What is a good road bike in the 1k-2k range?

I have been riding my Marin mountain bike on the road but would like to explore road biking more by actually using a road bike. This would be my first road bike. I have been looking at the road bike with the more upright position, as I don't think I'll be in a high-speed racing anytime soon, plus I like to ride longer distance too (30 miles or more). Any suggestion would be appreciated, thanks!