety is a priority for many who choose to move and raise their families in Pleasant Hill. There is a visible and strong police presence here (read: you feel perfectly fine walking home at night). A walkable and cute downtown area and shopping centers like [**The Verdana**](https://shoptheveranda.com/) offer a collection of restaurants, stores, coffee shops and entertainment options. Plus a [**full calendar**](https://staypleasanthill.com/events/) of local festivals and community events where you’re likely to run into your neighbors enhance the small town vibe.

You may not get ocean views like other parts of the Bay Area, but the view of Mt. Diablo ain’t bad either. Nature lovers need not look far for things to do. Enjoy great access to parks like the popular [**Briones Regional Park**](https://staypleasanthill.com/blog/guide-to-briones-regional-park/) just 3 miles away where hikers (and their pups!) can enjoy 6,255 acres containing scenic hiking trails, camping and picnic areas and even an archery range. Or, hop on your bike or horse to explore the [**Contra Costa Canal Trail**](https://www.ebparks.org/trails/interpark/contra-costa-canal), a secure off-road pathway connecting the cities of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Concord. Want to go bigger? Only 1 hour to the west is Muir Woods National Monument with its iconic redwoods and 3 hours to the east lies Yosemite – yes, the Yosemite – and the infamous Half Dome skyline. Other weekend getaway options include Lake Tahoe and [**Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park**](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570). 


It’s Just…Pleasant

The Best thing about Pleasant Hill?

When you live close to vibrant, culturally diverse meccas like Oakland and San Francisco, it can be difficult not to directly compare them to your suburb’s characteristics and offerings. This leads to mixed reviews from residents on if PH is relatively culturally and economically diverse or not. But one thing most residents can all agree on? There is a real lack of good ethnic food options.

According to the [**2022 census**](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/pleasanthillcitycalifornia/PST045222), the largest racial groups represented here are White (60+%), Asian (15%), Hispanic (15%) and Black or African American (4%). Ten percent of respondents identified as being of two or more races. Although on paper this place doesn’t look very diverse, from what we’ve heard, residents of all ethnicities and economic backgrounds find Pleasant Hill to be a welcoming, inclusive and friendly city to call home. Through [**Niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/pleasant-hill-contra-costa-ca/), the city earned an “A” rating for diversity and when asked what word or phrase best describes the people who live in Pleasant Hill, the majority surveyed responded: “welcoming.” 

You might also be thinking: isn't the cost of living a big downside of life in Pleasant Hill? And the answer is yes, for many it is. Some prospective residents realize quickly that you have to pay a “Pleasant Hill premium” of about $200,000 above what you might dole out for the same house in surrounding cities. However, this isn’t what most actual permanent residents seem to complain about. The individuals most concerned about rising costs are the 35% of more transient residents who rent.


Lacking in Diversity

The Worst thing about Pleasant Hill?

The exceptional schools, abundance of outdoor spaces and local events like farmers markets and outdoor concerts offer families a well-rounded and community-oriented lifestyle. If you want to know your neighbors and care about volunteering within your community, you’ll fit right in in Pleasant Hill. Residents remark on the opportunities for adults and especially children to invest in and give back to their community, like on the annual Community Service Day. 

It’s worth mentioning again that living surrounded by trees, parks, mountain views and some of the country’s most iconic parks and preserves is just one part of what makes Pleasant Hill so pleasant. Niche.com gave the city an “A” in Outdoor Activities, Health & Fitness, Weather and Diversity. Closely followed by an “A-” for Good for Families, Schools, and Nightlife, and “B+” for Commute.

While life here is certainly slower than Oakland and San Fran, residents do have dining and entertainment options, including the popular night-out spot [**Jack’s Taps**](https://www.ilovejacks.com/). And for those who need or want to commute into the city, it’s about a thirty minute drive to Oakland from your serene suburban streets. Or, hop on the BART and get to San Francisco in just over an hour.


Community-Oriented

Lifestyle of Pleasant Hill

[**Mount Diablo Unified School District**](https://www.mdusd.org/), [**Martinez Unified School District**](https://www.martinezusd.net/) and [**Acalanes Union High School District**](https://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/) all serve the Pleasant Hill region. If they’d like, students can go all the way from preschool through one of the best community colleges in the county - [**Diablo Valley College**](https://www.dvc.edu/) -  without leaving the city. The 23 public elementary, 14 public middle and 11 public high schools in Pleasant Hill have an overall “A-” rating by [**Niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/acalanes-union-high-school-district-ca/). Acalanes Union High School District stands out in particular and has been named one of the top 15 school districts in California. In addition to strong academic opportunities, children within the community also benefit from quality sports leagues, like the PHMSA, which help them cultivate new friendships and strengthen community ties. Private school options in the area are also plentiful, the most distinguished being [**The College Preparatory School**](https://www.college-prep.org/) in Oakland.


A- is Basically an A

Schools in Pleasant Hill

Like other prime suburbs, Pleasant Hill is extremely popular with families bailing on the big cities looking for good schools, chill lifestyle, and the possibility of buying or renting a home big enough for the kiddos. Pleasant Hill has also made strides in building out a downtown and as that effort expands and the downtown area becomes more of a thing, the city will only get more popular. If you want in, you should get in now.


Hot Housing Market, Downtown Development

Why You Should Move Here Now

Probably the most sought-after neighborhood in Pleasant Hill, Poet’s Corner is located in the south end of the city. It is close to Walnut Creek’s downtown area and to the Reliez Valley neighborhood of Lafayette. Parks, schools and shopping are easily accessible in this highly walkable neighborhood and locals note that on any given night all their neighbors are out for a walk with the doggo or kiddos. The median sale price for homes in Poet's Corner is $1.2m and median listing price is $1.6m. There are rental homes that are typically priced around $3.5k per month. Homes in the area are often classic California cottages and beautiful, albeit pricey on a per square foot basis.  

