For Trek, the FX 1 and 2 are in your price range. The FX series has been consistently great and if you like the LBS you went to, that is a plus. It's a little more rigid and aggressive than the verve and doesn't have the suspension fork, but do you think you would really need it where you are? I grew up in the Orlando area and if the paved trails are anything like where you are (fantastic) then I doubt you would need the extra comfort of the suspension fork. My Dad is around your age and still in Florida, he went with the FX and loves it! The lifetime adjustments are great too at the LBS if you're not comfortable doing those things on your own, although they are pretty easy things to pick up over time. You could always check the LBS inventory and see if there are any closeouts on 2015/2016 FX series in your size. I'm a big guy too at 6'3 and I always check there first as they usually have some of the larger frames left over on closeout.

I did a quick search on the Verve and my old LBS had a Verve II closeout in 22.5 inch for 475 but not in your area. I wouldn't sell my bike back to them personally unless you really didn't want to hassle with selling it yourself. For that price, you could always hang on to it and have a backup for any friends/family, or if you have to leave yours at the shop for a few days for any reason.

Realistically, any of these options will be an improvement over what you have now, having a bike that fits is a shockingly great upgrade over one that doesn't!!! Best of luck in your search!