Where is a cheap and safe place to live if I am working in Santa Monica?

Question

I just relocated to California from Florida for a job position in Santa Monica. I will be working on Wilshire and 17th street. I want to commute as less as possible but also can't afford to pay over $1500 per month for housing minimum 1BR 1BA for two adults and two cats. What are some good, safe, inexpensive areas that I can look in...and please be as specific and detailed as possible.

Answer 1

If you look you can find an apartment in Santa Monica in that price range that'll take cats, example:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/488351360.html

See craigslist for others.

Beware some areas of Venice Beach are slimy.