Friendly software engineer searching for an awesome flat

Hello everyone!

I am a Californian (28) who moved to Berlin about 8 months ago to study computer programming and open a new chapter in my life. Back in the states I was working as a Chemist, but moved to Berlin in search of different, more fulfilling work and a better work-life balance.

I have recently start a position as a software engineer where I am currently quite happy to keep learning and working on a very international and fun team. While I have been living with some friends down in Britz since I moved here, I am looking to move into my own place as the friends I live with are a couple and would like to have the flat to themselves.

Besides my work life, I love to cook (vegetarian) and a few times a week i will try out new recipes that I find online, or sometimes just throwing ingredients together to see how it turns out. My hobbies also include bouldering or climbing which I love and try to go 3-4 times a week. I also love to bike, listen to live music, and read science fiction among other things.

What I am looking for in an apartment is a place I can hang out after work or climbing and relax and maybe cook something or watch a tv show or read a book. I want a simple apartment that I can turn into an awesome and long term home. A place fit to start a new life in Berlin.

Thanks for your time and consideration, I am very grateful.
Have a wonderful day,
Timothy