I recommend belt driven oil filled. They are quieter and recover faster than direct drive. I ended up with a Sanborn after lots of research, available at Menards. It's made in Springfield, MN by a company that makes them under many different brands. Here's the one I have as another brand, but I only paid around $350 for mine at Menards:
IP1682066 Industrial Air 1.6-HP 20-Gallon (Belt Drive) Cast Iron Air Compressor
There are hundreds of types and sizes as well as an opinion on each one so good luck with your search.
Edit: found the one I got:
http://menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/20-gallon-horizontal-portable-air-compressor/p-1655326-c-9076.htm
If you compare the two links they are the exact same unit with a different brand. For some reason the Sanborn from Menards is significantly cheaper.