I'm in the US, as stated. Unfortunately, there are no exchanges that I'm aware of that allow funding from the US without significant delays and fees. Hence my interest in Localbitcoins.
I'm fairly determined and literate. Yet I find the funding options sufficiently overwhelming that I have yet to do a transaction on Localbitcoins. I guess I just need to jump in and semi-blindly try some of the options, and figure out the fees by trial and error. I guess it would build my "reputation" as well.
I long for a future where purchasing bitcoins will be as easy as getting change for a $100. hahaha
If you can't do face-to-face purchases, the easiest online method would probably be to load dollars into a Dwolla account and buy that way. I know of at least one reliable seller on Localbitcoins who accept Dwolla payments.
Or you could take the time to get fully verified on CampBX and buy it that way.