We had a Ragdoll for 9 months before he was put down for medical reasons... He was the best best best cat I have ever had. The fur is like a bunny so it doesn't mat like Persian fur can.. He was just the sweetest most darling sookiest adorable lovable cat I have ever come across.
But my aunt has one as well and he is a real piece of work, in no good way. So the personality thing isn't a complete given - you get the occasional oddball. I'd suggest getting a slightly older cat so you can better judge the adult personality, and I hear dogs can affect their personality quite negatively - don't know if you have any though.