When people think of Orlando, many still associate it with Disney World.

I also initially had a strong image of it as a tourist city, so I wondered how people actually live here. However, once you start living here, you realize that tourist Orlando and residential Orlando are quite different. After just a few months, you can clearly see people who think, "Ah, I really fit in here," versus those who say, "I really can't live here."

If you don't mind driving, adapting to life in Orlando is easier. Whether you're going grocery shopping, dropping kids off at school, or going out to eat, you need a car. While there are LYNX buses and SunRail, it's misleading to think you can manage life here without a car like in New York. On the other hand, if you consider a 20-30 minute drive to be no big deal, your living radius expands significantly.

The weather is also important. Summers are really hot and humid. Just standing outside for 10 minutes makes you think, "Oh, let's get inside to the air conditioning." However, for those who really dislike cold winters, this is a plus. You hardly have to shovel snow or wear heavy winter clothes for months. If you enjoy four seasons, fall colors, and snowy winters, you might find it a bit dull here.

For families with children, it's not a bad choice. If you choose good school districts in Seminole County or Orange County, you can take care of both education and living environment. However, it's not as simple as just finding a house in Orlando. Even within the same area, school assignments and neighborhood vibes can vary greatly, so if you have kids, it's better to prioritize school districts over just the house.

In terms of jobs, those in healthcare, biotech, simulation, defense, and technology might find opportunities worth exploring. Particularly, the Lake Nona area continues to develop with medical facilities. For remote workers, it can be an even more interesting option. If you can earn a salary from a New York or LA company while living in Florida, the difference in living costs and space is quite significant. It's also worth noting that Florida has no state income tax.

On the flip side, if you feel more comfortable living in areas with a lot of Koreans, you might find it a bit lacking. There are Korean restaurants, markets, and churches, but it's not like the Korean-speaking environment you find in LA's Koreatown or Palisades Park in New Jersey. If you dislike having to drive a long way just to eat Korean food, it could be inconvenient.

You also need to consider hurricanes. Orlando is inland, so the risks differ from coastal cities, but it's not free from hurricane impacts. From June to November, you need to pay attention to the weather, and if a strong storm approaches, you should stock up on water and emergency supplies.

Ultimately, Orlando is not a great city for everyone. It suits those who are okay with driving, can tolerate the heat, prefer spacious living, and don't necessarily need the hustle and bustle of a big city. Conversely, if you want to live without a car, in a tight-knit Korean community, and enjoy cooler summers and four seasons, it might feel stifling.

Living in Orlando isn't just about being close to Disney World. Once you live here, you realize that Disney is more of a place you think about occasionally, while the daily essentials are your home, school, workplace, grocery store, and air conditioning. Ultimately, it seems more important to consider whether your lifestyle aligns with what Orlando has to offer rather than whether Orlando is a good city overall.