I'd look at mountain bikes, if I were you. They don't have to be ridden through impossible terrain, you know.

I think your best bet might be to go to your LBS, tell them what you told us, and take a few bikes for a spin around the parking lot. Don't be shocked if you fall in love with a bike you didn't think you'd even consider. Sometimes these things just happen.

Take a look at used bikes, too. There are deals out there. I got my William (the perfect bike for me) used for about half what I would have paid new.

Good luck in your search, and let us know what you decide. (Make, model, color, name, all of it.)