This isn’t a 29er, but it’s bad to the bone and near your price range: http://www.commencalusa.com/meta-ht-am-origin-red-2016-c2x17825633
And here’s one of their 29ers from last year on closeout: http://www.commencalusa.com/meta-ht-trail-essential-29-black-2015-c2x14720097
For your money it’s hard to beat their offerings.
Here are some other options:
Giant – http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/talon.29er/22214/84069/
Specialized: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/rockhopper/rockhopper-expert-29