Famed as the “Hollywood of the North,” Pleasanton, CA, owns rich soil, an agricultural center, the USA’s oldest horse riding track, a lively downtown, several fine dining, retail centers, and business parks. You must be assured there’s something for every age, if you’re moving to Pleasanton, CA, alone or with family.
Incorporated in 1894, the most desperate town in the west, Pleasanton, was named after a major of the Union army, M.G. Alfred Pleasanton. Once known as a thriving agriculture area during the arrival of the Spanish in the 1770s, Pleasanton still holds a strong influence in agriculture and culinary scenes by holding several events like the Alamanda County fairgrounds, pleasant farmers market, Ruby Hill winery, Stoneridge shopping center and more.
If you are relocating to Pleasanton, CA, this blog post will help you prepare for the city’s necessities, knowledge, and drawbacks. So, start reading!
Quick Facts Before Moving To Pleasanton, California
Where Is Pleasanton, CA Located?
Pleasanton, California, is a city in Alameda County, part of the San Francisco Bay Area, about 25 miles east of Oakland. It is in the Amador Valley, approximately 6 miles west of Livermore.
Population In Pleasanton, CA
The estimated population of Pleasanton, California, in 2023 is 74,495 residents.
Pleasanton’s population has shown an annual decline of -2.43% since the past year.
Diversity In Pleasanton, CA
With a diversity score of 97 out of 100, the racial composition of Pleasanton, CA, is divided into the following groups.
- White: 43%.
- Asians: 39%
- Hispanics: 11%
- Two or more races: 4%
- African American: 2%
Cost Of Living In Pleasanton, CA
Pleasanton, California, has a much higher cost of living than the national average, with a cost of living index that is 95.5% more expensive than the average numbers. The essential Pleasanton cost of living stats are mentioned below.
- Housing is the main reason for the high cost of living in Pleasanton, being 218% higher than the national average, followed by other expenses like utility prices at 30%, transportation expenses at 34%, grocery prices at 30%, and healthcare at 28% higher than US average.
- The median household income in Pleasanton is $181,639 per annum.
- To live comfortably, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $280,080 for a family and $101,600 for a single person.
- The average cost of living in Pleasanton, CA, is $3700 per month, making it the most expensive city globally.
Here is a table summarizing the cost of living in Pleasanton, CA:
| Cost of Living Categories | Pleasanton, CA | National Average |
| Overall Cost of Living Index | 195.5 | 100 |
| Housing | 218% higher than the national average | 100 |
| Utilities | 130% of the national average | 100 |
| Transportation | 134% of the national average | 100 |
| Groceries | 130% of the national average | 100 |
| Healthcare | 128% of the national average | 100 |
Housing Market In Pleasanton, CA
The housing market in Pleasanton, CA, is highly competitive but has rental prices that are less expensive than in other parts of the Bay Area. Therefore, prior to moving to Pleasanton, CA, it is essential to secure a rental home or a new home if your budget permits.
The critical information regarding housing and rental prices in Pleasanton are as follows:
- The homes in Pleasanton sell quickly, often receiving multiple offers in around 8.5 days.
- The average home cost in Pleasanton is about $1.68 million, reflecting a 6.3% increase from the previous year.
- The median home value is $1,582,884, and the median list price per square foot is $831.
- In Pleasanton, the homeownership rate is 67.54%, from which approximately 32.46% of the population in Pleasanton are renters.
The average rental prices in Pleasanton, CA:
- The average rent for an apartment is $2,834.
- Studio apartment average rent range: $2,048 to $3,458.
- 1-bedroom apartment average rent range: $2,048 to $3,458.
- 3-bedroom house rent range: $2,200 to $6,200
- 4-bedroom house rent range: $3,400 to $8,000
Job Market In Pleasanton, CA
Pleasanton, California, has experienced positive employment growth, with a 0.792% increase from 2020 to 2021, reaching 40.3k employees. If you’re moving to Pleasanton, CA, for a job, you’ll be able to find a job easily once you get there.
