The best place to go for advice is with your local experts in a nearby astronomy club.
If you are able to do so real-world advice and experience is still the best for something you will be spending a lot of time with! The best place to go for advice is with your local experts in a nearby astronomy club. You can find a club or star party near you on the Night Sky Network's very own Clubs & Events page. Going to an in-person star party hosted by a local club is a great way to get familiar with telescopes and binoculars. Some clubs and local  libraries even have telescope lending programs. Just like with a car, you could take a potential model of telescope out for a "test drive" before deciding to buy.