Since you already know your budget, the next step would be to evaluate your terrain, in order to determine the type of bike that would best suit your needs.Your current budget can quite easily afford you a decent road bike or an awesome hybrid. Most hybrids are already rack and fender ready. They also usually have enough clearance for wider tires. Tires that can better compete with poor road conditions. For commutes less than 30 miles RT, a hybrid would be a better commuter for urban areas with dense city traffic.

Cyclocross and touring road bikes would be great too, if equipped with inline brakes, rack, and fenders.