You might have to venture into CT or NJ to get lower prices. When I specify "heavy duty" sewing machine, the listings get farther from home for you. But you say you already do craigslist, so you can hunt with the GF. Maybe her heart is set on new. (Junk, I say, all plastic, all junk!)
https://newyork.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=heavy+duty+sewing+machine