If you are just starting out cycling, then your assumption that you would want gears to help dealing with those hills is a valid one.

Don't know what brands are available local to you, so I'll mention the big 3 that are almost everywhere.

Giant- take a look at the Escape and Via lines.
Specialized- Sirrus base.
Trek- 7.1 FX is about the only thing they got in your budget.

If you could find a Kona or KHS dealer close by, then those have some true bang for the buck models.