The problem is, there are bad areas interspersed with the good areas, so it's really hard to pinpoint (aside from say, South Central but there's even nice area's there too).

And when you say tourist traps, like the other's have said, why are you going to be here? Work? That could determine where you stay. If you are going to be working downtown and don't want to do anything touristy you might wanna stay downtown.

If you are here for pleasure then you need to think of what you might like to do that's not touristy and then we can give you a better idea. Do you like the beach? Horseback riding? Hiking? Museums?