Try as many different types and styles that you can, believe me, you'll be far happier in the long run. The biggest first choice you should make IMO is whether you want back inflate or jacket style. Once you've figured that out, it narrows your choices down quite a bit.
Bottom line is that it doesn't matter what I or anyone else dives, what matters is what is comfortable for you and what YOU like! Fit and comfort is everything in a BC, so please take advice about specific brands/types as simply recommendations to try.
My story is similar to a lot of divers in that my first BC was one that was the "most popular" and "best women's BC" on the market. I bought one confident in my choice. Realistically, it took less than 6 dives to know I had made a huge mistake. Fortunately I had purchased it used on ebay and when I sold it on ebay was fortunate enough to get my money back. That began my quest for the "perfect BC" for me. After a lot of reading, researching, and trying, I decided on a Zeagle Zena. I love that it is simple (a corset and wing), weight integrated, and doesn't move on my body ever (once adjusted properly). Plus the Zena is modular in design so it can be custom fitted to each individual diver.
Because of the hype on SB about back plates and wings, I decided to try one a few years later and had a tech friend fit me in one. It didn't take long for me to know this wasn't the gear for me, and I happily went back to my Zena. This only makes the BP/W the wrong choice for ME, which of course causes me to recommend that people try them before they buy and not simply follow the hype here blindly. But there are quite a few folks who love them, so I always think they should be considered when someone is interested.
Since you're in NY, I'd say go to Leisure Pro to check out gear. You won't be able to go in the water, but you can at least try a bunch of different options on land and start seeing which feels most comfortable to you.