The classic advice for a beginner's scope is not a telescope at all, but a pair of binoculars with 7x50 being a very good size for astronomy. Binocs give a wide field of view making it easy to find things, and you will learn your way around the sky while doing it. Plus, if you decide to take the plunge and invest in a "real" telescope, you will still use the binocs a lot. I own an
18" Dobsonian (hence my screen name) but I still routinely use my binoculars. Plus, you can use binoculars at ball games, etc.
The Astroscan is a very close second recommendation. It also gives a wide field (although not as wide), and you will also keep and use it if and when you go for a bigger scope. One big advantage of the astroscan is that it uses standard, 1.25" eyepieces instead of the cheaper 0.965" eyepieces that come with the el-cheapo refractors at Wally World (a/k/a "Christmas Trash Scopes"). A good friend of mine still loves his astroscan after several decades of use and his main scope is a 25"!
Some celestial objects are quite large (in apparent size against the sky, I mean) and need a wide field. For example, M31 - the Andromeda Galaxy - is far too large to fit into the field of view of almost all telescopes except the astroscan. The occasional good comet also demands the astroscan. I could list others.
A second "purchase" might be to join your local astronomy club. There you will find all sorts of good advice.
Good luck, and clear skies!
EDIT: Forgot to mention to the OP to be sure to get something to deal with dew, especially a dew cap. I have attended astronomy club meetings where the entire meeting was devoted to how to deal with dew. As a minimum, have an old hair dryer handy if you're near power. Unless, of course, you live in the dry desert or something.