I have a ball python, a boa constrictor (BCI), and a northern pine snake. I got them in that order over about 1.5 years. In my opinion the northern pine snake (at least this one, I don't know about others?) would make just as good as a first snake as the ball python did for me.

Obviously there can be differences, but I have not heard that a northern pine snake would not make a good first snake. I can suggest one but I have only had one.