Looking for reasonably priced apartments. Going back to work after traveling abroad for 2 years! Salary $110k

I’m a 29 yr old and looking for an apartment to move into with my gf! No kids, no pets, just us. Any suggestions on a good area to live? It’s been 2 yrs since I last worked because I was traveling abroad. Boy have the rent prices gone way up. I used to pay $1425 with the utilities included except electric of course. I will be working near Paterson making 110k. Definitely not looking to pay 3k in rent either. HOW MUCH ARE YOU PEOPLE MAKING? Rent is insane.