Considering Pleasant Valley, Iowa for your next move? This highly-rated community boasts A+ schools and exceptional safety records, making it one of the most desirable locations for individuals and families in Iowa.
Choosing the right place to call home involves weighing dozens of factors, from school quality to safety records. Pleasant Valley, Iowa, consistently emerges as a top contender for families seeking a high-quality suburban lifestyle in the Midwest.
Pleasant Valley Township receives an overall Niche Grade of A, positioning it among the best places to live in Iowa. This rating reflects the community's strength across multiple categories that matter most to families. The township earns an A+ grade for families specifically, supported by top-tier public schools and abundant recreational opportunities.
The community provides a dense suburban feel where 76% of residents own their homes, creating stability and neighborhood investment. With a population of 41,104, Pleasant Valley maintains the perfect balance between small-town charm and suburban amenities.
"Beyond housing, Pleasant Valley offers numerous parks and recreational facilities that contribute to its family-friendly atmosphere," said Sara DeWulf Realtor, a local real estate company that's experiencing an uptick in inquiries from prospective relocators. "The township's location as a suburb of Davenport provides easy access to larger city amenities while maintaining a quieter residential environment."
The Pleasant Valley Community School District stands as one of Iowa's premier educational systems, with high proficiency scores in math (85%) and reading (86%). These exceptional academic results directly contribute to the area's appeal for families prioritizing their children's education.
Pleasant Valley High School's #2 ranking out of 328 Iowa public high schools demonstrates the district's commitment to academic excellence. This prestigious ranking considers factors including test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and student-teacher ratios. The high school's performance creates a strong foundation for students pursuing higher education or entering the workforce.
The school's success translates into real outcomes for students, with graduates consistently gaining admission to competitive colleges and universities. This academic reputation enhances property values throughout the district and attracts families who prioritize educational quality.
Hopewell Elementary and Pleasant View Elementary both receive A+ ratings from Niche, establishing the district's excellence from the earliest grades. These top-tier elementary schools provide the foundational education that supports the high school's outstanding performance.
Pleasant View Elementary maintains a perfect 5-out-of-5 rating from parents, while Hopewell Elementary consistently ranks among Iowa's best elementary schools. The elementary schools' success creates a seamless educational pipeline that benefits students throughout their academic careers.
Safety represents a primary concern for families choosing where to live, and Pleasant Valley delivers exceptional security. The community is safer than 94% of cities in the United States, with a crime rate of just 11.05 per 1,000 residents annually. This low crime rate significantly enhances quality of life for residents of all ages.
The cost of crime per resident averages $184 annually, substantially lower than both national and Iowa state averages. This financial impact demonstrates how Pleasant Valley's safety record provides both peace of mind and economic benefits to residents. Lower crime costs often translate to reduced insurance premiums and higher property values.
The township's safety record stems from effective community policing, engaged residents, and proactive crime prevention programs. Local law enforcement maintains strong relationships with community members, creating an environment where neighbors look out for each other.
Pleasant Valley's housing market reflects both opportunity and value for prospective residents. The median listing price in September 2025 reached $350,000, representing a significant shift in the local real estate landscape.
While Pleasant Valley homes command premium prices compared to some Iowa markets, the current pricing remains accessible for families seeking high-quality amenities without extreme cost premiums found in major metropolitan areas. The housing market shows homes selling for approximately the asking price on average, indicating a balanced market where buyers can negotiate effectively without excessive competition.
For residents preferring rental options, Pleasant Valley offers rental opportunities that accommodate various lifestyle preferences and budget requirements. The rental market provides diverse options, with 24% of residents choosing to rent rather than own.
Rental options range from affordable apartments to single-family homes, accommodating various lifestyle preferences and budget requirements. The strong rental market also supports residents who may be transitioning to homeownership or relocating for temporary work assignments.
The 10.2% year-over-year price decrease in September 2025 creates opportunities for buyers who may have been priced out of the market in previous years. This adjustment reflects broader market conditions and provides entry points for new residents.
The price decrease doesn't indicate declining desirability but rather market normalization after previous appreciation periods. Buyers can take advantage of this timing to secure homes in a community that maintains its fundamental strengths in education, safety, and amenities.
Pleasant Valley residents enjoy median household income of $105,684, substantially higher than the national median of $78,538. This income advantage of nearly $27,000 annually provides families with greater financial flexibility and lifestyle options.
The higher income levels reflect the community's educated workforce, with 51.7% holding bachelor's degrees or higher. These education levels exceed national averages and contribute to the area's economic stability and growth potential.
Strong household incomes support local businesses, schools, and community organizations. The economic foundation enables Pleasant Valley to maintain high-quality public services and amenities that improve daily life for all residents.
Pleasant Valley cultivates a strong sense of community that residents consistently praise. The township maintains what one resident describes as a "Mayberry feel" where neighbors know each other and community engagement remains high.
The area features numerous bars and parks that serve as gathering places for residents. These community spaces facilitate connections between neighbors and provide venues for local events and celebrations throughout the year.
“Pleasant Valley appeals to buyers who want a quiet, upscale community that still offers quick access to the Quad Cities. It is a great fit for families and professionals who value strong schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and long-term stability,” a team member at Sara DeWulf Realtor added.
