I've had my 10/22 for at least 20 years. I've bought and sold alot of guns since that time but the 10/22 remains. I think everyone should own at least 1 - 22 rimfire rifle and IMO there's none better than the 10/22 for general use. However, I do have one warning for you. With all of the aftermarket stuff available for the 10/22, you may resist modifying it for awhile but eventually you'll cave in. As I said, I've had mine for at least 20 years. Up until recently, I've not installed any aftermarket equipment/accessories on mine. However, I could no longer resist and almost simultaneously bought a Hogue replacement stock (which allowed me to get rid of the barrel band) and a complete Volquarsten trigger group which is as easy to install as removing the old one and putting in the new one. I gotta tell you that, though the trigger group cost more than the rifle itself, I bought it with an abundance of Cabela's points and it is worth every penny. If you're the tinkering kind, you can buy individual trigger components and install them yourself for alot less money.
So, my friend, fear not. Buy a 10/22 and have a ball. Just make sure you keep a little extra cash for the aftermarket stuff. Trust me - you'll need it.