What Breed?

Most feed stores will sell common breeds like the: Rhode Island, Ameraucana, Australorp, Leghorn, Brahma, Orpington, Rock, Sex Link (hybrids), Star, and Easter Eggers. But as these breeds become more popular, many other breeds become more rare and endangered. So, if given the opportunity, I definitely would encourage anyone to buy chickens from a responsible breeder who sells less common breeds. They can be more expensive, but can add a great variety of colors, patterns, size, combs, personalities, eggs, and more to your flock. The brown and white chickens aren't the only ones. There are literally hundreds of different kinds to choose from!
Something to think about before you buy chickens is your situation. Whether it financial, family, neighbors, location, etc. 
If you are financially tight, then the cheapest way to get chicks is to go to a local feed store. Or you can have a batch shipped out to you. But the only problem with this is that you usually have to buy 25 or more chicks (that is A LOT of  chickens!) and some might be roosters, and they are sometimes not quality bred (my Brahma doesn't have leg feathers, my Ameracauna was sick, and my friend's chicken had a crooked beak, or there could be hybrids). So again, I prefer buying from legit local breeders, and if you don't want to deal with the whole chick process, you can buy your hens as adults, usually from $10-30 each (which I don't think is any more expensive considering all the money spent on raising chicks). 
Another cheap way to get some chickens is to rescue ex-battery hens. Although they will be injured and sick, with some TLC, they can recover and will obviously lay very well (they won't be older than 1 1/2 years old). They also generally have good personalities (probably because they are so happy! to be able to actually live as a chicken, have room, be outside). 
Also decide how many you want. I have eight for a family of five. If you're big egg eaters, I would think 2 hens per person is good. But I started out with five chicks, and over the years some have died, and I've bought more. You will need to get at least two, and when adding more, you need to buy two at a time. And you will probably want to buy more once you discover how much fun it is to keep chickens! As a beginner, I would recommend 4-5, so it's not too overwhelming or expensive. 
Consider your neighbors. Make sure your neighbors are okay with daily clucking (the girls are very proud when they lay their eggs :). It's the worst when you've got a complaining neighbor and have to get rid of your chickens when you've become so attached to them. 
Also look at your location. You may have to get specific breeds depending on where you live weather wise. If it's cold and snowy often, look for breeds that are cold hardy. And the same with hot weather. And decide how much space you have for the chickens. Chickens need room to roam and occupy themselves. Many people will try to sell coops/runs that say it can hold twelve chickens, but I think humanely should only hold four chickens. (I think making your own coop and run is better). The more freedom chickens have to roam, then the happier and healthier they will be.


Good websites to go to find what breeds you want are:
http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx
http://www.omlet.us/breeds/breeds.php?breed_type=Chickens