from experience, at your stature, make sure you get a bike with good, strong wheels otherwise you will be breaking spokes sooner than later. especially if you are carrying more weight in bags. most "off the shelf bikes" try to lower costs in any way and unfortunately wheels sometimes get skimpy.
you will become healthier and stronger both physically and mentally, especially skipping the stress of insane traffic.
I have an "adventure bike" which I commute with, tour with, got to grocery store with, ride gravel, and if I'm feeling bold leave my road bike at home and piss off my roadie friends on our group rides.
in no time you will cut the one way commute down to under an hour!!