If you say you live in Florida, Americans usually have one of two reactions.

"Wow, I'm jealous~ You must go to the beach all the time!" or, "Florida? Aren't the people there a bit strange?"

I live in Orlando, and many people think this area is just Disney World, but in fact, Orlando is much more than that. I'll share some fun facts, tips, and stories that you wouldn't know unless you lived here in Florida.

Florida is officially a flat state.
When I first started driving around, I wondered why there are no hills in this area. It's true. What Florida calls "hills" are about the height of a person. So, biking is easy, but don't expect to go hiking.

Alligators are really everywhere.
Isn't this just an urban legend? No, it's not. There are reportedly over a million alligators living in Florida, and you can occasionally see them in lakes or golf course ponds. There's a pond behind our apartment complex, and the warning sign says: "Do not feed the alligators." ...It feels like, "So we're starting with the assumption that alligators are here?"

The weather feels like a contract with the sun and sauna.
Florida summers are just like living with the shower running. From June to September, it's really humid and hot, and from 3 to 5 PM, there's usually a downpour to wrap up the day. And lightning? Orlando is the city with the highest lightning strike rate in the U.S. Outdoor activities often get canceled because of lightning.

Floridians change personality when driving.
Strangely, a person who is usually friendly can turn into Mario Kart mode as soon as they grab the wheel. Using turn signals is a luxury, sudden lane changes, ignoring red lights, and more are common. You can't let your guard down on the road.

Florida is a tax-friendly state.
Here, there is no income tax. So even with the same salary, your take-home pay is higher than in New York or California. However, sales tax, insurance rates, and housing prices have risen significantly. Especially in tourist areas like Orlando, rent has skyrocketed. In the past, you could find a decent one-bedroom for $1000, but these days, that price barely gets you a studio.

Disney is our neighbor, but we don't go often.
Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld... just hearing the names makes it seem like we visit theme parks every day, right? The reality is that even with an annual pass, considering parking, food costs, and crowds, going once every couple of months is a lot. But when friends visit Florida, I definitely have to be their guide.

Florida is a paradise for retirees.
Florida is the state where the most people move after retirement in the U.S. So when you go around the neighborhood, you often see elderly couples in their 70s enjoying coffee to start their day. And while they may seem quiet on the outside, many are actually full of energy and strong-willed. I once got scolded by an elderly person for taking the wrong spot at the gym pool.

Miami is not all of Florida!
When people talk about Florida, they often mention Miami Beach, Latin music, and club culture. But Miami is just a small part of Florida. Orlando is much more family-oriented, Tampa and St. Petersburg have an artsy and hip vibe, and the north has a bit of a southern feel. Even within the same state, the regional characteristics are really different.

Orlando is surprisingly international.
Thanks to Disney, there are many foreigners, and there are a lot of international schools and multilingual people. I often hear Spanish, French, and Portuguese, which is part of the charm of living here. It feels like there's a small global city within Florida.

The war with mosquitoes never ends.
Lastly, here's something really important. You have to fight mosquitoes all summer long. Mosquito repellent is a must-have item when going out, and on some days, you might have to give up outdoor dining altogether because there are so many.

Florida often appears in strange news, but within it, a truly diverse mix of people, nature, and culture coexist.

If you ever get the chance to visit Florida, don't just see Disney; make sure to experience the real daily life of Floridians!