Welcome to the Board from So Cal!
My 'new' Janome "Heart Truth" machine was in your price range & I love it! As I understand it, Janome makes one "special" machine every year that they sell at a lower price - mine was from last year, and a portion of the proceeds went to Women's Heart Health charities. It has a few 'fancy' stitches...but my favorite thing is the needle threader! lol One other nice thing is that the optional feet are reasonably priced. :D
(I also have a 1953 Singer as a back-up.)
Look for a quilt guild in your area & try them on for size. Most guilds offer workshops at very low prices, and there are lots of brains to pick too! :wink: