Forget what you think you know about snakes. Snakes aren't some cold hearted mean machine. They are often sweet and gentle beasts. Especially hognose. They are full of personality, and kindness.
After my first hognose it's the only snake I will keep. I still have some other species. Mostly colubrids.
I'm not into pythons. They say a python is a good beginning snake. I disagree. If you are looking to get a snake, and the pet store owner or whoever it is that is selling you a snake. Do not let them talk you into a python for a starter snake. Unless of course you have done your homework and are looking for just that.
In any case I would recommend either a corn snake or a king snake as beginner snakes. They will get big though. Some can reach lengths of 5 to 6 feet.
So look forward to larger rodents, and tank upgrades in the future.
If you are looking at getting a snake, and want something beginner level to intermediate. I recommend a western hognose. They are a smaller species or colubrids. Most reaching lengths of 3 feet. They have amazing temperaments. They are a rear fanged species. Meaning exactly that. Their teeth are at the back of their mouths. So they would pretty much have to swallow your finger to bite you. Which they would rather play dead than bite.
That's right. These snakes actually fake being dead. By opening their mouths, rolling to their backs, and sometimes even musking. All to fake you (or in the wild a predator) out.
They only require up to 20 gallon tanks at most. However when you get them as babies a 5 to 10 gallon. If your pet store or seller is good about it these snakes will be on pinky mice. Normally in the wild they prefer to eat toads, or lizards. Pinkies are easier to feed and much cheaper to purchase.
If you do have a problem with them eating their mice, buy a can or sardines in water. Dunk the pinky in the juices and soak. Try showing your hognose the pinky after. If that isn't working you can also put the snake into a small container with small bits of the sardine. Making sure their are no bones or large, hard objects. Close the container (make sure it is vented for air) and leave the snake alone for some time.
I've included a few pictures. Mostly my own hognose. Some are from the internet to show them faking dead.
If you have any questions, concerns, comments, or some of your own advice let me know.