Regarding moving to New York:  Do you know that the current "rent laws"
that govern rent stabilization/protection in New York City are due to
expire in 12 days (June 15)?  This is a topic that has consumed most New
Yorkers for the past few months.  It is something you should be aware of
when looking at apartments - i.e., is the rent controlled, stabilized
(two different things), etc.  If you go through a private source to get
an apartment, you could end up paying 3 to 4 times what the actual rent
should be ($1000 for a $300 apartment).  However, this is only relevant
if the current laws hold.  Many many people are fearing a massive rent
increase - some landlords have threatened up to 50 % - if the laws
expire.

On certain areas:  it is quite possible to get a studio apartment in the
East/West Village for under $1000 (I live in East Village for $875), but
be prepared for a very small studio, no light, etc.  Also, it's not very
easy to find w/o broker.  You will have to pay a standard 15% of the
total yearly rent to a broker, but sometimes it's worth it.  They will
"save" the apartment for you and practically guarantee getting it for
you.  I recommend Match Realty.

Tribeca and SoHo are definitely beyond the $1000/studio range, if there
are any studios in those areas.

Brooklyn is a huge area - nearly 10 times size of Manhattan - and there
are specific neighborhoods with specific characteristics.  You should get
an idea of the neighborhood you want to live in before you just randomly
move to "Brooklyn".

Tara Orzolek
Public Information
Brooklyn Museum of Art