To save some money don't buy a bike with any suspension including fork because low cost bikes with suspensions are horrid, the suspension system doesn't work good because it's cheap, then because a big chunk of money was used to make the bike with suspension you get cheap components, so you'll be back in a bike similar to what you now have!!
Another problem is that a $500 bike at an LBS won't be much of a bike so I recommend going online where you'll get more for your money. See this: bikesdirect.comrapide disc hybrid flatbar road.htmOpen ↗
Here is another that's on sale; see: performancebike.comProduct 10052 10551 1126677 1 400307 400307Open ↗ problem with this bike they only have one size a 19.
This one comes in a medium or large; see: performancebike.comProduct 10052 10551 1155328 1 400307 400307Open ↗
If you can find one at an LBS that carries Specialized, they make one called the Crossroads Sport Cross bike that the price isn't bad for an LBS.
Otherwise you have two options, try to find a really nice expensive when new bike used on Craigslist for around $400 to $500, or if you can get the bike working a while longer save up another $300 for a new bike so you'll have $800 and better choices come along. If you have friend who knows bikes I would go the used route and take the friend along so they can check it out for you.
