I'll add another vote for Surly Crosscheck; that's what I ride. Stock is well under $1500. It is quite robust for commuting, and it will also serve well as a "mid-tier" hobby/sport ride. Look for some fairly slick tires about 32/35mm wide, and you'll be set for commutes and recreational rides on road, path, or even gravel!

I'll also add another vote for don't buy right away, spend a few months on the Trek to (a) ensure you will stick with it, and (b) have a longer baseline so you'll be able to realize how much you enjoy your next bike when you get it! (And to better be able to understand what better will mean for you; so you will buy the right next bike)

Also, if you have $1500 to burn, bully for you (really, it's chump change compared to the cost of a car, and X months of gas), but you can do very well for very much less. Shop CL in the $500 range and you can get a great bike. You know the kind of guy who drops big $$ on a fancy bike and almost immediately gives up and ditches it for less than half price on CL? Those suckas come along every day. Don't be that guy, take advantage of that guy!