Welcome to Pleasant Hill
A vibrant downtown and scenic beauty … just east of the Bay
Nestled beneath an endless range of towering mountains and cool bay waters, Pleasant Hill is a growing, diverse, and convenient Northern California neighborhood. Homes closer to town are situated within tight-knit neighborhoods and are a short drive from anything and everything, while those a little farther out near the mountains enjoy larger, more spacious lots. The recent addition of entertainment options, many of which are situated in a beautiful outdoor setting, has brought more life to this already colorful community.
The area was first developed in the ‘20s, and boomed after the conclusion of the Second World War, like many other suburban communities across the nation. In 1991, the city began to redevelop the center of town so residents could benefit from having a true downtown district. This dream was finally realized at the turn of the millennium, with the completion of Downtown Pleasant Hill, an outdoor shopping center that resembles a true, picturesque Main Street district. Today, Pleasant Hill is thriving with the development of additional outdoor entertainment venues, the establishment of new local businesses, and the convenience of a BART station.
What to Love
- Vibrant downtown district with shopping, dining, and local businesses
- High concentration of outdoor recreation and entertainment
- Convenient location along Interstate 680
- Local BART station travels to Oakland and San Francisco
Local Lifestyle
Pleasant Hill is just 20 miles away from central Oakland. A wonderful public transportation system provides residents with a simple way to get into town. The BART train’s yellow line leaves from the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Station every 15 minutes. However, ample recreation can be found within the town. Downtown’s Crescent Plaza is conveniently located within the heart of Pleasant Hill and is home to several essential shops and tasty eateries. The Contra Costa Country Club features rolling green hills on their challenging, but fair course, which was recently renovated in 2015. A pool, on-site dining, and a lively social calendar are also benefits for club members. Other parks and festivals featuring live music and food trucks are also unique and fun parts of Pleasant Hill life.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
The Bay Area is home to some of the best cuisine in the nation, and the East Bay suburbs aren’t missing out on the fun. Great restaurants and shops are right in your own backyard.
Back Forty Texas BBQ has brought a taste of the Lone Star State to the west coast. Smoked ribs with all the fixings are served in cozy, unpretentious digs. In addition to the ribs, their brisket, garlic mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and hot links are other perfected additions to this southern-style feast.
Off the Grid aims to bring a locally curated lineup of pop-up food trucks, catering services, and further culinary options to parties and other events throughout the San Francisco Bay area. In addition to coordinating lunch markets, event offerings, and more, Off the Grid offers free food and disaster relief to local emergency personnel.
More food, dining, and shopping can be found within Crescent Plaza. Pleasant Hill’s vibrant downtown is home to a movie theater, casual eats, other more upscale dining options, and several nationally recognized shopping brands.
Things To Do
As the community of Pleasant Hill has grown over the years, so has the abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Many parks, such as Dinosaur Hill Park have become regular parts of local life. Consisting of 13 acres of wide-open spaces, panoramic views, and hiking trails, the park’s short yet satisfying hike rewards visitors with an amazing overlook of all of Contra Costa County and nearby Mount Diablo. More leisurely days can be spent at other local festivals, usually occurring at one of the other local parks. The Blues and Brews Festival is one of these, taking place each summer. Live music is enjoyed with craft beer in hand, featuring an impressive showcase of some of Northern California’s best breweries.
Schools
In addition to wonderful public schools, adults have convenient options to continue their own education. One campus in town is:
- Diablo Valley College; two campuses serving over 22,000 students offer over 75 degree and certificate programs