Families

Poet’s Corner

In the northern section of Pleasant Hill lies the Gregory Gardens neighborhood. Popular streets feature popular female names from the 1950’s like Mary Drive, Maureen Lane, Lucille Lane and Ardith Drive. This quaint detail is consistent with the charming mid century rancher style of the homes. Residents also enjoy the nearby [**Pleasant Hill Park**](https://www.pleasanthillrec.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Pleasant-Hill-Park-13) and [**Las Juntas Open Space**](https://www.pleasanthillrec.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Las-Juntas-Open-Space-4). Pleasant Hill Park is an amazing community resource with two pools, softball/baseball field, basketball court, horseshoe pits, community gardens and huge playground and tot areas. Las Juntas is a 7 acre open space with trails and tons of walkable, playable areas for families, and doggos and anyone looking for a breath of nature. The median home price in Gregory Gardens is $1.05m. 


Gregory Gardens

Homes in the northern neighborhood of Valhalla are an eclectic mix ranging from small ranchers to larger newly constructed estates and with a median home price of $1.2m. 

Nearby are the [**Paso Nogal Park**](https://www.pleasanthillrec.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Paso-Nogal-Park-10) and [**Contra Costa Country Club**](https://www.contracostacc.org/) where residents can enjoy a round of golf. Homes in the neighborhood are walkable to the area's primary elementary school, [**Valhalla Elementary**](https://www.contracostacc.org/), and the culture of walking or biking to school is a prominent selling feature of the area. 
This neighborhood is also home to the city's main public high school, [**College Park**](https://cphs.mdusd.org/), and [Diablo Valley Community College](https://www.dvc.edu/). 


Valhalla

Pleasant Hill 

**Moving to Concord/Martinez/Pleasant Hill**
**Hello. We want to move to the Bay Area and the areas that we are looking into are Concord/Martinez/Pleasant Hill. Can you give me the good, bad and the ugly of each place?**



Just moved from pleasant hill. Love that city so much. Super family oriented and great local government. Weather is to die for and WAY cheaper than walnut creek. Schools are good too even though you said that is not a current criteria. PH is pretty diverse racially and economically which is something I miss actually. Super park on the weekend culture so community is usually pretty tight. Tons of high quality sports leagues locally where you can make friends (PHMSA etc.). San Fran commute is rough as you kind of have to drive to Lafayette or walnut creek and Bart in. It is what it is, not tricky just a long commute. Some people try to start at north Concord, even though it's further you can get an empty car (seat) most the time. DM me if you have more specific questions.

**Moving to Concord/Martinez/Pleasant Hill**
**Hello. We want to move to the Bay Area and the areas that we are looking into are Concord/Martinez/Pleasant Hill.**

**Can you give me the good, bad and the ugly of each place?**

Born and raised in Concord, moved to Martinez and went to school in PH. I love the Diablo Valley.

Concord is working class with some rougher spots but nothing all that bad. I’ve heard 4 corners down by Ellis Lake is rough at night but I’ve honestly never been. There are rich parts too (south side of Cowell Rd) and Todos Santos Plaza is an absolutely underrated gem. Nice little European style square with great food and drinks. There are parts of Concord that end up using WC schools too if that’s a metric you’re looking for. Concord is the most extreme weather wise, hottest summers and would actually get frost in the winter (never got frost when we lived in Martinez). Commuting down Treat/Ygnacio valley can be 40 minutes at peak times. I like Concord a ton, I like the heat, I love Mt Diablo, I love the tiny bit of crust Concord seems to carry compared to PH or WC.

Walnut Creek is probably the nicest and best for commuting. Nice little downtown that ends up making the town lots of money. Coffee shops, bars, Neiman Marcus yadadada, all fun to walk around. Used to see Steph/Ayesha Curry when they lived up on Rudgear. South of 680/24 tends to be very white until you get to Dublin. There’s tons of great neighborhoods tucked up into the Diablo foothills and bordering Lafayette. Just an all around nice suburban place. You would have a hard time convincing me any neighborhood in Walnut Creek is rough.

Pleasant Hill is a great little town that feels like either town depending on where you are. Poets corner neighborhood is most sought after with cute little old houses and good schools. North of 680 in the monument corridor will be not as nice. Pleasant Hill is just…..pleasant.

**Thinking of moving from SF Pleasant Hill/ WC/ Concord. help!**

**Hello All, I currently live in South San Francisco (outer mission) and work in the city. Because of the Pandemic and WFH, I have been spending most of my time just in the house. Living in the city dosen't make any sense anymore. As much as I love the city, I am thinking maybe it's time to move back to the suburbs. This was my eventual plan in the next 2-3 years anyways,**

**I am a 29 year old female and am thinking of buying my first home or condo in Pleasant Hill / Concord/ WC since they are somewhat affordable. I want to live somewhere that is not just young families, but single people/ younger people too. I don't mind driving to downtown WC or wherever, and if I ever feel like I want to go into the City, I could do a quick drive to bart**


WC has a bit of a nightlife, Pleasant Hill and Concord don't really. Nothing is going to be anything like SF for socializing. Nowhere close. It's a tradeoff. These are the burbs, make no mistake.

Pleasant Hill is pretty nice imo, quieter and less sketchy areas than Concord. Walnut Creek can get kinda snobby and is pretty damned white in general.

I've lived in all 3, they all have their pluses.

Pleasant Hill , California

Small Town Feel, Big City Access

Looklyloo Score: 84

Poet’s Corner

Families

Gregory Gardens

Families

Valhalla

Families