I'm a female and about 5 foot 7.
also if you have any good bike recommendations(under 250 please,lets keep it cheap). i will be using it to try and cut down my car use.
You want about a 17 inch frame. The only bike I would buy for less then $250 would be one of the Forge bikes. Other then Forge you want to go to a bike shop or get a bike shop quality bike from ebay or craig's list.
Please dont buy bikes online. better visit a local used bikes dealer, u'll have a better look at the bike's condition. you are very vulnerable to be cheated online.
