Saw a brand new husqvana TE449 in Mudgee today. 2011 model, $8500. TE250 same age and new, $8000. These are based on the old BMW GS450. Bit weird looking but a good bike.
I have a 2012 Husaberg FE450. It would make as good a commuter as any bike. Feels good on the road and is rated as generally the closest out of the crate race bike. My 2008 CRF450X was the worst bike I have ever risen on the road. Most magazines now rate these as a trail bike. Go figure.
Basically, you can't buy a bad dirt bike these days.
Yes the TTR250 is another more than capable commuter and they were the pick of the 250 4 stroke class in the late 90's.