Taxes will still seem like a heavy burden, even at the lower marginal rates. Still, 51K is not too bad when you’re single. I didn’t have student debt, but didn’t make over 50K until my wife was pregnant with our 3rd.
Move close to work, even if the rent is higher, the gas and time saving is well worth it. After a year of work, buy a small 3 bedroom house on a 15 year mortgage, and rent two of the rooms and share the utilities.
Oh, and don't report the rental income or put it the bank, that's one way to stick it to the man. Have them pay the rent in cash, and every couple months use the money to buy more gold and silver and guns and ammunition.