Personally I think touring bikes are the way to go. More upright riding position's then a sport bike but you have the drops when you want to get out of the wind. Strong frames and mounts for racks and most will take a 35mm tire smoothing out the road and gearing for hills and hauling the groceries. Down side is a good NEW touring bike is about double what you are wanting to spend.

Near a REI? see if they have any left over 09 Randonee's . Good bang for the buck.

That Windsor linked above has decent parts (close to a Randonee) if the frame is decent thats a really good price.. Anybody actually have one that can comment?