Fort Lauderdale!! You've got Target on Oakland and US1, there's the Galleria Mall on Sunrise just east of US1, you've got Las Olas and the Riverfront for shopping, hanging out and jazzy clubs, and that area is easy to walk around. If you pick an area to rent like Victoria Park or even somewhere right near the beach over the bridges (like in between the intracoastal and the Atlantic between Oakland and Sunrise Blvds) you can probably find some awesome little studio apt or 1/1 apt for a reasonable rate. There's an AMAZING cultural mix in Fort Lauderdale.. Everyone fits in, and everyone is welcome. Race isnt an issue near the beach, its wonderful, at least not that I ever noticed.. everyones really open minded..!
I hope you find something you love! I know I love Fort Lauderdale. When I lived there, it was the best place for me to be as a single person with my dog. I was happy and safe there.
Good luck!