For the first handgun, I'd say a plastic striker fired semi-auto. Relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. I'd go for a range kit from a good, but not pricey manufacturer and go for the less expensive 9mm ammo (you can shoot more). The M&P9, Springfield Arms XDM, Ruger American, Sig Sauer P320. If you prefer .22LR (which is even cheaper than 9mm) there are lots of choices, including Colt 1911 style guns that are quite reasonably priced.
Since you don't mention revolvers, I'll only say that a .357 can also shoot less expensive (and hard on your wrists) .38 Special. You can get anything from .22LR to .50 but the bigger cartridges are also expensive. You might consider a 9mm Luger revolver from Smith & Wesson or Alpha project.
I'd stay away from the more expensive Glocks, CZ, Sig, Beretta, Walther, etc. until you really get an idea of what you want to do with it and what you like. You can spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on handguns. A good range will have an assortment of guns to try and if you make friends, you can ask to try their guns (provide your own ammo if you can).