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Are there any cities in the U.S. that resemble the ambiance of Amsterdam in:
-Similar architecture
-Similar surroundings (like vondelpark and near bodies of water)
-Museums and other cultural aspects
- Metro area with small town feeling (no skyscrapers, streets weren't very crowded when I was there)
- liberal attitude
- Good public transportation
I feel like I can't really word it and I know that a lot of cities in the US have great culture and liberal attitude, but don't really resemble Amsterdam. From browsing around, a good example of what I'm looking for is Portland, Maine.
For example, Portland, ME seems to have an okay metro area without skyscrapers. It's also near water, brick roads, able to move around without car, good amount of culture (from what I hear). But I've never lived in cities where they have blizzards and the metro area of Portland seems to be limited, which could get boring after a while.
Are there any cities in the U.S. that resemble the ambiance of Amsterdam in:
-Similar architecture
-Similar surroundings (like vondelpark and near bodies of water)
-Museums and other cultural aspects
- Metro area with small town feeling (no skyscrapers, streets weren't very crowded when I was there)
- liberal attitude
- Good public transportation
I feel like I can't really word it and I know that a lot of cities in the US have great culture and liberal attitude, but don't really resemble Amsterdam. From browsing around, a good example of what I'm looking for is Portland, Maine.
For example, Portland, ME seems to have an okay metro area without skyscrapers. It's also near water, brick roads, able to move around without car, good amount of culture (from what I hear). But I've never lived in cities where they have blizzards and the metro area of Portland seems to be limited, which could get boring after a while.
Amsterdam is one of a kind. I have never seen anywhere quite like it (with the exception of maybe some of the larger cities in Flanders.)
Although, the streets in A'dam are most definitely crowded! I guess you didn't walk down the Kalverstraat
Amsterdam is one of a kind. I have never seen anywhere quite like it (with the exception of maybe some of the larger cities in Flanders.)
Although, the streets in A'dam are most definitely crowded! I guess you didn't walk down the Kalverstraat
Why do you ask, anyways?
I would agree with that. There are a lot of cities I have yet to visit within the US, but I would be surprised if there is a good match (but it's something I would love to be wrong about ). Even within Europe, Amsterdam is pretty special.
Although other aspects don't really match up, the intricate system of canals in Fort Lauderdale give it an important element of Amsterdam...hence its nickname - "The Venice of America":
Canal - Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rongunzburger/3223122658/ - broken link) Canal - Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rongunzburger/3222269091/in/photostream/ - broken link)
FORT LAUDERDALE on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohiostate/3396705790/ - broken link) Canal @ Fort Lauderdale on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cespetitsriensparisiens/3518499606/ - broken link)
FORT LAUDERDALE on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohiostate/3394190756/ - broken link) FORT LAUDERDALE on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohiostate/3396669762/ - broken link)
Bicycles are very popular in Fort Lauderdale too...
Vintage Bicycle on Beach in Ft. Lauderdale on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/casaflamingo/3309603077/ - broken link) Canon Wagon on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclogicalbliss/2201915698/ - broken link)
Paul and Young Ron - Fort Lauderdale - 4-19-09 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclingads/3464293449/ - broken link) Paul and Young Ron - Fort Lauderdale - 4-19-09 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclingads/3465109656/ - broken link)
In Key West, bicycles and scooters are common forms of transportation...
2006-04-13 Key West Trip 038 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/leeco/203269671/ - broken link)
Back alley off Whitehead - long exposure on late night walk in Key West, FL on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brothermonk/3347722406/ - broken link) Bicycle parking - Downtown Key West, Florida on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22703728@N05/3157292515/ - broken link)
Are there any cities in the U.S. that resemble the ambiance of Amsterdam in:
-Similar architecture
-Similar surroundings (like vondelpark and near bodies of water)
-Museums and other cultural aspects
- Metro area with small town feeling (no skyscrapers, streets weren't very crowded when I was there)
- liberal attitude
- Good public transportation
I feel like I can't really word it and I know that a lot of cities in the US have great culture and liberal attitude, but don't really resemble Amsterdam. From browsing around, a good example of what I'm looking for is Portland, Maine.
For example, Portland, ME seems to have an okay metro area without skyscrapers. It's also near water, brick roads, able to move around without car, good amount of culture (from what I hear). But I've never lived in cities where they have blizzards and the metro area of Portland seems to be limited, which could get boring after a while.
Ummm....what? Why don't you move to/stay in Amsterdam.
Nowhere in the US is like Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is one of a kind. I have never seen anywhere quite like it (with the exception of maybe some of the larger cities in Flanders.)
Although, the streets in A'dam are most definitely crowded! I guess you didn't walk down the Kalverstraat
Why do you ask, anyways?
I misspoke. I meant that Amsterdam is not as cramped as other big cities. I'm not sure if I went down Kalverstraat, but there were a couple of places that were really crowded. But I didn't feel claustophobic as I did when I visited NYC. But then again, the city layout in Amsterdam allows for room to move.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluebeard
Ummm....what? Why don't you move to/stay in Amsterdam.
Nowhere in the US is like Amsterdam.
I would love to move to Amsterdam, but the transition would be difficult if not impossible. I don't know the language and I don't know how I would find work over there. I guess I could try to learn the language, but right now I'm working on a BA and afterwards intend to get an MA. I'm not sure how those degrees translate over there. I want to get a masters in education with a certificate in school psychology and the school systems, I would imagine, are very different.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeaconJ
Bicycles are very popular in Fort Lauderdale too...
Bicycle parking - Downtown Key West, Florida on Flickr - Photo Sharing![/url]
Those pictures are beautiful, but I've lived in Orlando for around 15 years and I don't know if I want to stay in Florida.
Interestingly Dutch-American towns tend to be pretty conservative. Holland, Michigan is very Republican from what I've read.
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). Even within Europe, Amsterdam is pretty special.
