Be patient & shop around. There are many slightly used bikes out there & for your price range, you can get a really classic ride. I agree that a Touring bike would be great for the type of riding you describe but touring bikes are more likely to have been ridden a lot. Replacing worn out parts can get expensive. A seldom ridden, mid level or above, Japanese bike from the 80s or 90s will give you the most bang for your buck, try to find a Miyata Seven Ten or 1000 for $200-$300, for $500-$750 you could go Italian! Don