If I wanted to get a snake, which would be the best kind to consider?

Well for a "beginner" I would recommend a ball python for many reasons. But I myself don't really believe there is such thing as a beginner snake because just owning any type of snake will always have it's risks.

Some info on ball pythons: They are "docile" but would never recommend to be near children w/out someone watching because ball pythons or get head shy. Any quick movements can scare them so if a child is holding it, please be careful. Ball pythons tend to stay quite small(5-6 feet) so that's why they are considered as beginner snakes. But I'm just going to tell you that they aren't eh bestest eaters in the world. Actually they are quite picky! So if there is something in the cage that don't like they probably won't eat. Or if they don't like the way you're feeding them. But they don't tend to bite or strike as often though. So in summary, the pros- stay pretty small and they are more docile then some others so don't need to be handle daily. Cons- They are head-shy and for the most part horrible eaters.

Cornsnake: They are one of the best eaters I've seen other then king snakes and all that. They don't get to big(around 5 feet) and they are..I guess docile. You do need to handle then daily though just in case. So they would be use to being handle by people. Corn snakes would make an OK beginner snake but I wouldn't recommend children around them because they could squeeze them and most likely kill him because corn snakes have very small bodies. Pros- Kind of docile, excellent eaters, stay small. Cons- Does need to be handle often, not the best snakes to have around kids because of their size.

I hope this could help! I didn't know what snake to get first...and it ended up to be a ball python

Ball python, corn snake, and king snake are probably the best for beginners. I have a corn snake.

i would say a corn snake or a rat snake for a few reasons: there are many different kinds of color variations, they are a good beginner snake, easy to handle, easy feeders, and they dont get that big. check with some local breeders a good one in this area is Lost World Reptiles, they also provide 1day mail orders.

well for a beginner id suggest the corn snake, rosy boa, ball python, rubber boa, some species of kingsnakes, milksnakes, and garter snakes NOT taken from the wild

either a corn snake or ball python

Milksnakes, and Kingsnakes are the best. Stay away from boas and pythons. They get large and can be aggressive.