Best way to get to the USA with my husband?

I got married to my US Citizen in January 2008, so almost a year. Since then, as he was busy in the military (USCG), I took jobs in Europe (Italy) and my home country, UK. I am still in the UK now just working temp saving some money. So January we are hoping to settle down at his place in Virginia. I can travel to Virginia on the visa waiver programme as all brit citizens can, I was just wandering is it better for him to start my green card process Now from the states or shall we do it when I get there? Also how long might it take to come through? And when does the permanent green card come through? Thanks!