Moving to LA from San Diego - need some advice (Burbank: apartments, for rent)

[LJD90]

I'm looking for some advice on areas to live in LA. I lived in North Hills for the summer of 2009 and didn't really enjoy it that much, felt kind of out of place and there wasn't really anyone my age there. I'm 21 years old right now, I've been living in San Diego for a little over 2 years, and I'd like to move back to LA to give acting one more shot - I did some acting a couple years ago, but once I moved out to San Diego I started working full time and ended up trying out some other unrelated hobbies.

I'd like to avoid living with roommates if possible, I'd be looking for a studio or 1 bedroom. I've calculated my expenses and my budget would be $1000/month or less for rent. I'd be moving out there with a job, or at least I'm planning on it right now depending on if I can convince my employer. I've got a steady job where I make decent money for my age, and one guy in my department has already moved out of state and is working from home now, so I figure I could do the same (not move out of state but work from home in LA). I've also got about $4000 in savings, which isn't a lot but if I have a job when I move out I should be fine.

The most important factor is that wherever I live is close to auditions, as acting will be why I'm moving out there. Obviously safety is also important, I don't want to live anywhere too ghetto. A younger crowd would be nice with people my age. I don't need a ton of space, so I'm totally fine with living in a smaller studio as long as the area I'm in is decent. I was thinking of possibly Burbank, or West/North Hollywood, but since I haven't been to LA in a couple years I'm not sure which areas would work best for me. What would you all recommend as far as where to live? Once I get some places in mind I figure I'll come out for a weekend, check out the area as well as apartments, then hopefully after some planning I can move in the next couple months.