There aren't that many under $1000, but there are a few. Recumbents are not manufactured on the same scale as regular bikes, so that is why they cost more. Do what I did and read this forum and the bentrideronline.com forum and you will start hearing brand names mentioned over and over. Go look them up, try to find a recumbent dealer nearby and do some test rides. Since all recumbents are so different from each other most people really have to test ride a bunch before they really know what they want.
I bought a Lightning Thunderbolt because it was under $1000, but they no longer make them and only have a few left in the small size, so I can't recommend one for you. I'd recommend their other bikes, but they are all over $1000. Other brands I have heard for under $1000 are Actionbent, EZ Racers, and I think Rans has some under $1000.
Good luck. Riding a 'bent is really fun!