Originally Posted by Rusty904

There are a ton of choices in that Price range. $1500 is right about where you can get a well-equipped full suspension bike. If comfort is your concern full suspension is the way to go.
It all kind of depends on what your local shop carries but two bikes that spring to mind are the Specialized Myka FSR and the Trek Fuel EX5 WSD. Both are around $1500 and both are great bikes

Components and quality will be mostly the same in all bikes at a given price range so it comes down to what frame feels best to you. You just need to hit up your local shop and test ride some bikes! Just tell them exactly how you plan on using your bike and they will probably steer you in the right direction.

I wish I were in your shoes, happy shopping!