Para Ordnance, good brand?

Hey guys, I'm a 1911 noob but I've been lurking for a couple weeks. My LGS is selling Para O Elite Officer for 599. I get that is about par for the gun, but is it actually worth that value?

I picked that 1911 because I'm only about 5'08" and on the lighter end of the scale. I currently carry a 9mm mp shield, but the wife really likes it so I don't mind giving it up.

Side note, is there a 9mm 1911 in the same price range/size(3.5 inch barrel) I should look into?