The first thing to do is familiarize yourself with different action types of handguns and finalize what type you feel most comfortable with.
Do you prefer a 1)double action only revolver.....where all you do is pull the trigger to **** and release the hammer, or a single action? 2)double/single action revolver where you can pull the trigger for double action, yet still **** the hammer with your thumb for an easier single action trigger pull? 3)single action pistol where you must rack the slide to chamber a round and the weapon is cocked and must be carried on safe? 4) DA/SA pistol that has a decocker allowing you to safely lower the hammer on a chambered round letting you fire the first round double action, but consequative rounds single action? (I might as well add 5)single action only revolver, although I don't reccommend it as a carry piece as it requires you to **** the hammer before firing)
Once you find which action you feel the most comfortable with, drop into a good gun shop or local firing range if available to handle several different makes and models. A good gun shop will have clerks that won't mind letting you handle the firearms and will provide info when asked. A bad one will have clerks that will act put-out by having a customer who actually wants to touch the firearm before forking over a lot of money for it. They will also offer unsolicited advice about what you should do, what you should buy, and how you should shoot. Go find a good gun shop if this happens.
Make a personal list of features that you desire and ones you don't. Many times it becomes "give and take" with features. Do you like a thinner grip? A single stack magazine that holds the bullets one on top of the other is thinner, but holds less rounds. Want more bullet capacity for more rounds? A double stack magazine staggers the rounds to hold more, but has a wider grip.
Figure out your priorities and go to a good gun shop to handle your choice. A firing range that lets you rent firearms is an excellent way to see how you like before you buy.
What about holsters? Have you decided on how you feel the most comfortable? Do you like your firearm straight up and down, or with a little forward cant? Is it easier for you to carry at 2 o'clock? 3 o'clock? 5 o'clock on your waist? Or, do you prefer shoulder carry or Mexican (cross draw)? Inside the waistband (IWB) or outside (OWB)? What is the availability of holsters for the particular model you intend to carry? Although odd, you might choose the Tokarev for your carry weapon only to find it impossible to get a IWB holster for it since it's fairly uncommon. Keep an eye on holsters when you select your firearm. If you're watching price, you might find the money you save on an uncommon firearm you prefer is offset by needing an expensive custom made holster to carry it in the manner you prefer.
Some recommendations?
Although I have no personal experience with them (and don't really want any as I'm an XD fan) a simple Glock is a decent choice. You'll have no problem finding a holster in any style, they come in almost all calibers, they're simple to operate (Hey, they let cops carry them!) and they're fairly reliable.....most the time. The only thing that I don't like is their safety for a first time carrier. They're striker fired, so it's the same as a 1911. Pull the trigger = "BANG". Sure they have "trigger" safeties. (In my opinion, these aren't safeties as you have to have your finger on the trigger to fire them. Well DUH! This is how negligent discharges happen in the first place!) I'm sure you can find one for $400-$500 somewhere, leaving you a little to spend on a decent holster.
I don't know about pricing, but many folks like Sigs. I know they have a reputation for toughness, but I believe they might be a little pricey for what you've mentioned. I'm pretty sure I've seen them around $500 every now and then. Good gun from what I hear, though.
You'll hear no objections from me about XD's or XDm's. Although they are striker fired, as well. Pull the trigger = BANG.
I'm also a big 1911 fan, but for a first gun, they take a little getting used to. Many newcomers have a problem with "condition 1" carry. For inexperienced folks, carrying a cocked pistol seems strange, but they're pretty much the same as a Glock or XD since: pull the trigger = BANG.