Sci-Fi writer looking for usable solar system. Any ideas

Hi everyone, I am currently about to start research for a science fiction novel. I want the novel to be as scientifically and astronomically correct as possible, so I would like the solar system the story takes place in to be an existing one we have some knowledge about. I would appreciate any advice about a solar system that you think fits the bill. Here are the criteria;

1; It must be somewhere that has taken over one thousand years to reach. There have been more than ten generations of people since Earth's exodus; it is far out of living memory.

2; The solar system must be quite similar to our own. There must be a "central" earth-like planet in the habitable zone, where humans can exist comfortably. There also must be planets further out from the star, that are much less hospitable. These would be colonized by pioneers struggling against the environment there. Also planets that have several moons would be great. These will be used for penal colonies in the story.

So those are the requirements I can think of at the moment, I'm sure more needs will present themselves as the writing begins, but for now suggestions for these two criteria would be greatly helpful.

Thanks everyone,
Ryan

1; It must be somewhere that has taken over one thousand years to reach. There have been more than ten generations of people since Earth's exodus; it is far out of living memory.

Any number of stars can satisfy that criteria. If you're looking for inspiration, you might find it worthwhile to have a look at the catalogue produced by the Kepler project from NASA, http://kepler.nasa.gov/
Have a look at their "Discoveries" page, http://kepler.nasa.gov/Mission/discoveri…
and their list of candidates, http://kepler.nasa.gov/Mission/discoveri… which you might find quite interesting.

There are other programs done by other universities/space agencies, but this might be a good place to start.