If you ask whether Palm Springs is a good city for Koreans to live in, I would say, "It really depends on the person."

To be honest, it's not like LA or Irvine, where you find Korean markets everywhere, Korean restaurants lined up, and many hospitals that speak Korean. When you first move here, you might feel, "Oh? There aren't as many Koreans as I expected?" However, there are quite a few Koreans who have lived here for a long time without leaving. The reason is surprisingly simple.

The biggest advantage is definitely the weather. Winter is incredibly comfortable. There's no need to shovel snow like in Korea, and it doesn't rain continuously like in LA; most days are sunny. It's nice to wake up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee, and go for a walk, and for those who play golf, you can enjoy rounds almost year-round. This weather is why seniors with joint issues or those dreaming of retiring in a warm place love it here.

Housing prices are also somewhat more manageable compared to the west side of LA or Irvine. You can find single-family homes starting in the $600,000 range, and with the same budget, there's a good chance of finding a house with a yard. Rent for a one-bedroom typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,600 a month, which is a bit more affordable compared to popular areas in LA.

Of course, it's not all good. Summers are really hot. It's hard to live without air conditioning, so electricity bills can range from $300 to $500 a month, and if your house is large, it can be even more. Many people are surprised by the summer electricity bills after moving here just looking at housing prices.

Another thing I like is the quiet living environment. Unlike LA, where traffic is always congested, you rarely experience that here. Whether you're going grocery shopping or to the hospital, most trips can be done in 10 to 20 minutes. Especially in gated communities, the neighborhoods are clean and great for walking. For those working from home these days, this relaxed lifestyle might suit you even better.

Hospitals like Desert Regional Medical Center, Eisenhower Health, and JFK Memorial Hospital are all within a 30-minute drive, making it easy to receive emergency care or specialized treatment. There are also a few doctors who speak Korean in the Coachella Valley area, which can be helpful to know in advance.

However, I want to mention one thing. It's not easy to drive 5 minutes to H-Mart when you run out of kimchi. If you crave Korean food, you'll have to go a bit further, and Korean gatherings aren't as active as in LA. So, if you enjoy frequently socializing with Koreans, you might find it a bit dull.

Still, for those approaching retirement, wanting to leave a busy city for a quieter life, or who love warm weather, Palm Springs is indeed an attractive city. Ultimately, I think it's easier to understand this place as a city that offers a slower pace of life rather than one that is focused on Korean infrastructure. Living here, you'll find that comfort feels more significant than glamour in Palm Springs.