The OP has an excellent budget of $3,500.00 including cartridge. I own several tables ranging from a REGA P10, P8, a 50th Anniversary P3 and a recent to the market Denon 3000 NE. The P3 50th Anniversary tops out at less than $2,000 and is an excellent table. I would purchase the REGA Ania Pro cartridge for $1,225 and then still have a table under the front porch $3,500 budget.
The best value in Turntables right now and the most fuss free is the Denon 3000 NE. Weighs 40 pounds, built like a tank, is from a company that has producing HiFi equipment since 1910 and has a direct drive brushless motor with less than .006 wow and flutter for a price of $2,500.00. It has adjustable VTA and an extra tonearm weight so it can handle almost every cartridge on the planet. Buy a Ortofon 2m Black cartridge and you have a winner.
However, there are many offerings in this price point that will do the job, the Technics 1200GR is a great DD table as well. The Planar 6 by Rega is a critics choice and VPI Scout is a fussy but excellent table. Even the new Thorens TD-1600 is a nice choice. Whatever you decide, jumping back in to the vinyl experience is a great way to expand your musical enjoyment. Good luck in your selection.