What's so European about San Francisco? (Montclair: houses, neighborhoods, living in)

[wealthtrader]

I hear many people refer the San Francisco as a very European city. I am wondering what this means.

Thanks in advance

[18Montclair]

What's funny is that Europeans themselves say this more than we do.

I think SF has a certain joie-de-vivre that is more reminiscient of Europe then American. Its the way San Franciscans celebrate good food and how San Franciscans make a big deal about maintaining the architectual integrity of its neighborhoods, not to mention the walkability. The cosmopolitan nature of the city is far more receptive to outsiders then other places. Sure, lots of places are very diverse, but its not a source of contention here.

Also,
I must admit that the snootiness of locals reminds me somewhat of Europe, and I mean that in the most positive way possible.

SF is a book and sidewalk cafe kind of town-not the fake sidewalk cafe but genuine one where people congregate....the neighborhood farmers markets and the like are all unapologetically unamerican.

The natural beauty of SF, the weather and terrain, not to mention how the city is situated on the bay and ocean, is very mediterraneanesque. But then LA and SD are the same imo.

When I was living in Europe, people doted over San Francisco more then I did and I used to find that odd. But at the same time, I was pleased that they liked my hometown.

[krudmonk]

walkability, flow of buildings, small streets, artsy stuff

It's not just fluff. I can see the similarities.

[beone]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

What's funny is that Europeans themselves say this more than we do.

I think SF has a certain joie-de-vivre that is more reminiscient of Europe then American. Its the way San Franciscans celebrate good food and how San Franciscans make a big deal about maintaining the architectual integrity of its neighborhoods, not to mention the walkability. The cosmopolitan nature of the city is far more receptive to outsiders then other places. Sure, lots of places are very diverse, but its not a source of contention here.

Also,
I must admit that the snootiness of locals reminds me somewhat of Europe, and I mean that in the most positive way possible.

SF is a book and sidewalk cafe kind of town-not the fake sidewalk cafe but genuine one where people congregate....the neighborhood farmers markets and the like are all unapologetically unamerican.

The natural beauty of SF, the weather and terrain, not to mention how the city is situated on the bay and ocean, is very mediterraneanesque. But then LA and SD are the same imo.

When I was living in Europe, people doted over San Francisco more then I did and I used to find that odd. But at the same time, I was pleased that they liked my hometown.

Well said. I am a European at heart. I had been to Europe many times before I visited San Francisco. My first day here I knew I had found the city of my dreams - so to speak. I have never felt more at home in the U.S. than I do in San Francisco.

[Milliano]

Is the street layout a part of it? I know it's all grids, but SF is like a mess of about 20 different grids puzzled together.

The density is probably quite European. In Europe, a city is a city, not a sprawled out auto-oriented metro.

[ImRandy]

Originally Posted by Milliano

The density is probably quite European. In Europe, a city is a city, not a sprawled out auto-oriented metro.

Nope, European cities are battling sprawl just like we are and have been for years. City centers throughout Europe are losing population to their suburbs and you have the pollution and traffic that goes with it.

Here are two link though if you search for European sprawl or a variant you'll find much much more.
European Sprawl
Sprawl

[Milliano]

Originally Posted by ImRandy

Nope, European cities are battling sprawl just like we are and have been for years. City centers throughout Europe are losing population to their suburbs and you have the pollution and traffic that goes with it.

Here are two link though if you search for European sprawl or a variant you'll find much much more.
European Sprawl
Sprawl

Those are really simplistic ways of looking at it. When taking into account overall metro and nationwide population change, there is a huge difference between the urban 'sprawl' in the USA versus the EU. Plus you have to consider the differences in previous and current density, and actual size of the city limits. For instance Liverpool is only about 1/4 the size of Detroit, and is twice as dense (population wise - who knows how many more jobs ). That first link doesn't even provide any real information. Four of the five cities it lists in Europe are from the same country! The most Americanized country in Europe!

[pistola916]

the density, narrow streets, street layout and the houses of course.

[Brian H]

We have a lot of Bums like Amsterdam

[gizmo980]

I should be insulted, but that last post was hilarious...