A one-bedroom apartment in the Willimantic area goes for $800-1000. I've lived in the town for years and have always felt physically safe although I've had my bike stolen a couple of times. Not a whole lot of jobs though, and the town is kind of geographically isolated. (Although if you can get a job at UConn or ECSU, those are usually pretty good.)

As far as looking for affordable housing resources, you can try checking out any community action agency or community resource agency in your area. (In Willimantic we have the ACCESS Agency and Windham Regional Community Council).