Highly recommend checking the local used market - you can pick up a great bargain on a nice old Denon or Thorens direct drive turntable and cartridge in good condition. Otherwise Rega would be my recommendation.
This! And for that price OP can get a beasty technics as well.
Good thought. Seems there's a used electronics store right nearby that I can take a look at. Maybe they have a great deal.
A quick check of Craigslist didn't yield much, though I'm guessing most people don't use that as much as Facebook marketplace.
I have a pro-ject turntable that I absolutely love but it might brake your budget. Remember to account and consider that you will probably need a RIAA preamp on many of the good turntables
Check out Rega a UK based manufacturer, I have a P1 and a P6, both great decks. U can get a P1 with a built in phono stage if your amp doesn't have one.
https://youtu.be/eAM0itnCUac?si=ptK4_jiyM3MCTazV
Here's a video with a tour round their factory. Worth a watch.
Assuming you have receiver with phono input and speakers already... Audio Technica AT-LP120x is great. You can pick up an Ortaphone Red cartridge for fantastic upgrade, or just spend the rest on records.
A community discussing turntables, vinyl and the art of listening to high-fidelity music on spinning platters.