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💎 Best Metro Value

Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Exceptional Value • Quality Homes • Southeast Polk Schools

10K+ Population
$280K Median Price
8/10 School Rating
15 min To Downtown

Welcome to Pleasant Hill

Where quality meets affordability in the Des Moines metro

The Smart Value Choice

Pleasant Hill is the Des Moines metro's best-kept secret for buyers seeking quality without premium pricing. Located just southeast of Des Moines, Pleasant Hill offers well-maintained homes, good schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy highway access — all at prices significantly lower than Ankeny, West Des Moines, or Waukee.

What sets Pleasant Hill apart is the value proposition. Similar homes in more expensive suburbs cost $50K-$100K more, yet Pleasant Hill delivers excellent Southeast Polk schools, new home construction, and a growing community feel.

Located near I-80 and Highway 65, Pleasant Hill offers easy commutes to downtown Des Moines (15 minutes), East-side employers, and quick access to Altoona's shopping and entertainment. You get convenience, quality, and value — a rare combination in today's market.

Quick Facts

  • County: Polk County
  • ZIP Code: 50327
  • School District: Southeast Polk CSD
  • Founded: 1956
  • Population: 10,000+
  • Median Income: $78,000
  • Crime Rate: Low
  • Character: Value-focused
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 10,000+ Residents
🏠 $280K Median Home Price
📚 8/10 School Rating
💰 Best Metro Value

💎 Why Pleasant Hill Offers Exceptional Value

Smart buyers are discovering what Pleasant Hill residents have known for years: you don't need to overpay to get quality of life. Here's the math that makes Pleasant Hill compelling:

$50K-$100K Less

Compared to similar homes in Ankeny, West Des Moines, or Waukee. Real money for savings or renovations.

Same Quality

New construction from same builders. Modern layouts, energy efficiency, warranties.

Good Schools

Southeast Polk CSD rates 8/10 — excellent education without premium pricing.

Lower Taxes

Property taxes are lower than many neighboring communities. More house for your payment.

Easy Commute

15 minutes to downtown Des Moines via I-80/Highway 65. Access to all metro jobs.

Strong Appreciation

Steady 4-5% annual appreciation. Investment potential is excellent as community grows.

The Pleasant Hill Advantage: Buy a 2,000 sq ft home for $280K that would cost $350K+ in Ankeny or $380K+ in West Des Moines. Invest the $70K-$100K savings in retirement, college funds, or home improvements. That's smart homebuying.

Southeast Polk Schools

Solid academic performance with strong community support

Elementary
Multiple Options
8/10
Strong foundation
Middle School
Southeast Polk JH
8/10
Consistent quality
High School
Southeast Polk HS
8/10
Rams Pride!

🎓 Academic Quality

  • Consistent 8/10 ratings across grades
  • 93%+ graduation rate
  • Growing AP and honors programs
  • Strong career and technical education
  • College and career readiness focus
  • Improving test scores year-over-year

🏆 Activities & Sports

  • Southeast Polk Rams (competitive athletics)
  • State-qualifying programs
  • Band and music programs
  • Theater and fine arts
  • Wide range of extracurriculars
  • Growing program offerings

📚 The Value of Southeast Polk Schools

Southeast Polk schools deliver solid 8/10 education without the price premium of 9/10 districts. For many families, the difference between 8/10 and 9/10 doesn't justify paying $50K-$100K more for a home. Southeast Polk students go to quality colleges, succeed in careers, and get excellent preparation — all while their families save significantly on housing costs.

