The stuff close to Rutgers feels pretty safe. Same with the places near Prudential Center, and them. Close to actual Penn Station feels a little sketchy, but I’ve not had any issues there. The people hanging out on the sidewalks surrounding the station might ask to bum a cigarette, or for spare change, but then also give you information like “that door is locked” so you don’t end up walking all that way to the door for no reason.

From the places I’ve seen, if it’s close to the light rail, I’ve felt pretty safe there. Only exception being Branch Brook Park, which feels mad sketchy no matter what hour it is.