Is the Co-op CTY 1.1 my best option?

I am in the US, budget is preferred under $700 (not including additional gear/sales tax). I am 5'11"

I am moving offices to where I will be within biking distance for the first time since elementary school.

It is about 2 miles each way, on paved trails and it is virtually as flat as a pancake.

I would be commuting about 3-4 days a week but would like to be able to take longer rides recreationally.

After some research, I landed on REI's Co-op CTY 1.1 as it was within budget and got good reviews. I also appreciate that it comes with a year of free adjustments/the member discounts.

I am not opposed to buying a used bike, but I don't feel confident in my ability to not overpay/know what to look for.

Any advice is helpful!

Edit: another one I had considered was this Ozark Trail (Walmart) one, but had seen not great reviews