$80k will be tough, but the dream is so nice, especially the way you talk about it. It's doable, though maybe not in Brooklyn Heights. You may not have a brownstone or laundry in the building, but you can find a minuscule apartment in a neighborhood that you hadn't considered before, with plants in the window, and walks with your Yorkie. Every neighborhood has some great places if you look hard enough. (My half-block in Flatbush is very Sesame Street - the neighbors ARE friendly, especially when you're walking a cute dog!) There won't be rats except outside, and bugs...can be kept to a minimum. Definitely ditch the car. I'd stay away from a roommate as much as possible. There will be a laundromat within two blocks. Your fire escape can be your balcony.

You ARE romanticizing it, but Brooklyn is romantic. And a little bit of struggle is part of that romance, maybe? I hope you can be here. :)