What are the safe and affordable neighborhoods in and near Oakland CA?

I'm moving from Cambridge MA to Oakland CA very soon for job but am not very familiar with the area. I pay abut $1500 a month now for rent and would like to find something along the same lines for a place in Oakland. I've heard Oakland can be a little rough with crime and would like to avoid the worst areas. I've heard Piedmont, Lake Merritt, Rockridge, Montclair are all nice areas. Any other good neighborhoods? What are the places to avoid? Thanks in advance!