Aluminium frames are standard on all mid-priced factory frames, steel is a specialist item or very low end. It is a good material to leave out all day.
For forks you want steel, either hi tensile or better chromoly.
36 spoke wheels are the strongest you can commonly find, they should be trouble-free.
There is a low maintenance alternative to chains, Gates carbon drive. You need a frame where the rear triangle splits apart and you can only run hub gears, not derailleur gears, but 3/5/7speed hub gears are a good, low maintenance choice.
Use hub brakes , hub dynamo for lighting and fit the best protected tyres such as Schwalbe Marathon Plus.