Hey, an $850 bike isn't a $1800 bike, but: Electra Townie Balloon 8i. Exactly the same Shimano IGH, hub brakes and Schwalbe Fat Franks.
But it's your money and life is short. Make yourself happy.
I tried a Townie. I did not like it. My brother will NOT shut up about his Electras so I had to try one. Not a terrible bicycle, but I really hate that crank-forward geometry. Absolutely sucked for trying to get out of the saddle.