Well, I think the Hotrock is the right bike. I'd seriously consider buying used. Here are a couple of Craigslist ads from your area for 24" Hotrocks, though I don't know how close they are to you:
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/6065696177.html - $120
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/6069895875.html - $120
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/6068877155.html - $120
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/6059674425.html - $125 (exact same model that I have, and they list "like new condition")
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/6062857971.html - $175 (says it was ridden 3 times)
I personally think there's a ton of value in looking at used, and it looks like you may have your choice of a number of good or claimed "like new" examples.