Another of the Silicon Valley's hidden masterpiece communities is Los Altos. This Golden State town is 40 miles south of San Francisco and serves as a residential base for the Silicon Valley Region. It features tree-lined neighborhoods nestled together with a village atmosphere.

Los Altos was incorporated in 1952 as a general law city with a city council. Some residents are even involved with various appointed committees and commissions.

One of the town's great featuers is a leading program for recycling waste. In 1982, Los Altos was among the first townships in California to provide curbside residential recycling of bottles, cans, and newspapers. Newer additions to the recycling menu include motor oil and yard waste.

Despite the town's small size, it has a number of good recreational facilities including a youth theatre, senior center, and swimming club. For education there are a number of schools served by a major library and history museum. Shoppers can be at ease knowing that this small village is served by no less than seven retail areas developed with businesses, schools, libraries, and churches.

If you're working and Silicon Valley but don't want all the bustle of living in major cities like San Francisco or San Jose, consider Los Altos!