If your wife strongly prefers Atlanta, that's the answer.

Today I discover the actual process for these moves, so we'll see how realistic it is that I might actually get to go anywhere.

Chris,
If you are the programmer, you can work from home let say in S. Florida next to your own pool and travel as needed...

Just my 2c.

If the programming language you work in is obsolete, so are you, and that is bad for future employment. Good idea to move to a current language and get team-leading / management experience at the same time.

You are a DB2 guy aren't you? (I seem to remember that from years ago)

The nice thing about being a "data-head" is that it shouldn't be that difficult to jump over to a new language... a lot of the real skills you've acquired thus far are probably in the area of problem solving and data modelling, rather than just syntax...

Ignoring the geographic/political considerations, I'd place a lot of weight on which job offers the most room for "career development" (but that's just me).

Ever thought of leaving your company? I can't help but think that the future for data-heads is working in personal/consumer data tracking:

- Google's tracking/aggregating of people's browsing to target them with ads

- Target's tracking of purchases to target shoppers with relevant coupons (i loved this article http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp&)

- heck... why not work for the NSA! :D

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you're good at what you do, and your company no longer needs that skillset, there are plenty of other companies/industries that do!

Exactly...I was a "systems programmer" (retired for 5 years now), and all my ex-IT friends have been working from home for years (and they aren't programmers).

This too! Though not a "programmer" per se, I'd bet I used at least a dozen or so languages over my career to accomplish the task at hand. From micro-code (firmware) on advanced communications devices to automating data centers, SAS (I remember Chris :)), etc. If you are good, the options are out there for you...good luck!

Also, the no such "obsolete" due to the fact that lot of old stuff id out there, it could be not enough work for all programmers, tho...

I tell you my experience with RPG-III programming. I've got one of the customers has lot of work on RPG, so I've learned it, then I've fund a RPG pro, he makes 6 digits, for one of the co locally and working part time for me remotely, so I know the code but he does good job to make it happened as a Pro...

...and my client is very happy, that it all done professionally. and RPG will be there because application approved by lovely gov and hard to change...
my 2c

Good point! I remember taking a COBOL class back in '79 while getting my computer science degree...professor said it was obsolete even back then. I knew, even though I was an extremely skilled programmer, that I didn't want to program as a career. Roll the clock forward to Y2K, and I know of a few people that made a FORTUNE reviewing COBOL code...it was child's play for big buck$ and they haven't needed a job since. Think outside the sphere...

How about outside the box...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/pc2.gif

Nah...that's WAY too conventional for me... I march to the beat of a different drummer who's got no rhythm AT ALL :D

I march to the beat of a different yodeler..

Move to the city with out a "Real Housewives of...." TV Series. :cool:

Atlanta (the environs - I've never lived there) gets the nod from me for a few reasons.

Really interesting coastal cities and beaches within 200 miles.

Great white water within a few hours.

Excellent mountains much closer than you think, skiing (sort of) too.

Big city events, music and sports.

Great college towns within a quarter of a tank of gas.

Really neat boutique small towns within reach (Helen, etc).

Easy like Sunday morning to fly in and out of.

I have nothing against Dallas other than the people :D

I like Atlanta. I used to "live" up at Lake Lanier when I lived in the Atlanta burbs, as I was at the lake to either go pleasure sailing, practicing for races, or racing. Lots of fun. :)

Road Atlanta would be a fun course to drive. One of these days...

I received my Chiropractic Degree from Sherman College in Spartanburg, SC just east of Atlanta. All I can say is I am a northern boy thru and thru and I am glad someone likes to live there and or Dallas but I prefer the 4 seasons.

I couldn't wait to pack my bags and move back north, nice place to visit for a week or two.

GA's gun laws looks pretty permissive. Just get a Georgia Weapons License - being not a felon (we presume) that should be straightforward - and you are good to go.

Georgia Carry : An information clearinghouse for Georgia Firearms License issues and news » Frequently Asked Questions

I guess TX's gun laws are great. but personally I think most of TX is too hot, too flat, too far from water.

Rpg ii?

Guadalupe Peak is only 8500 feet, but I think that beats everything east of the Mississippi. And I think the only states with more coastline would be Florida and California. If you look at Texas, our border is about 80% river or the Gulf. Texas has about everything except ski resorts and jungle.

300 miles to Galveston, is pretty far.

Lake Hubbard is close by. As are Lewisville Lake and Lake Ray Roberts.

300 miles isn't squat. You can get pretty much anywhere in Texas from Dallas within 7 hours.:D

Red- don't forget Lake Fork, just 70 miles east of Dallas, one of the best bass fishing holes in the country, and Lake Texoma is nice as well for striper. Fresh water red drum fishing at Fairfield....