Marc Ramsey wrote:
The best way to stretch your budget is to get a partner, but failing
that, you'll have a lot of fun with a 1-26, particularly if you live in
an area where there is an active 1-26 community. My favorite in that
price range would be a nice 1-23H. It is also possible to find a decent
HP-11 or even 14 in that price range, but you'll need to be comfortable
using 90 degree flaps. Not so difficult an adaptation for power pilots,
but a glider-only pilot should get advice from someone who has actually
used 90 degree flaps, and get some instruction in a flap equipped glider...

As others have pointed out, the above is fixated on metal. If you have
the climate and local A&P knowledge to support a wood glider, there are
lots of options which show up on W+W periodically. I'll point out the
SZD-36 Cobra 15 in particular, first generation glass performance at a
somewhat lower price...

Marc