Help needed! - Picking a bike and general advice

[Owlie]

I'm here! I assumed that I would get emails if I got any replies, and I assumed wrong haha, so I just checked back in today.

I really appreciate all the advice from everyone, and you have given me much to think about. Since I am a struggling grad student, I think my first priority would be my budget! I was hoping to spend $200-$400 maximum, because I am not a serious rider, I just need a vehicle first!

You all mentioned terms that I have never heard of let alone considered so I may be better off just going to a bike shop than trying to tease out the knowledge from google. However, if there are people buying $2200 bikes, will I be welcome?? lol

I will be looking at all of the suggestions made, and I will also see if I can get a bike secondhand, so if you know of anyone looking to unload an old bike in the NYC area, please let me know.

Are there any questions that I should know to ask?

We don't care what you ride, just that you ride it and enjoy it.