Basically with dieting, do as much as you can get away with and still see consistent results.
On the heavier end, I would start with 2000 calories a day (weighing, measuring, etc and make DARN sure that I'm not underestimating and sabotaging myself) and see how my results are.
When they slow down, drop a 100 or so calories, up my activity, etc to start seeing consistent results again.
1500 is fine, but I would think you could start with more, and not have to make starting out so traumatic.
On the other hand, in my 'real' life, I sometimes find that sticking with lower counts is actually easier, b/c when I have higher numbers I tend to think 'oh I can eat that' or 'I can afford another bite or two' and then I realize that I've overdone it for the day.
Ultimately, it's up to you, and how you feel comfortable but not so deprived that you think "I can't wait to be done dieting so I can eat again" This would be bad mojo