My first bike that I bought about 5 years ago after being off a bike for several decades was a Jamis Citizen1. It's in the $400 range with a couple more expensive models. It fits in with what hokiefyd described above, and very comfy. But it is a heavy steel bike at about 35 lbs. I got it because I did not want to spend a lot of money at first, and wanted to make sure I would continue cycling. I'm now on my third bike. I still own it and still like to do some rides around some neighborhoods. And, it still gives my legs a good workout.
citizenseries