What DSLR I'm looking for?

I currently have a Nikon d3000. It's ready for an upgrade. I'm not sure what camera to get next.

I like mostly taking photos of the people around me. Family, friends, all that. That's what I usually photograph but I'll take the occasion sunset photo and that type of stuff. What camera will make my photos the best? I know all cameras will do a good job but what would you recommend?

I want a Nikon. My price range is anywhere from $300-$2,500.

I think I can handle any camera. I know most settings/features and if I don't, I learn them quick. Please don't worry about me having a camera that I won't be able to use.

You now have an entry level dSLR.

An upgrade would be to a Nikon D7100. It is a level above entry level and has features that make it more valuable in that it has environmental seals to keep dust and moisture out of the camera and it can use not only the AF-S lenses you have now, but the older AF Nikkor lenses

Here is how the sensor on the D7100 compares to your current D3000 sensor

http://www.dxomark.com/...___865_623

Firstly, no camera will "make your photos the best". You do that yourself with knowledge, experience and practice.

Secondly, I would seriously suggest looking at a) better lenses and b) ways to improve your skills before buying another camera. Let me explain why.

If you're just shooting people and the odd sunset, then I can see no logical reason to upgrade. You said it yourself: "I know all cameras will do a good job". That includes the d3000. I skimmed the review on DPR, and it seems like a pretty competent camera as long as you're not using it like a D3.

If anything, I'd invest in better lenses than another camera. For up to 2500 dollars you could get some seriously nice lenses, and those will make more of a difference than a different camera body unless you skip several levels and go straight into something like a full frame body (D600, used D700 are within your budget, but going straight from an entry level DSLR to one of those is like going from a tricycle to a 600cc motorbike in one go).

However… If you're totally convinced that you need a different camera and that doing this will magically make your photos better, then Ace's suggestion is probably as good as any. Even the D7000 (the predecessor to the D7100) is a fine camera, and will cost considerably less (leaving you something for the lenses). The full frame models I mentioned above are also an option.

If you do not know what camera you need, then you are not ready for an upgrade.

You don't need a n upgrade. You need to;
1. Improve your photography skills (are you still shooting on Auto modes?)
2. Get some better glass (I'm betting you still only have a kit lens).

You buy an upgraded body for a specific feature you need. Buying a 'better' body won't magically improve your photos.

You get better by learning not spending.

You have been using the camera long enough to know its shortcomings. What feature(s) are missing from your D3000 that are limiting your ability to get the photographs you want?

Make a list of what you want/need that you don't already have then examine camera specs to find the body for you.
examples could be - weather proofing, video capability, live-view capability etc

If you want an upgrade in image quality then you wil find that upgrading your lenses will make far greater impact than a new body.

When you have struggled with all the justification it could just be that you have a wad of cash available and you want a new toy. Nothing wrong with that! Stop messing around trying to justify a "head" purchase" and buy with your heart!