One of the less heavy hybrid bikes would be great for suburban riding and no hunched over posture. Perhaps an aluminum hybrid (do they make them in aluminum?- that's real lightweight). Hybrids are not expensive and if you are not racing and not doing lots of killer hills then weight is not the most important issue. They can go pretty fast too. They are very comfortable posture-wise, unless you are touring for days at a time. Hybrids are easy to find too- most bike stores have lots of them because they are very popular with average bike riders. They also make great errand bikes and generally have slightly wider tires, so they don't get flats much.
As an experienced rider, you might want to avoid anything called a "cruiser" or "comfort bike"- they tend to be for real beginner riders and are very heavy and they will limit you.

The only thought that comes to my mind concerning recumbants in the suburbs is that in the suburbs there are a LOT of blind driveways with cars backing out, bushes, and parked lines of cars- all of which might make it harder than usual for cars to see you coming.

Welcome to TE!!

Wow- you rode the streets of Paris?....I envy you!