NO, CHEETO!
Anyway, if your doing very little offroad, why not get a hybrid instead? I believe one can be had for <$500, from various manufacturers.
As for a cyclocross bike, I'd recommend against it. It offers mediocre traction on the road, and is pretty much just a road bike anyway. The geometry is pretty much the same, and it use road components and wheels. It's no stronger then a road bike. It's not really meant for anything but Fire Roads an 'cross races. It can't handle the abuse that a MTB or even a hybrid can. Although, you do see some professional 'crossers bunny-hopping on them....