10 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. with Old-World Charm

This coastal port city offers European charm mixed with Southern hospitality, featuring cobblestone streets, historic homes, cultural venues, and world-class cuisine.

Charleston, South Carolina

Known as Little Bavaria, this town along the Chattahoochee River in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers a distinct German vibe with shopping and outdoor activities.

Helen, Georgia

Embraces its Dutch heritage with attractions like the Dutch Village, the authentic DeZwaan Windmill, and the annual Tulip Time Festival.

Holland, Michigan

Designed to resemble a Bavarian village, this town offers an alpine feel with Oktoberfest, the Nutcracker Museum, and its location in the Cascades.

Leavenworth, Washington

The smallest state capital in the U.S. has a French countryside village feel with farmers markets, quaint shops, and European architecture.

Montpelier, Vermont

The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is steeped in French and Spanish architecture and culture, with French street names, cuisine, and celebrations like Mardi Gras.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Offers a French Riviera experience with its grand mansions, sailing culture, and the scenic Cliff Walk, making it a luxurious yet accessible destination.

Newport, Rhode Island

Known as A Touch of Holland, Pella features European-style architecture with colorful buildings, a windmill, and a central canal.

Pella, Iowa

This city boasts a European feel with Elfreth s Alley, Greek Revival architecture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and French Second Empire influences in City Hall.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Blends European influences with a renowned craft beer culture, eco-friendly transport options like bike lanes, and a bohemian atmosphere.

Portland, Oregon