Buying/Renting property in London: Where would you live?

Could you make a suggestion regarding Vic Park/Bethnal Green?

I'm making a week long trip at the end of the month to view everything and would love some pointers about the areas in general so I can check out the high streets/busy areas and gauge whether or not I'm likely to get stabbed...

Little strip around Parfett Street (between Commercial road and Whitechapel road and to the east of Brick Lane.) Commercial road seems a bit grim, accurate assumption?

There are many places in East london that are grim but it's just a fact of life. There are a few strips of middle class delight: Victoria Park, Stoke Newington and my old neighbourhood Chatsworth road but you pay a premium to have access to organic vegetables and niche coffee shops. Hackney Central (Mare Street/Amhurst Road/Well Street) is a good area with access to various amenities.