Id have a look at Squire strats. I had one in the early eighties and loved it to bits !

You are probably going to find them in a local music store and they will let you sit down and have a good long play. See what else they have there in your price range and don't be put off by hype, salesman waffle, or what your friends or other reviews say. Just close your eyes and play it and make a decision based on how it sounds and feels. Some will suit you better than others so take your time and make up your own mind !

oh yes and remember to enjoy your self.

On a more technical note, other things to look at are the neck joint (make sure it is not cracked) and how straight the neck is (a bit of forward bow is good and will allow a faster action but any twisting (warping) from side to side is very bad !!)