One of the main difference between Ubuntu and Mint is the graphical desktop environment as well, isn't it? As far as I know, Ubuntu uses Unity whereas Mint offers 3 flavors: Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce. All those 3 DE-s give a more Windows-like user experience and probably make the transition easier for that reason alone.

Pop!_OS is another flavor of Ubuntu (just like Mint) tailored for developers. If I were to start with Linux today, as a developer, I'd probably give it a try.

For hardcore mode, pick Arch Linux, as this is where you will probably end up distrohopping eventually if you like to tinker with your system.