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NYC feels and looks like London? Have you been to London? I was there and didn't feel that it was like NYC... I agree with the Boston sentiments though.
In all honesty, I don't think you're going to find a place in the U.S. that is a lot like Europe. Obviously, American culture is largely influenced by Europe, and various neighborhoods have a more European character, but Europe is so much older than the U.S. that there is little comparison. Unless you're willing to fork over a few million dollars for a townhouse in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, etc. or live in very small sections of larger cities, you probably won't find many areas with that European vibe, architecture and layout.
I would say the most European neighborhoods in the country are: Boston's Back Bay, Beacon Hill, North End, Shawmut, South End. However, these areas are very pricey.
Baltimore has some areas worth looking into such as Bolton Hill and Federal Hill.
If you don't mind living in smaller areas, you might want to look at Pittsburgh's Mexican War Streets, Germantown, Allegheny West, and South Side. The benefit of Pittsburgh is that it's dirt cheap (though much less than what you'll find in Boston or Baltimore).
For smaller cities, I would definitely look at Lancaster, PA. The core is filled with Georgian Revival townhouses along narrow streets that give it great little European flavor.
Eh...Boston feels like the UK, as far as architecture goes... not really rest of Europe though. Closest you are going to get is probably Quebec City. Anywhere in North America you go though, the culture is definitely NOT european. If you want Europe, go to Europe. Have you ever actually been there? Because trust me, you aren't going to get a feel for it by looking at pictures.
I think what you really want is just a better place in the U.S. ... There are many places, in fact entire regions of the country I would not want to live in, do not like pace of life, the cities nor the culture there... so, don't feel so bad. I can actually count on one hand the only cities in the U.S. I would consider living in so... the rest of the U.S. I'm not much of a fan of as far as living there goes. The same can be said for many posters on here.
I think many people grow up not liking where they live, hey, they didn't pick it, their parents did. I felt the same way and soon as I got a chance I got out of there. Most people do this when they finish h.s. or college.
I think we're missing the point. The OP needs a place that's affordable and would be a good place for a struggling young person.
I don't know much about Minneapolis but my gut tells me it might work out better than high priced est coast cities. Plus it has the cool weather the OP is looking for.
You have a very interesting story Moonfruit, very unusual. I applaud you for believing there is a better way, I assure you that you are correct. Believe in yourself, I do already from just your brief note.
OK, my suggestions.
Boston or New York are good possibilities for you, I'm sure you will be quite welcomed. Believe me, the East Coast is anything but too warm. You could learn a lot there. I do wonder if you could deal with the cold though. I must suggest however that living in any good city without at least some higher education will be hard financially. You'll need several thousand dollars just to move in. But there is so much more there in opportunities
In about six months you could have a certificate in any of many health care related fields which is great because you will work with great and caring people. Nursing school is awesome too. In less than two years you can start a career making 100K no kidding.
With just a basic career plan, good manners, and good english (no ghetto!), you could be very welcomed in many places.
I find it rather amusing that you went from a hostile ghetto school to a white school so over-friendly you couldn't deal! I know that's not funny to you at the moment but in the long run, it can and I'm sure will seem quite an amusing irony of life. Let me guess - you're actually very pretty - that's why all the white people are so friendly?
Also do keep in mind life can get a lot better once you escape high school. The losers, gangs, thugs, etc don't go to college so the environment is always way better. Also keep in mind no matter what type of high school school you go to or what type of person you are - rich poor black white - there are always cliques and rivalries and it's all rather ignorant. Life after high school just is better, embrace it don't be intimidated.
I want to feel like I'm in Europe and St. Paul MN looks like they have a lot of Swedish and German influence which I find very appealing! However I can't stand heat.
???
If you think Minnesota is too hot I'm afraid Alaska is the only place I can recommend.
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