From where you live, a Samick Red Stag is a pretty good shooting recurve at a very reasonable price and with shipping would be under $500.00.
Personally, I am a recurve guy. I own three and just bought a zipper longbow but it is a short bow and has a recurve riser. With recurve limbs, it would shoot a little smoother and faster than with longbow limbs. I don't think anybody can deny that recurves shoot faster and draw smoother. In the end, it is up to the individual.
Don't worry guys. I'm prepared to get blasted.