I get this question from new students. As much as I’d like to say, “Go acoustic,” it may not always be the best fit for a family. I typically tell them to rent a digital piano until it's clear whether the student really takes to piano. There are several pros and cons for either one. If you want the best of both worlds, get one of each. One of these days, I’ll get a digital piano as a companion to my trusty Yamaha upright grand. I just have to pay off some debt first. ;-)
If you’d like to learn more about what to look for in a piano and the benefits and drawbacks for both types, you can learn more at these sites (updated September 4, 2020):
© 2006, Musespeak™, Calgary, AB Canada. All rights reserved.