The Tri-Valley Career Center (TVCC) is an excellent resource for job seekers and businesses in Pleasanton, CA. The center offers various services to help people find jobs and grow their businesses, including career counseling, job training, and business assistance.
The unemployment rate in Pleasanton is 3.8%, indicating a relatively healthy job market.
Long-term projections suggest that employment in Pleasanton is expected to grow by 16% by 2040.
- The average salary in Pleasanton is $108,000.
- The average household income in Pleasanton is $214,158, while the median household income ranges between $167,932 and $181,639.
- The average male salary is $106,679, and the female average wage is $57,692.
Top Employers In Pleasanton, CA
- Safeway
- Vons
- Spotless
- Workday
- The Cooper Companies
- Zoho
- WebNMS
- Veeva Systems
- ICE Mortgage Technology
- Natus
Most Common Job Titles In Pleasanton, CA
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Cashier
- Administrative Assistant
- Project Manager
- Internship
- Assistant Manager
Highest Paying Jobs In Pleasanton, CA
| Job Title | Salary |
| Psychiatrist | $275,997 |
| Internal Medicine Physician | $231,381 |
| Vice President Of Engineering | $209,890 |
| Chief Executive Officer | $202,719 |
| Senior Director | $198,713 |
| Vice President, Business Development | $196,607 |
| Product Management Director | $195,763 |
| Engineering Director | $193,848 |
| Physician | $193,454 |
| Vice President | $189,178 |
Is It Safe To Live in Pleasanton, CA?
Pleasanton ranked as the 33rd safest city in California, determined by FBI crime report statistics and calculating crime rates per 1,000 people.
- Pleasanton, California, crime rates are above the national average but below similar-sized U.S. cities, with a 1 in 54 chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime.
- Property crime, the most common, occurs at a rate of 1,768 incidents per 100,000 residents, covering burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
- Violent crimes are less frequent, with a rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 residents, including assault, robbery, and rape, with no reported murders.
- Crime rates within Pleasanton vary, ranging from a 1 in 29 chance in northeast neighborhoods to a 1 in 88 chance in the southwest part of the city.
Safest Neighborhoods In Pleasanton, CA
- Southwest Pleasanton
- Ruby Hill / Happy Valley
- Oak Hill / Carlton Oaks
- Sunol
- Pleasant Meadows / Fairlands Park
- Del Prado
- Vintage Hills
How Fast Can You Commute In Pleasanton, CA?
The average one-way commute time in Pleasanton, California, is approximately 34.2 minutes, exceeding the national average.
Pleasanton offers various public transportation options, including:
- Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (Wheels) provides local transit services in the Tri-Valley area.
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connects Pleasanton to the San Francisco Peninsula and other East Bay cities, with two stations along Interstate 580.
- The Altamont Commuter Express (ACE Rail) offers commuter service from Stockton to San Jose through Pleasanton, with the station located at 4950 Pleasanton Avenue.
- Amtrak Capitol Corridor provides daily service between the Sacramento region and the Bay Area.
- Several bus lines, including 10R, 8, 606, 605, and 611, serve Pleasanton’s transportation needs.
How Is The Weather In Pleasanton, CA?
Pleasanton, California, has a Mediterranean climate featuring warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The city has two primary seasons:
- Hot Season: Lasting approximately 3.8 months, from June 12 to October 6, with an average daily high temperature exceeding 80°F.
- Winter Season: Extending for about 2.9 months, from November 26 to February 23, with an average daily high temperature below 62°F.
- July is the hottest month, with an average high of 85°F and a low of 58°F.
- January is the coldest, with an average low of 41°F and a high of 58°F.
- Pleasanton receives an average of 18.7 inches of rainfall annually, with December being the wettest month, registering an average of 91 mm (3.6 inches) of precipitation. The city experiences dry periods from May to October.
- The city enjoys approximately 264 sunny days annually, with the most apparent period starting around May 20 and lasting for 5.2 months, concluding around October 26.
- The best time to visit Pleasanton, CA, is March to May and July to October.
How Much Are The Taxes In Pleasanton, CA?
