What is a step up from the Nikon D5000?

I loved my Nikon D5000, but it got ruined in a horrible rain storm. So I figured that this would be a good opportunity to step it up a bit. I'm on a tight budget so I can't step it up to a Nikon D3 or anything. What Nikon cameras would be a good upgrade? My budget is about $400-600 for a body only.

What camera accessories do you use most?

I've got a D7000 and it is a fantastic camera, way better than I thought.

Very good for long exposures, too, as it does not seem to suffer from amp glow like older models did.

See this link for a 9 minute exposure with the D7000, note no amp glow.

No doubt d5100

Well, there really isn't a "step up" with that kind of budget

see if you can get a D5100, body only $700

a real "step up" would be the Nikon D7000, $1200 body only.

If you are a fan of the LCD on the D5000, then you will love the improvements Nikon made with the D5100 for this feature. Why the downward swing of the LCD on the D5000 is beyond my imagination. With the D5100, it swings to the left side. There are some improvements in the modes and video also.