Marion, I also started on nylon strings, and studied classical guitar for years before buying my first steel-string. If you're new to steel strings, you may not know how to get the most out of them. The way you pluck the string is different, the way the strings handle the dynamics of your playing is different -- it's a different instrument, basically. But they are not all the same, by any means. If possible, I would spend time with an acoustic steel-string (or several) before purchasing one. Given time, you will start to recognize what it is that makes a steel-string guitar respond well, and what "responding well" means. Then you'll be able to make an educated choice.

Ted, sorry you don't like Larrivee guitars. I love mine (my second; had to sell my first years ago during hard times), and I don't work for the company. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.