Unfortunately, you cannot change the area. Being from Detroit, i've seen it all, but i still felt uncomfortable walking the 2 blocks from the apartment to the train station. Cars have clearly been broken into along State Street and there is limited parking along the well lit MLK Street.
Newark Broad Street Station is sketchy at night to say the least, so travel in a group or follow whatever crowd gets off the at that stop to stay secure.
As for the apartment itself - for starters it's cluttered. It's literally someone's apartment and they leave for a few days so you can stay there. No extra care is given to make it look immaculate. Sheets were dirty and appeared to be (and smelled to be) unwashed. I literally went to Target while in TImes Square to buy sheets and a blanket.
The two chairs are a rolling office chair and a foldable sports chair that soccer moms use at games. No comfortable seating, no sofa.
The carpet is spotty and dirty.
The windows appear to be unwashed and thought it doesn't hurt the view, it definitely doesn't help.
The bathroom has peeling paint all over the place, but especially above the shower. The vent is full of dust and grime.
If you're expecting or hoping for a clean apartment that you feel is welcoming and comfortable, this is not it. Fortunately, this was my first trip to the area and apart from sleeping i was not at the apartment at all, otherwise i would have been even more upset. I wanted a refund but didnt want to request it while there in fear of ruining my trip with an argument. I was told by AirBNB i would only receive 75 of 330 back if i chose not to stay.
This should not be read as an attack on the owner/renter. He seems like a nice enough person trying to do his thing, i get it completely. But if you're going to have people staying at your place they should enjoy the experience and some effort should be taken to make the place look and feel good.