There are some really nice areas really close to Universal City, however, they are really expensive. I am not sure what range you are looking at, but Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Toluca Lake are all really nice areas. They are pretty crowded, so depending on what you are looking for (house/apartment) you could be spending a bit. There are others areas that are kind of iffy, North Hollywood, Van Nuys-they have some nice spots and some really bad spots.
Like Saige said, if he is willing to commute, Santa Clarita Valley is a fantastic area as well as Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena are all pretty nice.