Where to Live in HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City)

Hello! I am planning to move to Vietnam in July for about a year or so to teach English. My job will be in HCMC and I need to get a feel for the city so that I can be thinking about where to search for apartments. I am expecting to make around $1000USD per month. I am also a 24 year old female looking for a safe area, but also one with a lot to do. Food culture is the most important thing to me. I want to be somewhere where I can access a lot of delicious restaurants easily. I am interested in night life as well, but it doesn't need to be too crazy. I am in my initial research stage right now so any feedback would be greatly appreciated!