Rental properties in safe areas

my son who is 27 is moving out to santa rosa for a job (north). He's looking for 1 br rental in a safe neighborhood. Its hard finding places that are in good areas for $. Any recommendations? He doesn't want to drive far so city is not important. He rather be close to work (15 min. is good going north). He doesn't mind going into the city for fun and driving the distance on leisure.