Moving to Sydney - Good Suburbs to Live In

Hi,
I will be working permanently in North Ryde, Sydney come February 1st 2006 and am currently in the process of scoping out a place to live. I am seeking a 1 bedroom or Studio flat and am wondering if anyone could give me some tips and/or some websites to reference for the following:

1) Relatively cheap and safe neighbourhood to live in
2) Average cost per month on accomodation for 1 bedroom or Studio
3) Average cost for services (electricity, telephone, etc.)

That's all for now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Christine