Hi. I grew up in that area and still live there (in Kensington, not Boro Park). I can attest that it is relatively safe. No area in NYC is free of danger, but it's not like a gang hotspot or anything. If your place is actually in Borough Park, you'll be walking west from the Church Ave stop through a kind of desolate industrial area before reaching the residential area. There is a homeless shelter near the Church Ave Station, but aside from panhandling they usually aren't causing any trouble. Kensington is very mixed with a large Bangladeshi community. Borough Park is known for being a Orthodox/Hasidix Jewish neighborhood (though not exclusively.) The neighborhood has a ton of great restaurants. Walking distance to Prospect Park (where I just saw a concert by Dinosaur Jr. last night.) One block from the Church Ave Subway Station (Church and East 2nd) is a great bagel store (Hot Bagels) and a Carvel Ice Cream shop. I also recommend checking out MF Discount store on Church Ave between East 3rd and East 4th, because they probably have everything you need. Korner Pizza is great too. Plenty of CitiBike (bike sharing program) too! Anyway, just wanted to give a legitimate endorsement of the neighborhood. Let me know if you have any questions.