advice on affordable accessible nice brooklyn places

Hi,

I'm looking to move from the upper west side, but I have a pretty tight budget. There are three things that are key for me, and they are (1)safety, (2) nice place [doesn't have to be big -- a tiny studio is fine as long as I love being in it], and (3) reasonably quick commute to the upper west side. In terms of places that will give me all 3, I've narrowed it down to (a) a specific 10-block area of washington heights, or (b) Brooklyn within walking distance of the 2/3 line up to and including bergen (park slope). The trick is that I can't rent for more than $1250. I'm **in love** with Park Slope but recognize that, though not impossible, I'm going to have trouble finding something within my budget. I suspect also anything else on the 2/3 before Park Slope will work, but my understanding is finding something within my budget in those neighborhoods will be even harder. So, I'm looking for some input. Can anyone recommend brokers who will work with my budget and be able to give me options along the 2/3 line, in PS if possible? Would I need to work with a different broker for each of those neighborhoods, or would I be able to find a single broker who can give me options in all? And more generally, are there other neighborhoods I should consider that are both safe and will get me to upper manhattan in 40 minutes or so? I'm shooting to move on May 1st or May 15th, but can take till June 1st if I must...

Thanks in advance!!!