I always recommend new people to the hobby to visit a local club. Sometimes they may have a club trainer plane for you to fly and learn. That way they can assess your skills and recommend a plane that will be a good match for you. A hobby shop may just sell you what has been on the shelf the longest.
Go here to find a local club:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx
You enter your zip code.

Good luck!