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Pleasant Hill,CA Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Pleasant Hill, CA

Pleasant Hill, CA, is a charming city nestled in Contra Costa County, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic, suburban feel. Whether you’re moving in or just exploring, the best neighborhoods in Pleasant Hill offer a blend of cozy homes, lush parks, and convenient amenities. From quiet cul-de-sacs to lively streets lined with shops and cafes, the Pleasant Hill neighborhoods map reveals a variety of options to suit different lifestyles. With its proximity to San Francisco and Oakland, Pleasant Hill provides the perfect balance between small-town calm and big-city accessibility.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

One of the standout features of Pleasant Hill's neighborhoods is their strong sense of safety and community. Many areas boast lower crime rates compared to neighboring cities, making them highly desirable for families and retirees. Neighborhoods like Gregory Gardens and Pine Creek are particularly well-known for their stability and active neighborhood watch programs. Local police services are responsive and visible, contributing to a secure environment where residents feel comfortable walking their dogs or letting kids play outside. This safety factor is often a key reason why these neighborhoods consistently top the list of the best neighborhoods in Pleasant Hill.

The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods

Pleasant Hill’s neighborhoods each have their own unique personality and architectural style. The downtown area, for example, offers a mix of townhomes and apartments alongside charming local shops, giving it a vibrant, urban feel. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Walnut Creek Estates feature traditional single-family homes with spacious yards and tree-lined streets, perfect for those who love a more suburban vibe. The city’s culture is family-oriented but also embraces diversity, with community events such as the annual Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival bringing residents together. The Pleasant Hill neighborhoods map highlights these distinct zones, helping newcomers find the perfect fit based on their preferences.

Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility

Transportation in Pleasant Hill is convenient, especially for commuters. The Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART station is a major hub, providing quick access to San Francisco, Oakland, and other parts of the Bay Area. Many neighborhoods are within a short drive or bike ride to this station, making them attractive for professionals who work in the city but prefer suburban living. Additionally, the city is served by several bus lines and has well-maintained bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. Whether you rely on public transit or prefer driving, Pleasant Hill’s layout ensures you can get around with ease.

Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots

When it comes to dining and social life, Pleasant Hill shines with its eclectic mix of eateries and gathering spots. The downtown core and areas near the BART station are buzzing with cafes, wine bars, and family-friendly restaurants. Popular spots like Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen and Taproom and the Con Amore Ristorante Italiano draw locals looking for great food and a welcoming atmosphere. For a more laid-back vibe, neighborhoods close to Pleasant Hill Park offer picnic spots and outdoor activities that are perfect for weekend socializing. These hotspots make certain neighborhoods more popular, especially among young professionals and families looking to enjoy a vibrant, community-based lifestyle.

What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?

Many people don’t realize just how much Pleasant Hill’s neighborhoods offer beyond the basics. For example, the city is home to Diablo Valley College, which brings a youthful energy and educational opportunities to the area. Also, hidden gems like the Pleasant Hill Community Center host classes, events, and workshops that foster community engagement. Nature lovers appreciate the extensive trail networks and parks like Lime Ridge Open Space, which offer stunning views and a peaceful retreat. Exploring the Pleasant Hill neighborhoods map can reveal these lesser-known treasures, making the city a wonderful place to live and explore.

Pleasant Hill Demographics

Population 34,504
Density (People/sqml.) 4,877
Median Age 42.0
Married Couples
51%
51% of the population of Pleasant Hill aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
29%
29% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Ellinwood 39.9 24% $635,300 $171,339 3.7
College Park 46.6 30% $684,167 $104,250 4.1
Ridgeview 52.6 21.8% $939,533 $170,539 5.5
Camelback 38.3 26.8% $642,900 $103,636 5.7
Diablo Valley Estates 53.6 18.9% $923,450 $163,933 5.7
Shannon Hills 44.1 40% $1,038,600 $183,218 5.7
West Sherman Acres 37.5 24.3% $762,150 $141,328 5.8
Valley High 53 23.5% $957,325 $159,987 6.1
Saddle Ridge 49 27.1% $950,275 $151,279 6.4
Gregory Gardens 42.3 31.4% $905,173 $144,689 6.9

Pleasant Hill neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Pleasant Hill—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Pleasant Hill, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Pleasant Hill

Violent Crime 34% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 129% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 101% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Pleasant Hill
/100k
CA
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 2 6.0 4.5 5.0
Rape 4 11.9 36.6 37.5
Robbery 34 101.4 119.1 60.6
Assault 39 116.3 325.8 256.1
Total Violent Crime 79 236 486 359
Burglary 92 274.3 305.8 229.2
Theft 1,147 3,419.9 1,345.2 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 111 331.0 427.5 258.8
Total Property Crime 1,350 4,025 2,078 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 1,429 4,261 2,564 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.