Thanks for all the input on this. ATL is specifically a good option for me because:

– Extremely good wages (same or higher than LA/OC) and opportunities in my area, ATL is the largest tech hub in the Southeast

– Many world class tracks nearby for me to ride

– I am huge into hiking/camping so there is good hiking in the Smokey mountains (does not hold a candle to the Sierra Nevadas but it’s something and much better than anything in TX)

– SCUBA is my other interest – very close to Miami/Keys with cheap flights for weekend trips or I could even drive to FL, there is good wreck diving from Tallahassee, Bahamas is a weekend possibility too! Heaven!

– Ridiculously lower cost of living compared to LA

– 9th largest MSA in the US offering a multi-cultural experience

– Busiest airport in the world offers more connections to the rest of the world than LA

– Saving craploads and sh!tloads of money so I could not only buy a PALACE (by LA standards) I could probably afford a NICE car as well 🙂 instead of living like a pauper in LA.. making 6 figures and down and out LOL! Ok..exaggerating a bit but still trying to make a point 😀