How about a "gravel" bike? Which is basically a road bike with wider tyres and a slacker geometry. If sticking with a more classic mountain bike, then quality hardtails are closer to $2000 these days. Something like a Canyon Exceed would be a really nice versatile ride, but they start at around $2k. But a Canyon Grail gravel bike is about $500 less and would probably be the better bike for casual road and easy trail riding. Giant is another brand to consider for best value/spec.