I too am surprised that the Nikon 17-55mm has not featured more in this thread than a few odd recommendations.
It is a really good DX lens and is head and shoulders above the 18-55mm, although that is reflected in the price.
I only sold mine when I went over to FF and replaced it with the Nikon 14-24mm and a 24-70mm. As a colleague still shoots with one, I have on odd occasions swapped it with him and I think it is a lens that is well worth the extra money and wouldn't recommend the 18-55mm even when offered as a kit lens package: better to upgrade at the outset.