+1 on checking out the Trek FX models. My first bike was a Trek FX and still I love it. A wider tire and more of a tread (varying by model) than a road bike but still light enough to carry up/down steps if necessary. Several of the models would be in your price range I think. I did a week long AIDS ride of 560 miles on mine and a few other century rides, so it should work for the distances you have in mind.