All of Hoboken and a good portion of JC are safe enough that most people would feel good about walking alone in the evening. In JC, there are a few neighborhoods with drug and gang reputations on the southwest side of the city, such as Greenville.

Having said that (and not knowing what type of place you are coming from —urban, suburban, rural—you are moving to a place that is decidedly urban. You can live anywhere in JC (and really in North Jersey) without a car. We have one of the best public transport systems in the US. Hoboken and JC are well-wired with extensive light rail, commuter rail, multiple bus systems and a subway that links with NYC (PATH). Plus there are Citibike stall in JC and Hoboken.

And yes, there are many, many real estate brokers with rental experience in North Jersey. My company has moved people from all over the world to NJ and they contract with real estate brokers to find them rental properties all the time. Good luck!