Are you wanting new? Do you want an upright riding postion or more of a road bike position? What about looking on craigslist for a used mtn bike that you can put semi-knobby tires on and still put a basket on the front and a rear rack and baskets on the back?

For my commuter/errand bike, I have a 1983 Motobecane mixte I got on craigslist for $80. It's semi-fast, provides a smooth ride, and I don't worry about it getting stolen (although I would be devastated if it did).