New Yorkers, where would you live in NYC for $3k/mo?

[Ulysses]

So, here's the deal. Sometime in the next few months, I might sell my company here in SF. If that happens, I'll probably look for a change of scenery. I've been here for a while and it's probably time for a change. One of my options is NYC, largely due to some exciting business opportunities there.

So, here's the question. If I decide to move to NYC, where should I live? I'd ideally be looking for a 1br place and would like to spend $3k or less per month. I love hanging out in the E Village, SoHo, etc. I don't find myself hanging out in UWS/UES very much. I like to go to restaurants and bars all around the city, so easy access to trains is key. So, given those criteria, where would you live?