hub gears with a belt instead of a chain was a big reason for my current bicycle. Also having a hub dynamo (which is/should be standard nowadays) a nice thing.
Yes, the price goes up quite a bit but I think it pays off in the long term. I think those bikes are especially interesting for people who just want to go from A to B and don't consider themselves "cyclists" (aka use it for sport). Add some puncture-proof tyres and you have a bicycle that will most likely just regular maintenance once a year.
That said, when something does go wrong with the belt/drivetrain/hub it becomes a pain in the arse.
I strongly agree - if you don't enjoy taking care of your bike and just see it as a utility, belt drive + hub gearing + dynamo hub + disc brakes + puncture proof tires is the way to go.
That said, when something does go wrong with the belt/drivetrain/hub it becomes a pain in the arse.