You are in Zone 7b, so you have a wide range of choices!
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/shrubs/best-plants-for-hedges/
Of these choices, the most economical and easiest to plant with little maintenance would be:
Arborvitae
Lilac
Hydrangea - Tall ones like ‘Limelight’ are useful and beautiful
Viburnum - I have Highbush Cranberry Viburnum and they make a nice hedge and Cedar Waxwings and Cardinals love them. That variety might be a little tall for your needs, but there are shorter cultivars.
Spirea - known as ‘Bridal Veil’ (Spirea Vanhouttei) also make a great hedge. We have a long hedge of them in the front and when they are in bloom, they are spectacular - but they would also block your unwanted view sufficiently.
Thanks so much! I had considered hydrangea, too. We had some at our last house and they were beautiful. I think the lay of the land by our fence might be ideal for the moisture issue.
And they are stunning in bloom!