I suggest you visit the Performance Bike store in Boulder. It's part of a national chain, but they're website shows a number of choices in your range. You can see what's in-stock at the the Boulder location or get assistance with a purchase out of their warehouse.

You can view their path/pavement & trekking bikes @ http://www.performancebike.com/

I'd opt for something without the suspension fork. You don't need it for paved surfaces, and it only adds expense, weight and maintenance issues. Here are a few that seem worth checking out:

Fuji Crosstown 4.0
Diamondback Maravista
GT Zumo
Schwinn Sierra 7

While Performance isn't in the same league as the LBS that caters to cycling enthusiasts with bigger budgets, they do offer overall good values. And they have a good reputation for standing behind any product they sell.