Neighborhood / Area Safety

Our hotel was in Old Town (Prague 1.Staré Město) and the area felt safe. We walked all over day and evening/night. That said it's a tourist area and pickpockets are said to consider the Clock prime pickings.

It's not New York City. You don't need to be a prisoner at night.

We stayed in the old center forits convenience and beauty. If u can stay there it may cost a bit more but i feel well worth it. I also stayed further out which involved about 30 min walk ea way so i know the diff.
I didnot find any sketchy areas on my trip of 4 nites. We stayed across from historical clock in historical center.

I rented an apartment for 3 nights in the old town, a short walk to the bridge and also to the main square and the clock. It was very inexpensive, $135 for 3 nights (yes, that's $45/night), even in mid-July. So, it doesn't have to be expensive to stay in the center of old town. For 3 or more nights I usually prefer an apartment. They're usually less expensive and I don't need a lot of hotel type services anyway so don't need to pay for things I don't use. Loved the area I stayed in; it may be too busy and noisy for some people but I love having a lot of other people out and about at night, makes me feel even safer.

You don't have to avoid any neighborhoods. Violent crime is very rare in Prague. Graffiti unlike in the US does not mean that you are in a dangerous neighborhood. Avoid British drunkards but even they are mostly just annoying. They come to Prague because there is very cheap and good beer there. Watch out for pickpockets.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/czech-republic.html

CRIME: The Czech Republic generally has a low crime rate. However,
pick-pocketing remains problematic, especially in major tourist areas
in Prague.

as others have said Prague is very safe.I usually stay in the Dejvice area of the city (Prague 6) but as the city has a superb public transport system as long as you are near a tram or metro stop you can get anywhere is the city quickly and cheaply.
For a first time visitor anywhere in Prague one generally the Old Town area but that does cover a fairly large area.
Namesti republicky is a good area to be based, near lots of transport options and easily walkable to old Town Square. loads of hotels restaurants and bars in the area as well ads a huge shopping mall.

Considering you are from NYC, you will be pleasantly surprised at how safe Prague is.

Thanks everyone! I am feeling much better now. I guess I just have pre-travel jitters. I am staying in Old Town, but definitely want to explore other neighborhoods. Good to hear there aren't any scary ghettos or anything like that!

Good to hear there aren't any scary ghettos....

The Prague ghetto is one of the sites to experience. Interesting cemetery. It's a short walk from Old Town.

I'll have to check it out

if you fancy a bit of an adventure head out to this micro Brewery.
http://www.jihomestskypivovar.cz/
It is a few minutes walk from Haje Metro, last stop on the Red Line.
set in the middle of some high rise communist era housing and looks like a sh*t coloured bunker from the outside, but inside it is really lovely and does great food and fantastic beer. lets you see some of the real Prague.Live music some nights as well.
been in there several times and on each time been in the company of American friends one who is from New York, he didn't find it scary at all.