Well, there are certainly many reasons to stay.

1.) <strong>Friends and co-workers.</strong>  In the years here, I have met lots of people here at work and a neighbor or two.  I have made several good friendships and those I will miss.  However, through the magic of the internet, people are never too far away.

2.) <strong>Major sports teams.</strong>  Atlanta Braves.  Atlanta Thrashers.  Georgia Force.  Atlanta Falcons.  Atlanta  Hawks.  All major leagues are represented.

3.) <strong>AMS.</strong>  Even though I have only been to 1 race at AMS (and seem to schedule my out of town trips on AMS dates...), I can go at any time.

4.) <strong>Six Flags.</strong>  Again, I have only been twice in my 7 years here, but I can pack up and head down there at any time.

5.) <strong>Concerts.</strong>  I have seen so many bands here that would never tour in my hometown.  Megadeth, Dream Theater, Slayer, Fear Factory, Eric Clapton (though I missed this show), Paul McCartney (missed this one, too), AC/DC, Roger Waters (on May 22!), Queensryche, King's X, and more...

Yet, there are many compelling reasons to leave Atlanta

1.) <strong>Family.</strong>  This goes without saying.  I am the only one in my family to stray away.

2.) <strong>Friends.</strong>  Some I have had for years.  Some I have become re-acquainted with  through the internet.

3.) <strong>Too many people in Atlanta.</strong>  Traffic just getting to the mall is getting heavier everyday.

4.) <strong>Hometown.</strong>  Where I grew up.  It's where my heart is.

5.) <strong>Social life.</strong>  Even though, I do have a nice social life here... it could be so much more in my hometown... because it <em>is</em> my hometown.

6.) <strong>A bit simpler life.</strong>  Everything here just seems more complicated.  I can't really explain it.  I guess it's the everyday grind of life in a big city.  That being said, I am rarely in the city of Atlanta, so I don't even see the daily grind that the people do that work downtown.  I have never been a big city guy.  Yet, I am not a small city guy, either.  I like the middle-sized city.  One that has the conveniences of the big city, yet doesn't have the problems of the big city.