There are a bunch of threads to search for "moving to newark" that can clue you in on specific neighborhoods. Short answer is you're fine, and whatever connotation you have is outdated.

I'm a 5' 8", 220 lbs white guy living in downtown and I've never had a problem. The most my friends have had is someone screaming at them by Penn Station or panhandling.

I just came back from a bike ride meandering throughout all of downtown and part of the ironbound, dressed in my office clothes and wearing a fancy helmet with built in lights. No one ever bothers me. That includes the 5am walks home from the bar or with friends.

Of course you got neighborhoods to be mindful of. Once you ID a certain area we can get you more details.