We have few trusted sites. Coinbase or Localbitcoin are said to be trustworthy. This would be the correct time to buy as well. Find out the traders who got positive trust points in trading. Buy from them and provide your valuable feedback to them so that others like you would be aware before trading with them.
As you mentioned and any other members here they do recommend localbitcoins and coinbase since they are commonly used when you decide to purchase bitcoins. If you want to buy bitcoin on other means like buying from person online just make sure on his reputation before transacting to avoid any risk.
with a good reputation from the sellers, at least we can avoid the bad thing that will happen and beside that, the seller will give best service for their customer. and before you make a deal, better you ask about the rate for sure and if you decide to buy, then you can buy it.
Buy bitcoins in an exchange sites, that would be safer and faster compared to buying from someone else here, you know if we are buying bitcoins, we need to ensure the safety because we are dealing with people who are anonymous but when you buy bitcoin in local exchange, you know who are your transacting with.