I'm with Ving on this one...get a Dobsonian mounted reflector (as big as you can afford)...Bintel and others have pretty nice "packages" available that include some decent eyepieces that I think are in/near your price range.
If you are not familiar with Dobs or aren't sure about them, go again to a few more veiwing nights and talk to people about the pros and cons...
I think they are a good first point of entry into the hobby...
Don't forget that there are a few other accessories that you'll also want to get to get the most of your new "instrument"...you might want to save up a little bit more money (increase your budget just a smidge) this will make sure that you get a "real telescope" and not just a "teleToy"...
Good Luck!