As JonB mentioned, check out the Trek 3 & 4 series. These are 26" wheels though. I have two friends your height that prefer them over 29ers due to our local trails (Ozarks); lots of tight switchbacks.
You could even get into the 6 series with a 6000D at ~$950.
At ~$750, you'll find the 4500D with Shimano hydraulic disc and a (nicer) Suntour fork. Bump up to the 6000 and you trade the brakes for mechanical discs but get a RockShox Tora up front. IMO, money well spent. A good fork is .... hmmm,,, how do I say this... I would rather upgrade brakes later than a fork sooner.
Central TX is probably prime conditions for a 29er, though. Big armadillos and stuff

. At $850, check out the Gary Fisher (Treks weblink) Mamba. Nicely spec'd where it matters most. SRAM 8 spd triggers and a X5 rear drlr. AND... a genuine, lockout-ready, super-schweet RockShox Tora! You also get sweet Avid BB-5 mech disc brakes. You like?
No, I don't work for Trek. In the '90s I hated them. Now I sell them at a LBS. Life is strange.
Rob
PS: nameused - nice 37! Is that lava on your tires?
Wheelies don't pop themselves. (from a QBP fortune cookie)