5) Mill Valley
Nestled among the Redwoods, Mill Valley is one of the most beautiful places to live in California. Located 11 miles to the north of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, the city sits on the southeastern slopes of Mount Tamalpais, and is encompassed by hundreds of acres of regional, state and national parks. The residents of Mill Valley pride themselves for their conservation efforts; and are dedicated to preserving the natural environment for future generations. This pervasive commitment to protecting the natural habitat is seen in the city’s numerous community projects designed to safeguard the hundreds of species of wildlife and fauna that live in the surrounding park lands. In addition to its long-standing dedication to maintaining the natural surroundings, Mill Valley also prides itself on community programs that promote the visual and performing arts. In fact, some of the city’s better known residents have included Jerry Garcia and Janis Joplin.
