different neighborhoods of Rome

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rioni_of_Rome#/media/File:Roma_rioni_mappa.png

The ones in yellow in the link above are all good and reasonably central. Prati is more residential and also more upscale. I'm sure that would be a good bet. Trastevere is nice also.

Prati is a nice balance: close to the Vatican, walkable to the Centro Storico, and well-connected by Tram, Metro and bus to the rest of the city. While busy during the day, the evenings are quiet as it is a residential area. The problem with Parioli, where I live, is that depending on your exact location, it can take a long time to get anywhere as you are dependent on buses that are undependable. I can walk to Centro Storico but it takes 60-75 minutes, versus 15-20 from most of Prati.

Use Google Maps to your benefit and survey the neighborhood from Street View. Also use G.Maps to scope out bus stops and Metro stations near the properties you are considering.

Thanks very much! Really appreciate it.

Hi gosteve63 ,
We had a great experience with apartment in Rome near Cipro metro station in Rome (very close to Vatican) in 2012. it was 100% local Italian experience , so it was just perfect.
This summer we rent through Airbnb apartment in Trastevere-very close to the Vatican, and to the all "must see" sights in Rome for $97 per night for family of 4 (with washer/dryer, kitchen, air conditioner etc...)
I will recommend Airbnb to all my friends- its a best deal in the town! We use it for 4 years in the row an never had bad experience ( in France, Spain, Greece, Italy)
Have a great trip!

On our first trip to Italy we stayed very near the Pantheon in an apartment rented via VRBO. The neighborhood was great, very convenient to all the sites we wanted to see. We walked everywhere.

We are returning this fall and this time we have rented an apartment via Airbnb. This one is nearer the Spanish Steps and I anticipate that it will be just right for us.

Take a look at a map of Rome and highlight the things you want to see. This will help you to narrow down your choices in neighborhoods. I think all of Rome has color and flare! I don't know if you can get out of a "touristy" section of Rome and still be in the centra storico, which is where most of the prime tourist sites are. As far as noise, get an apartment on a higher floor and you shouldn't have much of a noise issue, of course remembering that you Will have to walk up a lot of steps to get to the upper floors.

We were withing a block of the Pantheon on our first trip, and in our 5th floor apartment we had no noise issues. I think all of Rome has color and flare!

Agree with Laurel -- the Prati (Vatican Area) is a great blend of quiet nights, yet close enough to get to all of the sites you want to see via convenient bus service or even walking. I love to be out and about during the day, but when I return at night, I like a quiet area for sleeping, and prefer the restaurants owned and frequented by locals. Better food, better prices. Learn some basic Italian, especially menu items.

Lazio is the region of Italy where Rome is located, way too broad for a search. Sounds like you have some good options.