Considering Renting in Encino or Brentwood, Curious as to Safety? (From small town in Indiana)

Hi, I was looking at renting with a friend who owns a condo in Encino just above the 101 between Trader Joe's and the big Encino park system on a cul-de-sac. On the other hand, I was also looking at renting an apartment in the Brentwood area (off of one of the S. Barrington side streets). I am from a small town in Indiana and although I love my friend and love the idea of $1200 vs. $1500, I'm not sure if this area of Encino is as safe as the area in Brentwood. I have a dog that I will need to take out in the middle of the night and I also will be working quite late. I'm used to zero crime in my small Mayberry-esque town (but I've lived in NYC so yes, I know crime will exist wherever I end up living in LA) and I'm just wondering...am I being overly paranoid about this area of Encino? Has anyone lived in this area or know anything about this area? Can anyone give me any guidance on the safest areas for a 20-something woman living in LA who will be coming home late/taking the dog out late?