New Ninja w/ ABS is too expensive. Not worth it. Especially if you drop it or got it stolen. Considering you are not going on highway, other ones are too powerful (500cc and above) for the first time driver, or heavy (Suzuki SV650) or difficult to maintain (Ducati Monster). Suggest to look at 250 or 300cc used Japanese bike as your first one. Cheap and durable. You won't feel too bad if you lose it or drop it.
If the area that you live in is usually very dry like southern cal, ABS is not that much necessary for 300cc bike.
good luck and ride safely. Make sure attend the rider safety school which is very important and worth every penny since it could cost your life if you become careless or ignorant.