if you want a snake you would be able to see often, does things, very intelegent- try a spotted python- they are beautiful, love to bask and tunnel and climb, and are severly intelegent when it comes to problem solveing ( ie eating, heating, escapeing etc.)- i cannot garrentee thier behaviour, since they are expected to be nippy babies, but my husband got his from a breeder, and she has never bit anyone- she is so much fun to watch and extreemly personable- id say shes a perfect blend of the docile friendly nature of a ball python and capeable of the quick actions of a corn if need be- id recomend a trusted breeder, obviously
if i ever get to have another snake, it would be a spotted python ( oh, they only get to about 4 feet too)- they do well with cage mates too ( she loves my corn- they are NOT cage mates, but they do interact, with us shaperoning of course
let us know what you decide - like everyone has said, go to stores, handle the snakes- realize that even then, they may change once to take them home, but with regular, perceptive handeling, this could be a great companion for a long time
btw- i have images of my husbands spotted python if you are curious in my profile {'v'}