The tax rates in Pleasanton, CA, are:
- Sales tax: 10.25% (combination of California’s state sales tax is 6%, Alameda County sales tax is 0.25%, and the special district tax is 3%)
- Income tax: 1%-12.3%
- Property tax: 1.2% of assessed value.
Education System In Pleasanton, CA
Pleasanton, California, boasts a highly regarded education system, particularly the Pleasanton Unified School District, which is ranked as the top school district in Alameda County. This district serves 14,084 students across 16 schools, including nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools.
- The student-teacher ratio in the Pleasanton Unified School District is 23:1, slightly above the California state average of 22:1.
- Regarding academic performance, a significant percentage of students—75% in math and 79% in reading—are at least proficient.
- Pleasanton school’s average test scores, at 73%, surpass both the California and national averages.
- Education costs in Pleasanton vary, such as the tuition for entire school day programs at Stratford School, a local private institution, which is $24,305 for elementary school (1st-5th grade).
Best Middle Schools In Pleasanton, CA
- Thomas S. Hart Middle School
- Harvest Park Middle School
- Pleasanton Middle School
Best Elementary Schools In Pleasanton, CA
- Henry P. Mohr Elementary
- Fairlands Elementary
- Phoebe Apperson Hearst Elementary
- Vintage Hills Elementary
- Donlon Elementary
- Walnut Grove Elementary
Best High Schools In Pleasanton, CA
- Amador Valley High School
- Foothill High School
- Village High School
Best Universities And Colleges In Pleasanton, CA
- Las Positas College
- California State University-East Bay
- Life Chiropractic College West
- Carrington College-San Leandro Campus
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Fremon
What Are The Best Things To Do In Pleasanton, CA?
The places to explore and things to see in Pleasanton, CA, are:
- Explore the bustling Pleasanton Farmers’ Market for fresh produce and local goodies.
- Visit Ruby Hill Winery to enjoy wine tasting and enjoy scenic vineyard views.
- Shop and dine at the expansive Stoneridge Shopping Center, which has various stores and restaurants.
- Experience events at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, including the annual Alameda County Fair.
- Learn about Pleasanton’s history at the Museum on Main, featuring exhibits in the Tri-Valley area.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and picnicking at Shadow Cliffs Recreation Area.
- Stroll through the charming Downtown Pleasanton, known for its restaurants, boutiques, and shops.
- Discover the history of Amador Valley at Alviso Adobe Community Park, showcasing its transition from ranching to suburban living.
- Immerse yourself in the arts at the Firehouse Arts Center, offering a variety of performances, exhibits, and classes.
Best Neighbourhoods In Pleasanton, CA
The best places to live in Pleasanton, CA, are
- Ruby Hill
- Vintage Hills
- Birdland
- Downtown Pleasanton
- Mohr Park
- Kottinger Ranch
- Del Prado
- Stoneridge Park
- Valencia
- Las Positas Gardens.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Pleasanton, CA
Lastly, before you move to Pleasanton, CA, here are the pros and cons of living in the city to help you get the lay of the land:
| Pros Of Living In Pleasanton | Cons Of Living In Pleasanton |
| Safety: Pleasanton has a total crime rate that is 34% lower than the national average. | High Cost of Living: The cost of living in Pleasanton is significantly higher than the national average. |
| Quality Education: Pleasanton has some of the best public schools in California. | Housing Costs: The city’s median home price is $1,522,473. |
| Employment Opportunities: Home to many major companies, providing significant employment opportunities. | Less Diversity: Pleasanton is not as diverse as some other areas. |
| Vibrant Downtown: The city has a lively and scenic downtown area with almost 700 businesses. | Urban Feel: Pleasanton has an urban feel, which can be faster-paced than the surrounding suburban areas. |
Conclusion
Before moving to California, you should weigh the pros and cons of Pleasanton. It will be beneficial to learn everything you can about the city. Pleasanton is a great place to live. It has much to offer, including many jobs, a great education system, a low crime rate, and a high quality of life. The only downside is the high cost of living, but that’s a small price for all the city offers. So, if you plan on moving to Pleasanton, CA, have a great move!
Photo Credit: FASTILY, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons