I am thinking I need to start running a train around in my basement, but I am not sure the best route to go. I thought that getting a started set would allow me to get everything I need to run a train and gauge how badly I get bitten by the toy train bug.
What is a good beginner’s HO train set, ready-to-run from the box?
Welcome Vonted! There are several forums on the trains.com website that may enlighten you if you continue to browse them. This particular forum focuses more on larger O-gauge trains - ones you may recognize as made by Lionel. That said, your local hobby store could steer you in a good direction. Even chains like HobbyTown USA and Hobby Lobby have a good selection of train sets of all size-trains - ranging from N scale through HO to O scale and $150 - $300 and more. Manufacturers of nice HO and N scale sets include Bachmann, LifeLike, Walters, and Kato, and O scale sets include Lionel, MTH and K-Line. The train sets at Toys R Us and other discount stores are pretty junky in my opinion. You are right in a starter set will help you gauge the depth of your interest. I started with a small N scale train set - and now - five years later - am greatly enjoying running an 11 by 24 ft. O scale empire.
Ahhh… I did stumble across the other forums, I am learning way about the trains.com forums. I shall repost! 
For HO, an Athearn boxed set is a good choice. Everything in it is good quality.
For HO and N, it’s best to stay away from “Beginner’s Sets” because of poor engine quality. They have probably done more to “sour” newcommer’s interest than anything else.