What cities in the U.S. feel similar to European cities?

I am looking to move to a city that would be similar to a European city like Paris, London, or Rome. I was just wondering what are some of the cities in the U.S. that are similar culturally to European cities? -You would say that Paris is similar to New York, what other cities in the U.S. are similar to European cities? What is a good area in the U.S. that is close to a large city, close to water, and beautiful scenery and rural life isn't too far away? What are some of the best cities to live in and what are they known for?

Public Comments

1. New Orleans is probably the US city most like cities in Europe, in terms of architecture, ambience, and culture. http://frenchquarter.com/ NOLA also has the other elements you ask about, but it may or may not be what you are looking for. Good luck!
2. I haven't been to Boston but I've had people tells me it looks European. http://www.postcardsandtrains.com/Boston_old_street.jpg Most of New England is close to the ocean, has large cities and rural towns.
3. None of the many places I've been to in the US particularly remind me of the European cities I've visited in the ten years I've been living here, including New Orleans. I would agree that it comes the closer than most though. However, if you extend to the rest of North America, Montreal would be a good bet.
4. I'm originally from the US (and well-travelled there, I've lived in many states) and moved to Europe after high school (also well-travelled and have lived in several countries). Some American cities may resemble European cities in one (or a few) aspects, but nowhere in the US is much like anywhere I've been in Europe. I honestly don't think Paris is anything like New York. The atmosphere and interactions are so very different. Architecturally, New Orleans and a few cities on the southeastern coast (Charleston SC, Savannah GA) look the most like an "Old World" European city. There are more similarities regarding traditional food and some of the culture. However, modern life in these cities is nothing like Europe. Boston probably feels the most like a European city as you walk around it. It reminds me a little of Dublin or a mid-sized city in the UK. Portland OR and San Francisco feel the most like a European city regarding daily life and attitudes. Most of my European-born friends from various countries say that San Francisco reminds them most of home. Great public transportation, more liberal attitudes (but still very distinctly American), progressive yet traditional (as in less mainstream, more back-to-basics). Portland doesn't look anything like Europe, but it has a little of the same atmosphere. San Francisco has a bit of Mediterranean feel. I still wouldn't call any of these cities similar, but I think Boston, San Francisco or Portland would be my personal choices based on your criteria. There's a great site online that asks you questions and gives you a list of the best cities for you based on your responses. You have to register to get the results, but they include a detailed city guide that is worth the effort. According to it, I should be living in Honolulu, which is okay with me. http://findyourspot.com/
5. San Francisco has a lot of the European feel. Older architecture, culture etc. They are also sister cities with Paris and Zurich.
6. As someone who has travelled throughout Europe and the U.S., it's not to be blunt, but sometimes it's best to move somewhere DIFFERENT because then you have to adapt to a new environment. If it's too 'familiar', be it for linguistic, religious or any other reason, then you haven't really left home ..