With that budget (a good thing) it is going to come down to personal choice. I am a bit of a retro grouch and prefer the older components. My touring/commuter bike is my Giant Excursion. I actually have two of them, this is the pretty one. But they are set up the same. If I had to keep just one bike it would be this one or my Raleigh 3 speed.

Just about every manufacturer makes a bike similar to what you are looking for. I would avoid a full blown tour bike, unless you find them comfortable to ride unloaded.

Aaron