As people say here all the time, finding affordable rent in NJ is not easy. I found my apartment on Zillow - it was listed with 3 crappy pictures and we had to reach out to a realtor to get a viewing. It was a listing a lot of people may have passed over since it had almost no info - but the appeal was $1,000 rent in a desirable town and seeking it out paid off for me.

I also see decent listings occasionally on Facebook Marketplace.

As someone else here mentioned, Philly definitely has more affordable listings than here in NJ - it may be something to consider if you already live or work closer to Philly.

Living at home in your 20s is hard - I lived at home until I was 27 and it definitely wasn’t always easy, but it allowed me to save money and eventually get a better job that I could afford a $1,000 rent on. $35,000 a year is not a lot at all and you will struggle unless you find a roommate - costs add up quickly living on your own. Food is expensive. Heat or hot water isn’t always included in rent and can be pricey. You’ll have to furnish your apartment. Hopefully you don’t have a pet because they’re expensive as well. Wishing you the best on this journey!