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I've been playing 40k for the last six years. Though I've been kicking around the idea of playing some fantasy.
I wouldn't be doing it for tournaments just for fun so I'm not looking for top tier armies Just a well balanced list.
That said here are some fantasy armies that appeal to me.

Tomb Kings
Vampire Counts
High Elves
Wood Elves
Dark Elves
Maybe Lizard Men

Your two cents about any of these armies would be appreciated.

I kind of made my choice by what armies were being played in the local area. I wanted something other folks didn't have.

Starting out with Fantasy, Tomb Kings might be a little tough- I hear they're pretty unforgiving and highly dependent on a few characters.

Vampire Counts might not be a bad idea, as you get to ride the wave of all the new releases. Good if you like what they got goin' on. With the new Army book you'd not be at much of a disadvantage as most folks would be learning the new ins and outs (on either end).

I tend to hate Elves of all persuasions, (all that prancing around, being the best, most amazing, most valiant, blah, blah, blah gets to me).

RZ

I'd go High Elves, Wood Elves or Vampires. First, they have the newest books of the choices. Secondly, they have the best model ranges. Third, they fit right in on the new balance of power.

I'd start High Elves if you like the little units, very elite style.
I'd start woodelves if you want to focus on out maneuvering your opponent.
I'd start Vampire Counts if you like having the uber characters and steamroller units.

Wood Elves have maneuverability, but if you love the look
of rank and file models sadly this isn't the army for you.
Most of our units are fast cavalry or skirmish, so it's missing
that disciplined look that a nice strong High Elves army will
give you.

Going from 40k to FB can be hard, I think, as one gets used to the freedom of movement and the flexibility gained by most troopers have missile weapons. Wood Elves would probably be the least different from 40k, as they are fast, full of skirmishers, and move very freely. They are very competitive. Khemri is great if you like to paint bone, but is really, really dependent upon succesfull management of the magic phase, which is unique to FB. VC look like they will be nasty, but buying 5 blood dragon horsemen will set you back $75 and the models are...not to my taste. High elves are quite good in most phases and very well rounded.

My personal favorite are Lizardmen, though I loathe the 6th/7th models. They are very forgiving army to learn with as they have very good leadership, high toughness, and can be good in every phase. They have crap for armor though, and are slow in combat. They don't have a lot of long range firepower, either.

I guess a lot depends on what your main criteria are; I buy mostly based on models, then rules/playstyle are a second consideration.

If you are buying just on quality of models, I think the new Wood Elves win hands down over any other current army in production.

I think it's funny that Vamps were pushed as the 'veteran' army, when really it's the 'newest most powerful' armoy :S

On topic, I would suggest Lizards myself. Well rounded, very forgiving with leadership, powerful in all phases of the game. They have several units that are great buys, and I generally struggle to find any weak spot in the lizard armies I face.

- Salvage

Thanks guys for all the feedback. I think I have my top three picked out. I'm going to start skimming the rulebook and sit in on a couple of games to get a handle on how things work. Part of me though just want to control a horde of undead. We'll see if I can ride this craving out.

If you want a horde of undead to heed your beck and call, then I say go ahead. It's more fun to play to your inner dorky wishes than the ultimate competitive list. (Though it is nice when they overlap!)

Khemri can be very, very powerful. They have a giant with a 3+ save, for crying out loud! They are just challenging because so much depends on managing the spell casting of your characters and exhausting the dispel dice of the opponent so you can do what you really need to that turn.

Good luck, let us know what you choose.

There is nothing as satifying as summoning skeletons faster than your opponent can destroy them.

Tomb Kings can make magic heavy and everything cause fear but can be easy crushed in combat
Vampire Counts can have unlimited amout of troops but kill all the heroes and the army falls
High Elves strike first but low toughness and high points
Wood Elves killing blow shooting but little to no armour
Dark Elves 1+ to cast and filled with monsters but same as high elves weakness
Lizard Men high toughness and strength but low I