Just some opinions on Bklyn and searching for an apt. (Union: for rent, broker)

[brooklyn111]

So I'm in Park Slope, need to find a new apt. Not sure if I wanna go further into the heart of the Slope. I like 6th avenue b/c its quiet and tree lined, but can still go up to 7th or down to 5th for anything I need. Parking isn't great, but I'm used to it.

Been also looking at Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill.

My budget is max of $1800 for a 1br. I could go higher but why the heck should I. Also I'm a white boy.

Ideally, I want to be within walking distance of the subway. I sure as heck don't wanna be on 4th ave just because it's right near the train. Have seen apt's for rent on Union and 4th and well, no thanks.

Fort Greene by the park seems okay, there's some famous coffee shop Tillie's over there. I don't know about walking over to Dekalb or Nevins for the train, but I don't really know Fort Greene all that well other than it has gotten better in recent years.

I'm trying to avoid using a broker, but craigslist isn't too helpful right now.

Any opinions on these neighborhoods would be great. I've lived in the BK my whole life, so I know it pretty well, but it helps to read some different views.

ALSO, I've never gone thru a broker before, do they find you apt's with no fee? I need to get something by the end of February and it would be quicker to get something w/o having to pay the broker's fee.

If a fee is involved, do you have to pay them right away?

Thanks.

[pureistheword]

nowadays brokerages should have a decent amount of no fees (it means the owners/mgmts are paying that). apts. You could ask them to see their no fee listings only