I did a lot of research first and read a book by Selene Yeager. Chapter 2 has a questionnaire which is meant to help you figure out what you want. I hilly recommend the book, although I didn't read the part about nutrition or training.
I, like you, wanted a road bike but not a racing geometry bike, nor did I want. Touring specific geometry-something in between. I knew I wanted steel. I bought the Surly Cross Check 2011 for just over $1,000. I really like it!
I suggest trying to imagine how you will be riding in a year from now and aim for that.