Congrats on your new bike (s)!

My budget was also $1500 for my "serious" bike. Last year I bought a Trek Lexa SLX, which is a more relaxed geometry bike.

Although folks did tell me to do this, I didn't really listen ......
I would recommend taking a long test ride, more than just a few times around the block. I moved from a triple to a double when i bought this bike, so I wish I would have tried it on a hill. Although I am fine iwth the double now, it is just something to consider.
If you fall in between bikes in terms of sizing, be sure to give both sizes a good test ride.

Also, are you going to get clipless pedals? If so, that is something to consider for your budget. I kept the platforms on my bike for a few months, because I had a lot to learn about riding a road bike. I waited until I felt comfortable on it, and then moved to clipless. But, if you want to have them put on there right away, that might be another couple of hundred $$ to factor in.

Good luck and have fun!