Where are some good places for a single female straight out of college to live in L.A.?

I want to move there after college to become either a lawyer or producer. I want to live near Los Angeles in a safe neighborhood and people have said Santa Monica or West Los Angeles. Where is the best place to live? Also, how much money should I start out with so I can afford to live in an apartment? Also, has anyone ever heard of/seen the Pico Lanai Apartments, Pacific Plaza apartments, Plaza at the Arboretum or the Santa Monica Blitmore? (These are all in Santa Monica)