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I've lived in Orlando for roughly 16 years now, from the age of 4. I've never been able to cultivate a sense of community, and unlike New York, I don't believe this city has the same osmotic pull to draw folks in. Then again, throughout my days here, I haven't made much of an effort to integrate myself; by and large, I don't care for the city itself or the surrounding area, which feels unwelcoming, rushed, and ugly.
There are thankfully havens within and around Orlando that offer breathing room. Leu Gardens is an oasis for those who need to escape daily life, wandering through a maze of plant life and trails. Wekiwa Springs and the Ocala National Forest are both able to offer a temporary return to nature, along with a more local area behind Moss Park, Split Oak Forest.
Those are beautful, quiet places. I need that in my life and don't know how completely I could ever adapt to a cityscape, particularly one so large as Orlando. I feel somehow disconnected and can't be satisfied here. I'll be moving away when it is financially reasonable to do so and I've explored enough to find somewhere that I could see myself thinking of as home.
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