Originally Posted by
huhjunn
Would a hybrid be a good option? They seem to be listed on craigslist within my budget.
Put non-knobbies on a MTB and there's not a big difference between that and a hybrid.
Originally Posted by
FrenchFit
Feel free to ignore this advice, all good advice is routinely ignored on the BF: Get a used, like Craigslist/garage sale, rigid mountain bike, probably 15" with the seatpost up, and just ride. Buy some commuter appropriate tires if they don't come on the bike. Over time and with road experience you can refine your preferences and spend more money. The mountain bike will always be worth something to you, even if it's a bad weather bike or grocery getter. Simple.
^^^THIS^^^
You have asked for our advice and you quickly received the best answer for someone in your situation. On top of that, that advice has been reinforced with back-up.
You can carry on as long as you wish or do what most of us would, and have done, do.
Now, after you buy your used MTB---here's
a collection of tires to use on it.