I'm looking at an Ariens. I think with Buffalo or PA winters, you need at least 8HP. Although know they do not list them by HP any more but rather engine CC size. Interesting. So anything from a 26-30" cut. Or Toro.
Never go with any of the names made by MTD. And they make a lot too. My 8hp 26" runs great, a rusting mess. 11 years old only
The Ariens I want is $1100. I think the Toro though was like $900-950, in your range