Which is better- Brooklyn or Queens?

I will be moving to the NYC area in March and am trying to find decent neighborhoods to search for apartments. I am 22, fresh out of college and will be moving by myself so I am looking for something around $1000/month (if that even exists), safe and in a neighborhood with a lot of young professionals. Does anyone have any opinions about which place is better to live- Brooklyn or Queens? I am looking for employment in Manhattan so travel time/proximity to transportation is important. Also, what are some good neighborhoods in those boroughs? Thanks!