Originally Posted by
wphamilton
There's a big wish list for commuters, and a lot of different ideas about ideal commuting bikes, but the honest fact is that any bike that you can ride comfortably and doesn't have frequent mechanical troubles will work fine for a short commute.
+1
I'm guilty of wanting lots of features too. But a commuter bike is one you commute on. (I commute on a road bike just fine, which lots say is far from ideal).
You might try paying attention to the wind the next few days. If you don't have headwinds, you should be okay with a single speed, given that there aren't a lot of hills in the panhandle.
I'd check craigslist, at that budget. Or pawn shops, and look for a reputable(not target/walmart/toysrus brand) brand.