I haven't lived in the U.S. for that long either. Still, one thing I've realized after turning 40 is this.

Immigration really depends on the city. The difficulty level completely changes based on where you go. By that standard, Anaheim is definitely on the easier side for initial settlement.

The reason is simple. It's about the demographics. After living here for just a few months, there are many moments when you think, "Is this really America?"

Just listening to the languages on the street, you hear a mix of Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese. There's no need to feel small if you can't speak English.

Honestly, there are way more people who speak "rough English" than those who speak perfect English. For someone coming in for the first time, this makes a huge difference.

For Koreans, it's even more convenient. There are markets, restaurants, and churches. If you want, you can live your whole day speaking only Korean. The funny thing is, while it's comfortable, it can also be risky. If you stay within that bubble, you won't have any opportunities to improve your English. But realistically, that's necessary in the beginning.

To endure in a completely unfamiliar environment, you need a psychological safe space to start. I felt the same way at first. It's better to find a comfortable environment to start in rather than pretending to be good at English and stressing yourself out.

The job market is better than you might think. When people think of Anaheim, they usually only think of Disney, but that's just the surface; the reality is different. Just looking around Disneyland Resort, there are constantly jobs in hotels, restaurants, and services.

When you add in logistics, warehouses, and hospital assistance, there are structures in place to find "immediate work". Of course, for good jobs and conditions, you need to put in extra effort, but at least this city offers opportunities to get your foot in the door. Overall, the job pool in Orange County is quite broad.

But here's the reality check. We can't avoid talking about money. The cost of living in California? It's just expensive. Especially housing. When you start looking for rentals, you might think, "Do I really have to pay this much to live here?" Most people get shaken up by this at least once. Until you stabilize your income, you really need to budget carefully. I've seen many cases where people overstretch themselves to move into a nice neighborhood and can't last a few months. This is a common mistake.

And then there's the car. There's no need to think about this; you absolutely need one. Can you survive on public transportation? It's possible, but your quality of life will drop significantly. You need to buy a car, get insurance, and keep paying for gas. The initial costs are bigger than you might expect.

Getting a driver's license also doesn't happen as quickly as in Korea, so it takes time. If you come without preparing for this, your life will get complicated.

You also can't ignore safety. Even within Anaheim, the atmosphere can be completely different. Some neighborhoods are fine for families, while others might make you hesitant to walk around at night. When looking for a home, don't just consider the school district; also look at the crime rate. Many people end up stressed later because they didn't check this before moving in.

Still, California is definitely open to immigrants. You can get a driver's license regardless of your status, and children can attend public schools as long as you have an address. This is a significant advantage. Compared to other states, you really feel this difference. Plus, there are quite a few immigrant support organizations in Orange County, so if you look for information, there are ways to get help.

The conclusion is simple. Anaheim is not a perfect city. However, it is a city that is easier to endure. The three essential elements for initial settlement—language, job opportunities, and community—are somewhat in place.

But if you come unprepared, you'll face reality right away. Housing costs, cars, and living expenses will put pressure on you faster than you think.

That's why I always say this: money planning, housing location, and social connections. If you have these three things somewhat figured out before you come, your adjustment speed will change completely.

On the other hand, if you come without these, you'll quickly find yourself saying, "Why is life in America so hard?" I know this is a bit scattered, but I hope it becomes a helpful post.