Need a new flute

[marychap]

I am an intermediate flute player. I am over 60 years old, and I want a step up flute. I have read the former posts. I won't be paying more than $2000 for my flute. I always played a closed hole flute, but I was wondering if it is hard to switch to an open hole flute. I am going to go to college and get my music degree, something I have always wanted to do, so I will be playing this flute a lot. What do you professionals think about what flute would be a good choice. I like the idea of getting some flutes and trying them out, but it sounds like (in former posts), that this can be a headache and shipping charges are involved, etc. I am close to the Phoenix area, so maybe I could pick a few up there to try. Anybody have any suggestions?