What zone are you in? Figure that out first. Then pick some hearty shrubs that will thrive in your zone (loropetalum, boxwood, etc.) Since you're talking about a front bed, I would select a shrub that stays green year-round... otherwise the front of your house will end up looking a little sad in the winter months.
Also look into dwarf species of the shrub you choose. Some shrubs can grow to be large, so if you're not looking to do maintenance like regular pruning, a dwarf species is your friend.
No way to get around weeds unless you pave your front yard.
Good luck!