Top 16+ Best Places To Retire in the US That Feel Like Europe

Hermann, Missouri

Herman is located in an area known as the "Missouri Rhineland" because of its geographical resemblance to the German region. The town itself hosts events such as the Wurst Fest and Oktoberfest. Five city blocks are still dedicated to traditional German architecture, including the Deutschheim State Historic Site.

Holland, Michigan

Because of its name, Holland aims to conjure up images of the Netherlands through its Dutch Village and the DeZwaan Windmill, which The Parking Spot calls the "only authentic, working, Dutch windmill" in the United States. Holland is also known for its annual Tulip Time Festival.

Montpelier, Vermont

Travel + Leisure likens the nation's smallest state capital to a "French countryside village" thanks to its farmers markets, quaint shops, green hills and "smattering" of traditional European architecture. Montpelier's name itself is a nod to the strong friendship early European settlers had with France.

New Orleans

The Big Easy's French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, might be the most European place in the country because of its design, French and Spanish architecture and deeply embedded French culture. That culture includes French street names, French-inspired cuisine and Francocentric holiday celebrations such as Mardi Gras and Bastille Day.

New Ulm, Minnesota

New Ulm's population is more than 50% German American, according to Travel + Leisure, and the city boasts a brewery (founded by a German immigrant) that ranks as one of the country's oldest. New Ulm is also home to a glockenspiel, which adds to the German vibe.

Pella, Iowa

As The Parking Spot noted, Pelll's tagline is "A Touch of Holland." The town's culture and architecture have numerous Western Europe influences, including brightly colored buildings, a windmill and a centrally located canal.

Santa Barbara, California

This Instagram-ready coastal community has been called the "American Riviera" because of the resemblance its beaches have to the French coastline. Spanish influences are even bigger here thanks to Old Mission Santa Barbara, where you'll find numerous white stucco and red-tiled rooftops.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine's main claim to fame is being the oldest city in the U.S., having been founded by Spanish explorers in 1565 -- 42 years before the English colonized Jamestown and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Today you'll still see plenty of Spanish architecture and influences, including the Castillo de San Marcos and the colonial Spanish quarter.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Here is another Florida city with a European vibe, only in Tarpon Springs that vibe is Greek rather than Spanish. The city has a large Greek American population, which means you'll find plenty of Greek food and culture along with a Greek village and sponge docks.