Where should I live in south Brooklyn?

One thing to consider about Dyker Heights: a portion of that neighborhood is known for having completely insane Christmas displays that draw huge crowds, and have even drawn even tour buses. The spot where the lights are is kind of a hike from subways, but at that time of year I imagine the traffic all through Dyker Heights would be kind of hairy. The lights are awesome in an over-the-top kitsch way, though.

I spent the first twenty years of my life in Midwood. Unless you're an Orthodox Jew or a nostalgic Russian immigrant, there's not much interesting at all. If you live on/near one of the commercial strips (Avenue M, Avenue J, Kings Highway, Coney Island Avenue), it's theoretically walkable, I suppose. The subway to Manhattan takes forever, though. I think Ditmas Park might be a better choice, at least terms of proximity to fun and interesting things.

Also, my old roommate and I were paying $1100 for a 2-bedroom about three-four years ago, so getting a studio for $1050 probably won't be too difficult, albeit that's on the low end. You'll have better luck with people renting out the upstairs apartment of their private house than with apartment buildings, though. Buildings tend to be owned by companies with absolutely no regard for anything. Meanwhile, my little old landlady knocked $100 off the rent, per month, when we told her we'd be fine paying in cash.

(Avenue M, Avenue J, Kings Highway, Coney Island Avenue) Also, Bay Parkway between 60th and 86th.

You may want to look at the southern end of Ditmas Park (as I am currently contemplating myself). There are some basic amenities on Avenue H (and truly exceptional sandwich shop Salud) as well as an easy walking proximity to the more commercial areas by Newkirk and, though a bit longer, Cortelyou. I believe the bus that runs on Foster goes pretty near to your general work area. Also, what about Sunset Park? It is off the D and N and the food is tasty! Not as charming as DP though.

Also, Bay Parkway between 60th and 86th. Yeah, sorry, didn't mean to leave out BP, I was sticking to Midwood. :)

Dyker Heights has no subway access. You have to take the bus to Bay Ridge or Bensonhurst. I know some people who lived down there, and their apartment was cheap (something like $1000 a month for a 3-bedroom), though tiny, and extremely out of the way. You should be able to find a decent studio in your range in Kensington, if you look hard enough. I actually like Midwood, but its not very lively, and its far from Manhattan.

Actually, now that I'm thinking of it...you could probably do OK in Midwood if you have a car, don't work in Manhattan, and aren't terribly concerned about living in a cool neighborhood. There are enough local amenities that should be able to walk to stores and stuff, maybe even a neighborhood restaurant or two. On the weekend, you can take the train or drive to Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, etc, to get your fill of Brooklyn's livelier precincts. However, that's assuming that you don't have much reason to go to Manhattan either for work or play. There's enough to keep you occupied in Brooklyn that you could, easily, just have a Brooklyn-centric social life, but if yours is more Manhattan-centric...Midwood will feel very, very remote.

I lived in Midwood for a couple of years off avenue J. It is completely orthodox jewish except for a few exceptions (like me) and my largely eastern european building. The Q ride was long but relatively reliable. Approx 45 min to Union square. It was boring and pretty depressing but I had a studio with a seperate eat in kitchen for $795. I now pay double that (more than) for a great location in the city and can't afford to leave my apt so life is still boring just in a different way! If it's at all convenient for your work it is very cheap and worth trying for a year. You can also go to the russian baths at the other end of Avenue I and McDonald street (?!). There's an experience for you!.