Hi jlsgreenwich,
I just realized I didn’t link the seven comforts topper I mentioned (now corrected).
Post #1 here has a step by step process that can greatly increase your odds of finding the best possible quality/value mattress more than any specific suggestions I could make based on either brand or a formula (what I call “theory at a distance”) based on height/weight or other information which generally won’t be as accurate as your own personal testing on a mattress … particularly if you have some good “in person” guidance while you are testing.
As it happens … there are several very good factory direct manufactures within 50 miles of you which make some very good quality and value mattresses and perhaps most important have the knowledge and experience to help you make choices that will fit your specific needs and preferences. I would call them first to talk with them along the lines of what you have posted here, ask them questions about what they think would be worth including in your research, and then visit the ones that you are most attracted to and that offer mattresses that you want to test and that are in your budget. Most of them make latex mattresses as well as other types of mattresses but if you want to do some side by side testing with memory foam or other types of mattresses then I would make sure they make these before you visit them (some smaller manufacturers are not “fans” of memory foam and don’t make them).
They are listed in post #2 here and most of them have some feedback about them in the forum as well. I would be a little cautious with Custom Sleep Design (see this thread) for now because they have had some delays in filling their orders in the last few months and they may also be a little over your budget even though they make very high quality mattresses that are custom designed for each person.
You have some very good options available to you within reasonable driving distance.
Phoenix