After spending two decades in New York City, I relocated to Florida. While I enjoy the change, the move has brought unexpected discoveries.

• After living in NYC for 20 years, I settled in Florida, just a short drive from Disney World.
• The Orlando humidity and heat have had an unexpected effect on my hair texture.
• I was amazed to discover Buc-ee’s, a convenience store much larger than any I had seen before.

Almost a year after graduating college, I decided it was time to leave home and begin a new chapter in Florida.

Being born and raised in New York City, I anticipated life in Florida would be vastly different. However, I embraced the opportunity for change and the warmer climate. I chose to live in Orlando, just 10 minutes from Disney World, as an annual passholder who frequently visits the parks.

Although Florida continues to surprise me daily, certain experiences stood out early on.

Discovering Buc-ee’s: A Convenience Store Like No Other
When I first spotted a Buc-ee’s along the highway, my curiosity led me inside. This Texas-based chain, with locations across the Southern U.S., is far from the small, simple convenience stores I was familiar with in the Northeast.

Buc-ee’s is massive, offering unique items such as its own brand of beef jerky. It was my first time visiting a place that makes its own jerky, and I enjoyed exploring the different varieties available.

Florida’s Wildlife: Tiny Lizards and More
While I knew Florida was home to a variety of wildlife, I didn’t expect to encounter it so frequently. Unlike New York City, where birds and squirrels dominate, my Florida apartment complex is teeming with tiny lizards darting across sidewalks and occasionally appearing on my office window.

During my stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to ride out Hurricane Ian, I even spotted an armadillo for the first time. It startled me as it scurried across the hotel entrance.

The Effects of Florida’s Climate on My Hair
Despite visiting Florida often before moving, I wasn’t prepared for the toll the intense sunlight and humidity would take on my hair. Over time, the ends of my hair became dry and brittle, losing their smooth texture.

The constant humidity in Orlando has also caused persistent frizz, no matter how much I straighten my hair or use anti-frizz products during my theme park visits.

Adjusting to Distances and Transportation
In New York City, I was accustomed to walking everywhere—grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and salons were just a block away. Florida, however, has been an adjustment.

Now, the closest grocery store is a 15-minute drive, while the nearest Walmart is about 13 minutes away. Although these distances aren’t huge, they’re a significant change from the convenience I once knew.

I’ve learned to be efficient when running errands since forgetting an ingredient or tool often means embarking on another trip.

Working from home has been a blessing, sparing me the expense and time of commuting, as I rely on Lyft and Uber for transportation.

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