I think most carpets get over 5 feet when adults (but they stay relatively lean). Have you considered a smaller python like a children's or spotted?

I don't own a carpet yet but they're on my list... I would say that if you have no snake experience, you may want to go with a ball python first. The baby carpets I handled (when considering to buy) were very fast and nippy... and the nippiness can intimidate you if you don't have snake experience. That said, if you do a lot of research on them and can find a local breeder that can show you the proper way of handling a baby carpet to minimize nipping and stress on the snake, you should be ok.

If you primarily want a snake to handle, a ball is a good choice. Both of mine are pretty mellow and slow moving. They have also showed zero aggression. A good point that someone else said on another post on the forum was that when handling a BP you can usually relax and do other things. When handling a carpet, you have to devote all your attention and both hands to it.. they are quick and constantly moving, so consider what kind of snake handling experience you want to have.

I would recommend a boa... I have two and they are hands down the most fun to handle and calmest of my snakes... But most boas get over 5 feet, with only a few localities staying smaller than that (terrahumara, some smaller hog islands, etc.).