There are some great deals on Bridgeports in California.
Seems CA has many machines in better shape than you will find in the NE, as the industries moved South and offshore soon after they bought the mills.
Check e-bay, used equipment dealers, and tool auctions and you will find many nice tight Bridgeports and clones like, Tree, Acra, Clausing, Kondia, Jet, Sharp, Ext
You should be able to find one with 2 or 3 axis DRO, 2 axis power and chrome ways for 3-5K.