Moving to NY:Seek advice from users of this incredible forum (apartments, how much)

[johndcostab]

Hi

I am 30, single and would be moving to new york in Feb 2011 from India.

I would be working near the world trade centre area (specifically vessey street, NY)

Since i do not have much know how about the place , I would like some users of this incredible forum to help me finalize my budget settings. I would need advice regarding the following questions

My gross salary is around $80000 so that wud translate to roughly $4200 per month post taxes (including NY tax etc.)

While giving your valuable suggestions, please keep in mind I would like to make savings of around $1500 - $2000 a month ....

1. RENT
Given my office location what's the best place to stay...i would be looking for 1 BR apartment. i am single but my parents would be coming off and on so wouldn't prefer a roommate
I found some apartments on rent.com in east orange, NJ which have 1BR for $700... are these fine ??
or are there any better options ??
I am willing to travel upto 1 hour to my office
Also since i am single , i would prefer to stay in an neighborhood with market n restaurants close by
Willing to shell out $100 extra for safe neighborhoods n proximity to subway stations

My budget $600-900

2. Also could you give me an estimate of how much the following would cost per month

* Food (including groceries / toiletries etc.)
* Transport (including bus / metro fares)
* Internet
* Cable TV
* Phone (would be calling India frequently)
* Electricity bills
* Other misc. expenses (including entertainment...watching movie, eating at an expensive place once a while..etc.)

Looking forward to your responses..it will be of great help

Thanks

[newyorker24]

You will not find an apartment you like for $700 a month. You will not be able to save $1500 a month on $80,000 per year in NYC, especially not if you live alone.