What did you dislike about the boxwoods? Your photo is a perfect picture of "neatly manicured" so I'm confused about your goals.

Here are a few ideas:

Cecile 7A, the owners before us took them out. I believe they got Boxwood Blight.

Dig Doug, I love that!

Too small and blurry pic to show you something nice.

Check your local nurseries what they have for your zone.

Thank you for the suggestion.

Thank you! That is beautiful.

Where the previous owners had boxwood, I would plant several baby pink azaleas (buy them in bloom to ensure you get all the same color). Then add annuals as Celery suggested for summer color. Azaleas don't mind being trimmed so they won't outgrow the space.

I like the small, flowering tree that DigDoug added but instead of a crape myrtle (they've been getting scale disease across the South) choose a redbud or cherry.

For the best look I would hire a landscape architect.

Your path from the drive to the house could be wider and brick, pressed concrete or other design. Then your plantings will not eventually interfere with walkway and add visual interest.