Pleasant Hill Lifestyle

Convenient suburban living with nearby attractions

🏞️ Parks & Recreation

Growing parks and outdoor spaces:

  • Multiple neighborhood parks
  • Walking and biking trails
  • Youth sports programs
  • Close to Jester Park (3,000 acres)
  • Access to Saylorville Lake
  • Outdoor recreation year-round

🛍️ Shopping & Services

Convenient access to everything:

  • Altoona (5 min) - major shopping
  • Adventureland Resort
  • Prairie Meadows Casino
  • Bass Pro Shops
  • Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart nearby
  • Growing local businesses

🎉 Family Entertainment

Close to major attractions:

  • Adventureland amusement park
  • Prairie Meadows entertainment
  • Altoona movie theater
  • Jester Park camping & trails
  • Saylorville Lake boating/fishing
  • Family-friendly events

🚗 Easy Commute Access

Strategic location for metro access:

  • I-80 access (2 minutes)
  • Highway 65 nearby
  • Downtown Des Moines: 15 min
  • East Des Moines employers: 10 min
  • Airport: 20 minutes
  • Altoona: 5 minutes

Pleasant Hill Real Estate Market

December 2025 — Strong growth with excellent value proposition

$280K Median Home Price
↗️ Up 4.8% YoY
28 Days on Market
⚡ Steady Movement
97% Sale to List Price
💪 Balanced Market

💡 Sarah's Market Insights

Pleasant Hill's market is defined by value — buyers come here intentionally seeking affordability without compromising quality. The $280K median price is $40K-$95K below comparable suburbs. New construction dominates recent growth, with builders offering modern homes at lower price points than west-side suburbs. The market moves at a moderate pace (28 days average), giving buyers time to make informed decisions. Appreciation has been strong at 4-5% annually. Most activity occurs in the $250K-$325K range. Best opportunities: new construction in developing subdivisions and 2000s-2010s homes needing cosmetic updates.

⚠️ Insurance Considerations for Pleasant Hill

As a property insurance expert with 10+ years of experience, I help buyers identify potential insurability issues BEFORE making an offer. Here's what to know about Pleasant Hill:

✅ Excellent Insurability

Pleasant Hill's housing stock is predominantly newer (post-2000). Modern building codes, energy-efficient systems, fewer age-related issues. Carriers love insuring newer homes.

🌪️ Iowa Weather Risk

Like all of Iowa, Pleasant Hill experiences severe weather. Hail and wind damage are concerns. Most Pleasant Hill roofs are newer, which is ideal. Verify any storm damage has been repaired.

💧 Minimal Flood Risk

Pleasant Hill generally sits above flood zones. Some properties near Four Mile Creek may have considerations, but flood insurance rarely required. Verify FEMA status during due diligence.

🏗️ New Construction Benefits

Buying new? You get builder warranties PLUS insurance rates 20-30% lower than older homes. Modern systems mean fewer claims and better premiums.

💰 Competitive Rates

Expect $900-$1,300/year for typical Pleasant Hill home ($280K value). Newer homes see rates at the lower end. Shop multiple carriers for best rates.

✅ Sarah's Pre-Purchase Review

For Pleasant Hill buyers, I verify: roof condition, HVAC function, electrical capacity, foundation condition, drainage systems, and FEMA flood zone status. Even new construction can have issues!

🎯 Bottom Line for Pleasant Hill Buyers

Pleasant Hill homes are among the easiest to insure in the Des Moines metro thanks to newer construction. Budget $900-$1,300/year — among the lowest insurance costs in the region. My insurance expertise ensures smooth closing without coverage issues. Another advantage of choosing Pleasant Hill!

Pleasant Hill Homes for Sale

Current listings featuring the metro's best value

🏠 Find Your Pleasant Hill Home

Browse current Pleasant Hill listings or get personalized recommendations.

Search Pleasant Hill Homes

Ready for Smart Value in Pleasant Hill?

Let Sarah help you find quality homes at prices that make financial sense

Schedule a Consultation 📞 Call 563-513-8771
Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® - Pleasant Hill Real Estate Expert

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

Your Pleasant Hill value expert. I help buyers find quality homes at affordable prices and use my property insurance background to identify potential issues before they become problems.

📞 563-513-8771
✉️ [email protected]