Living in Burbank, there are times when I think, "This place is great," and other times when I feel, "Living as an immigrant is not easy."

Let's start with the advantages of living in Burbank as an immigrant. First, you are naturally exposed to an English-speaking environment. Since Burbank is not a concentrated Korean area, there are many opportunities to use English in daily life. Conversations at supermarkets, restaurants, with neighbors, and school events all happen in English. It can be overwhelming at first, but after 1-2 years, your English skills will definitely improve. If you want a fast-paced environment for improving your English, Burbank is a great choice.

Second, it is a hub for entertainment, which means there is a diverse and creative community. Burbank is home to many people working in the film, TV, music, and gaming industries, creating an artistic and creative atmosphere. This environment naturally influences children as well. The perception of creative careers is very positive compared to other cities.

Third, the living infrastructure is well-established. You can take care of shopping, healthcare, and education all within the city. While it's not like Koreatown where everything is available in Korean, you can manage the basics of daily life in English within Burbank.

There are also disadvantages. The first disadvantage is that the Korean community is not as concentrated as in Koreatown. This can be inconvenient for those who want to resolve everything in Korean. Whenever I miss Korean food, I have to go all the way to Glendale or Koreatown, which can be a hassle. The initial support network for Korean immigrants is weaker compared to Koreatown.

The second disadvantage is the high cost of living. Rent and home prices in Burbank are not cheap, averaging around the levels of LA County. During the early financial struggles of immigration, the cost of living in Burbank can be burdensome. Groceries can also be more expensive since there aren't many Korean markets nearby compared to Koreatown.

The third issue is the high dependency on cars. Public transportation in Burbank is not well-developed, so life can be quite inconvenient without a car. Quickly obtaining a driver's license and getting a car is the first task for settling in Burbank.

Living in Burbank as an immigrant is suitable for those who want exposure to an English environment and integration into American culture. On the other hand, those who prefer to live comfortably in Korean and receive strong support from the Korean community may find areas like Koreatown or Torrance more suitable. It's important to first determine the type of immigrant lifestyle you want and make a choice accordingly.