It's not steel, but check out a Fantom CX. I have one, and I absolutely love it. Surprisingly quick and comfortable for spirited riding with 700x23s on it. Mine isn't stock at all, but the sora won't do you wrong. It's a solid frame to build upon if/when something breaks. Mine has campy veloce ergos and a hodgepodge of componentry. Rack mounts, fenders, great tire clearance, and comfortable ride with the steel fork , even with 85PSI in my 37mm tires. They do run small though, I'm 6' and mine's a 61cm, all my other bikes are in the 56-58 range.
Had it out today even.
Also the Jake the snake is another solid [aluminum] ride. Probably won't hit your price point new, but secondhand, for sure.