If you want to listen to ATC rather than just aircraft you are going to need a good external aerial mounted as high as possible. Even then you would be unlikely to get much further than 15-20 miles or so. VHF is essentially line of sight, so ground to ground is always going to be limited. Air to ground on the other hand can often be good for 200 miles depending on the altitude of the aircraft.
I think there is still at least one radio hobby magazine going - the amateur radio suppliers normally stock suitable gear, and would be a good source of advice.