I would also recommend checking out salome. It has a parametric CAD module like you would be used to in SolidWorks. It felt a little less finicky to me than freecad , and I also think it has more controllable STL generation compared to freecad.

Plasticity

I like FreeCAD, but I've heard people complain about it.

I'm not an ME, so I certainly don't make use of all the CAD features needed, so maybe that's why I don't get the complaints. Still, it suits my needs which mostly involve modeling PCBs and building enclosures around them.

I have also been toying with the idea of some simple 3D modeling, like making custom parts for projects around my house

I think that FreeCAD and Blender are probably fine for this.

Example of something I've made and printed the enclosure for via FreeCAD: Fight Key Wide. It uses parameter-based design and includes some design touches like screw-holes and bezels which aren't purely simple geometry, so FreeCAD gets a pass in my book.

If you look at the GitHub linked on the project page, it has the enclosure files which you can check out in FreeCAD if that helps you get started.