My wife and I have considered moving to France or Spain (I have European citizenship) -- it's still not out of the question -- for some of the reasons you outlined. Like you, though, we've settled on trying to replicate what we like about European culture here, just as you suggest, and you're spot on: a walkable town center is key to that. So, we're scouring the Hudson Valley in New York. No perfect options, but we're finding some gems.