Bike Forums - A Brief Intro

To all that use this board, my apologies...in my quest to find a real live, single speed bike, I just jumped right in and starting asking questions without a proper introduction...
I'm an old guy (according to my offspring) ...over 50 but under 60! I live in the southeastern part of Missouri, referred to as the Bootheel (that's the hangy down part that protrudes into Arkansas) Also know as Swampeast Missouri...
I grew up in our little corner of the world that was not blessed with such amenities as "paved surface" roads. (We did, however, have running water and a flush toliet, so we weren't totally without modern conveniences) I was 10 or so before we made a big move that put an actual highway in front of our home. Unfortunately this was pre-interstate, so if you ventured out onto this smooth surface, you had a good chance of emulating a dead bug on the front of a passing Mack truck. I finally got the chance to try out my 2 wheeler when we moved even closer to a town (still had the fast traffic, but if you timed it right, you could get to a side street before becoming grill fodder.

I haven't owned a bicycle for about 15 years. My last one was removed without my consent and whoever removed it forgot to return it...was a really nice, lightweight Murray (I think) single speed. I don't know about the number of teeth on the sprockets or other info but it was a really nice ride. (and it was absolutely NOT a cruiser that began making a comeback around that time)

At any rate, I'm hoping to find a source for a replacement of the old bike. From a mechanical perspective, I am considered "challenged" and therefore do not wish to try my hand at a "fixie".

As an aside, I have come across a couple of sites that sell the type of bike I wish to purchase. I was a little startled at the stated prices (around $400) until I remembered that I paid around $100 for my old bike 15 years ago (hummm...maybe I AM getting old)

If anyone can be of assistance, I would appreciate any suggestions or direction.

Thanks - Birdman