Go to your local bike shop and tell them exactly what you've posted here. Then go to another local bike shop and tell them exactly what you've posted here. Then go to another local bike shop....

Pick the bike shop that has the best customer service and doesn't make you feel pressured to buy more than you want to spend. Buy a bike there.
Because you're not looking to spend an obscene amount of money, don't plan on racing, don't plan on touring, and basically want to find something decent what really matters is getting fit properly to a bike that you like and will keep you cycling. Specific brands at your level don't matter. What you want is a bike shop that is trustworthy and will match a bike to your needs and goals.

Go to as many bike shops in and around your city as possible and talk to the staff. Go with the best bike shop first and then see what they have that will work for you.
If you have an alternative newspaper that has a "Best Of" your city list - check out the shop that they recommend. Usually those shops are quite good and they will have a good selection of brands and models.