The fact of the matter is, at similar price points, there's little difference between competing models of comfort hybrids. The quality is pretty good too. Once you step up from big-box store bikes (also known as "Bicycle-Shaped Objects" or BSOs) to bike shop bikes, there's nothing that really should be avoided. They're all pretty good.

I started again (also after 35 years) just over five years ago on a $400 comfort hybrid. I put 4,000 miles on it, and it was still going strong--with ordinary maintenance items--when it was stolen.

Your best bet is to shop for the dealer you like best, then buy whatever comfort hybrid they sell at your chosen price point, making sure it fits well first.