I think the "best value for an AR-15" can be found on the internet and to your door via USPS/UPS/FedEx. If you're not particularly hung up on one specific brand, you can hunt down the best deals and assemble your own. You can end up with better quality for the same or lower price than you can purchase from a LGS.
Of course, that method doesn't support local business, and specifically local firearms businesses.
FAL Guy at H&H said they'd do price matching the other day. I really enjoyed the quality fit of the S&W M&P15 OR that I used to own. Very smooth trigger out of the box.
You can build your own for anywhere from $500 to $5,000,000. Research your parts & prices before you buy them.
Outdoor America has them on the shelf for a great price too, and Cindy at C&J's Sporting Goods in Bethany.
OR you could find something you like and order it to one of our many FFL guys on here.