There is a stark difference between the lifestyle in American and, say, European cities. There are less public places or specific establishments for people to hang out. Sidewalks are small and restaurants rarely offer seating outside where you can just people-watch. Few pedestrian zones, and if there are, they are frequently tourism hell-holes full of chains. I cannot speak for rural life, which is likely extremely different, but in cities in the US everything is designed to extract money out of you and every public place is heavily regulated (for example, the concept of a public park or beach "closing" at dusk is a baffling concept for me).

This is merely an impression by me though, so take it with a grain of salt.

I'm sure there is a lifestyle difference, but I don't think it's as great as everyone seems to think it is. Granted, I've never lived in a European city but I grew up in the third largest American city and my experience doesn't match the preconceptions of American living I keep hearing about. In fact, in my experience, those preconceptions are a far more accurate portrayal of American suburban living.