New To Prospect/Lefferts Gardens...

Hi all, so I am moving back to brooklyn after living in new orleans the past few years and am shocked to see how the rents have all gone up here!
I am starting a new job in a month and need to find an apt asap...
From all the stories i've heard from my friends living here(prospect heights,clinton hill) i understand that finding a nice apt in a good area thats affordable is going to be quite the challenge!
I would LOOOVE it if anyone out there has some good ideas as how to go about my search...I canNOT wait to be back in brooklyn!
Let me know!
Thanks guys!