I moved here about 5 years ago with a Airborne Goblin HT (XC geo) and quickly decided to go full squish. I picked up an entry level Niner Jet 9 (130/120) after about a year riding places like Greenbelt, Flat Creek etc I changed the 29" wheels to 27.5 w/2.8 tires and the airspring in the Yari fork to make it 140mm making it more of a + trail bike. It's heavy and a bit clumsy with the 2.8s but I have rode it everywhere. With the exception of the low BB pedal strike thing, it works well.
Last year, I demo'd a Yeti SB-100 up in Dallas...Wow! The XC geo made me feel a little exposed on steep drops but I reckon that thing could handle any trail around here. Nimble is the word that comes to mind...
I just ordered a Fezzari Delano https://www.fezzari.com/delano (back to 29")
It might be more travel than I need, I am about 170lbs, but it reports to be a fun, nimble, trail bike. I am keeping a 27.5/2.8 wheel set to give it a try but I suspect I will keep it on the 29s most of the time.
All that being said, I see guys killing it on hard tails at most places and the XC guys at SATN fly. I do miss the light playfullness of a HT but my lower back says "NO" and I like the geometry of a trail bike over a XC 100mm option.