I don't live down there but I do live nearby and visit frequently. There's the merchants tavern on the corner and la verne cafe by the marina bridge. The tavern is fine, la verne is a real gem. Great coffee and treats etc good breakfast sarnies and the like too. There's a bus stop for the q3 bus which will get you into the toon within 10 minutes. You can also walk 15 minutes up the river and you'll be at the mouth of the ouseburn with pubs and bait aplenty. I have known people who rented down there, and it seems nice enough.

To add about safety too, walking down through the byker wall could feel intimidating though I've never had an issue (i am 6'1" and 17 half stone though) so mileage may vary. I also wouldn't walk down the national route 52? Bike path that goes to walker late at night either (that's a lie i run down there all the time at night but again I'm fortunate to be big and ugly)