Greyhound owner here - we have four. Please feel free to ask me anything specific to greyhounds, as although lurchers are adorable, they are a very different dog.
Firstly, please don't ignore the very real reason why greyhounds need adopting - for many, this is a compelling contributory factor. The racing industry spits out thousands of young healthy dogs each year which would otherwise be killed or dumped (and sadly, many still are). By adopting one (and they often come up for adoption as young as two or three) you will be providing a loving home for an animal that would otherwise be a discarded byproduct of the racing industry.
Personality wise, they do vary considerably. As a generality - in so far as any breed has typical character traits - they are relaxed and laid back. Not the brightest of dogs but having said that, ours have all done obedience classes, and I've previously done KC Gold with one aged 12, and am working through the APDT scheme levels with one at the moment. They make excellent PAT dogs, DH loves running with our younger ones (so you can think about shorter length CaniX) and I'm going to have a go at Rally O next year. A young grey could probably have a go at basic agility, heelwork etc. So please don't form the impression that they are only good for sofa surfing and the odd zoomie.
They are remarkably healthy - apart from the teeth but even then with care you can keep them looking good. Our 11 year old male has just been in for a dental and had a couple out - but since he's otherwise in fabulous health I'm not too concerned about this. They generally live to 12 - 14, but 15 is not uncommon and even 16. Yes, they have thin skin but you quickly become very used to the odd cut etc and in any case you should only let them off the lead where it is safe to do so - you quickly get used to checking out safe spots and bookmarking areas.
They are very addictive - most pointy owners start with one and quickly acquire more. Greyhounds genuinely thrive and benefit from multi dog living as they have in their racing lives always lived with their own kind - they find the adjustment to solo living difficult at times and are always happier with another pointy around.
Also addictive - the shopping. Most greys have a stunning wardrobe of coats, collars (ah, the collar porn), velvet leads, bandanas, tassels etc. - not unusual for a grey to be considerably better dressed than their accompanying human.
There is also a wonderful pointy based social world. Having a greyhound introduces you to a world of regular sighthound playdates, greyhound walks, greyhound gatherings, specialist events and the company of fellow adopters/greyhound addicts. There's a huge social side to this - you could spend practically every weekend in teh summer going to some sort of pointy related social activity.
I could go on. 
But feel free to ask if there is anything i haven't covered.