I agree with Gary: keep close to the subway. It can take over an hour to get across the city. If you're familiar with and enjoy typical suburban environments (e.g. big malls as the main gathering place, wide roads) then living on the PuDong side would definitely be the best bet. A lot of jobs are also on the PuDong side.
If you being able to walk and bike around your neighbourhoods, eat and shop at local/small shops and stands, then definitely live on the PuXi side. I lived on the PuXi side, and worked on PuDong. In PuXi, there are tons of neighbourhoods where there is an incredible mix of Chinese cultures and international cultures. Staying in or near one of the three main international bar streets (WuDing Lu, DaGu Lu, or YongKang Lu) will keep your close to plenty of Chinese and international amenities. Alternatively, the French Concession, Zhongshan Park, and most subway stops on the PuXi side are interesting places to live.