Pleasant Hill

As its name implies, the town of Pleasant Hill is both peaceful and bucolic, a scenic suburb with plenty of beautiful parks and trails to enjoy. This small suburb of San Francisco is the perfect place for families and anyone who loves spending time outdoors.

Originally acres of agricultural land, Pleasant Hill was developed in the 1920s and officially incorporated in 1961. The area maintained a small-town feel with no formally-established downtown until 2000 when the arrival of a major shopping center created Downtown Pleasant Hill.

Today, Pleasant Hill is a thriving and beautiful suburb in the East Bay, home to lots of great restaurants and shops. You’ll find elegant and spacious homes near Pleasant Hill’s downtown area, many of which feature fantastic luxury amenities. Overall, home prices skew lower in Pleasant Hill compared to other suburbs in the Bay Area.

What to Love

• Green parks and outdoor trails

• Peaceful and quiet

• Thriving downtown area

• Small-town community feel

People & Lifestyle

Pleasant Hill’s atmosphere is, as its name implies, very calm and peaceful. With rolling hills, beautiful views, and lush green parks, it’s easy to feel at home here. While the town is quiet, it’s never boring—there are lots of exciting community events to enjoy, where residents can meet neighbors and make new friends.

Young families love living in Pleasant Hill. The town has a great quality of life, with a fabulous school system that’s located in close proximity to major cities like Oakland and San Francisco. Kids can enjoy outdoor activities in Pleasant Hill’s beautiful parks.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Over the past decades, Pleasant Hill has become a great place to enjoy a delicious meal or spend a fun day shopping. From a major shopping center to a wide variety of restaurants, there’s always something to do in Pleasant Hill.

Pleasant Hill is known for its Downtown Pleasant Hill shopping center, where you can visit many of your favorite retail destinations. Catch a movie at Cinemark, take a class at Club Pilates, or shop at retail chains Michaels or Ulta. If you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat, Downtown Pleasant Hill is also home to beloved chains like Chipotle or Five Guys.

Spend time with family and friends at Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, a lively family-owned-and-operated grill serving up American fare. For a fantastic barbecue, try Slow Hand BBQ, where you can enjoy smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or tri-tip. Residents also love ordering takeout from Nama, a delightful sushi spot downtown, or picking up seafood or deli fare from Escape from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Things to Do

There’s always something exciting happening in Pleasant Hill! Make new friends and enjoy food and music at some of Pleasant Hill’s best events, no matter what time of year it is.

In the summertime, locals can enjoy a musical performance at Pleasant Hill’s Sunset by the Lake summer concert series or get festive at the annual Fourth of July celebration. The community comes together for the Art, Wine & Music Festival, a celebration of all things artistic featuring performances, exhibits, and food vendors.

If you’re looking for a great catering opportunity for your next event, look into Pleasant Hill business Off the Grid, a food truck provider that works with hundreds of food and beverage partners to create a fantastic catering experience. There are also plenty of parks in Pleasant Hill to explore, including Birchview Park, which is great for kids, and Mission Oaks Park, a great place to picnic with the whole family.

Schools

Pleasant Hill is zoned in the Mount Diablo Unified School District and is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

• College Park High School

• Diablo Valley College