I'm probably going to echo everyone else, but here's why I like them...

1. Easy to care for, and fairly self-sufficient. All they want from you is proper husbandry & a fresh rodent once a week... the rest is "optional" in their world.
2. Beautiful and varied in their appearances.
3. Fun to handle (two of mine do actually like to cuddle - LOL).
4. Inexpensive to maintain, once you have the enclosures set up.
5. Good conversation starter, if you find people who aren't freaked out by them.
6. Leads to related hobbies - photography, genetic research, online & offline socialization, carpentry, etc.
7. Ummmmmm... I dunno, I've always just loved snakes & lizards!