Pleasantville is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, located on the mainland immediately west of Atlantic City and the Atlantic Ocean. At the 2020 census, the city reported a population of 20,629, its highest decennial count to date. Pleasantville's history is inseparable from its position as a gateway to Atlantic City. In the 19th century, railroads — and to a lesser extent stagecoach roadways — carried passengers and freight through Pleasantville on the route between Philadelphia and the shore resort of Atlantic City. A regional trolley service, initiated in 1903, connected the area to Atlantic City and bridged the mainland to the shore, spurring commercial development along Main Street and bringing schools, banks, and retail establishments. After a 1976 New Jersey referendum legalized casino gambling, Pleasantville became a commuter town for workers in the Atlantic City casino district, a role that continues to shape its economy and character. Today, Pleasantville is a dense, diverse suburban city with a housing stock dominated by multifamily and rental properties, and a majority of residents rent their homes. The Pleasantville Public School District operates the city's public schools, including Pleasantville High School and several elementary and middle schools, which serve as central institutions in the community. NJ Transit bus service connects the city to Atlantic City and nearby towns, and the city sits close to the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway, providing regional access throughout South Jersey. Pleasantville appeals to residents seeking an affordable, transit-connected base near Atlantic City's employment, beaches, and attractions, with a diverse community and convenient access to the broader South Jersey shore region. Its position just outside the resort city gives it a distinctive role in the region's economy and daily life.