25 American Towns Where People Live Like They're in Europe

17. Nevada City, California: A Bohemian Austrian Escape

Perched in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Nevada City offers a whimsical blend of Gold Rush history and bohemian European charm. Its steep, narrow streets and vibrantly painted Victorian buildings evoke a cross between Austria’s Salzburg and a forested village in Bavaria. The town is alive with creativity—music festivals, indie theaters, and local art galleries keep the cultural spirit humming year-round. With towering pines as a backdrop and alpine-style inns nestled among them, it’s easy to forget you’re in California at all. Wander into a cozy wine bar or grab a locally sourced meal at a rustic café, and you’ll feel transported to an Austrian mountain town where time slows down and art thrives. Nevada City’s enchanting blend of nature, history, and creative energy makes it an offbeat yet soulful European-style retreat tucked into America’s wild west.