I have no idea the best bike for you.
REI.com shows a sale on a Salsa Journeyer with SRAM Apex, aluminum frame, gravel bike for $1280 - but 55cm or smaller only left.
On a $1000 target budget - check prices/components at BikesDirect.com. probably gravel bikes for commute + weekends.
For anyone who can wrench - used bikes are often the most budget friendly.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.