Where should I live in Brooklyn?

Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Carrol Gardens…

Try Corcoran.com

greenpoint. less gentrified than wburg but gentrified enough to feel safe, plus relatively cheap, and everyone there is your demographic (except for the poles)

Breedmich is our Brooklyn expert. Or at least the one I know. I am sure there are others, altho Bronxlens leads me to another borough.

Park Slope will get you a broomcloset, if you are lucky, for $1400. Surviving financially in NYC is a much bigger deal than it used to be.

park slope!!!

Sorry. I came late. Take a look at this former question
For most of the neighborhoods mentioned, $1400 might do, but just barely.
Up and coming right now is Ditmas Park.
As to methods, Craigslist is still best. If you can afford it, use a broker (@rawpixels: Corcoran is great. I know some brokers there, but they probably won’t have anything in the $1400 range) but a broker is going to charge you between 10 and 15% of a year’s rent. I found mine by just walking around the neighborhood I liked and looking for construction (i.e. freshly renovated apartment), but it doesn’t sound like you have the luxury of time.
Good luck.

craigslist is the best way to find anything in nyc

bococa