Howdy and welcome, from Texas!
I LOVE my Janome (I have the 7700) and though this particular one is out of your price range, I would still recommend a Janome. Please go to a shop that carries the different models. Sit down at each and find out what it does and doesn't do. You don't have to buy the machine from that shop, if the price is too high. Once you find your dream machine, then look for the best price. Sometimes shops will have trade-ins, from people who decide to upgrade.