OK, Some ideas
1. NYC-anything nice is going to be too expensive. Prices just keep going up
2. Hoboken NJ- Just across the river from NYC. This town is like another borough of NYC. You can get across the river very easy, either by ferry or subway. LOTS of restaurants, bars and clubs, and a lot to choose from for apartments. Your age group is the majority in this city. Rent will be much less than across the Hudson, and there are probably a lot of people looking for roommates. Do not rent ground floor since Hoboken is low elevation, and can flood with extreme weather. http://www.hobokennj.org/visit/what-to-do/
3. Rutherford and Montclair NJ- These two towns both offer much of what Hoboken has, but on a smaller scale, with a little more suburban feel. Both have train stations with quick access to NYC, but are a little more car friendly than Hoboken. Apartments here will be less expensive than Hoboken. Both have great parks and recreation facilities.
4. Morristown and New Brunswick NJ- A little farther from NYC, but you can still get there in under one hour. Both are a good mix between urban and suburban, and have trains right to NYC.
5. Red Bank NJ- Close to the beach, and a very happening downtown. Nice spot. You can be in NYC in about 40 minutes, and to Atlantic City in a little over an hour.
Is there anything you like to do that would help with location? (ski, beach, golf, shop, bike, etc...)
If you have any specific questions, fire away. I will do my best to help you.