Im looking at getting my first snake, looking for tips..?

like the title states, i am looking at getting my first snake. i have done a lot of research already, but real people always help more then a scientific internet article. i want a snake that is about 3-5 feet, but not as "girthy" as a ball python, so i was thinking a corn snake or a king snake, any reason i should pic one over the other? any information about cages and habitats would be nice, also feeding, live opposed to thawed?