Rome- neighborhoods
 

Can't seem to find descriptive comments about the different sections of Rome. I have been looking at some apartments on VRBO which is broken down into neighborhood categories.

Would the Vatican/St Peters be an all around convenient location for sightseeing?

How about Trastevere (which I have seen described as "dicey") and Navona?

Navona is very central.
we stayed next to the Vatican which was great to visit the Church and the Chapel.
Most attractions in Rome can be easily reached walking or by metro.

P.S.
one area I don't like at all is near the railway station.

Of the places you mentioned Piazza Navona is definitely the most centrally located. The other neighborhoods that are well located are Campo dei Fiori and near the Pantheon (our personal favorite!)

We had reservations for an apartment near the Vatican.On arrival there was no heat, one small roll of toilet paper for six people, nothing worked. Agency relocated us to an apartment that was 'open' (this was just before Christmas) near campo fiori. What a good break. Rome is very walkable (as far as distance is concerned)...but the fiori area was so much more centrally located that the first apartment. we were very pleased with that location.

The Vatican area is not the most convenient for sightseeing, except for the Vatican itself. Trastevere is also somewhat removed from the center of the city. The Piazza Navona area is the most central of all.

We stayed in Trastevere and loved it. Even though it was a little away from Piazza Navona, etc. we still walked almost everywhere (including my 78 year old parents). As long as you're somewhere near Santa Maria in Trastevere, you're close enough IMO. Despite the rundown appearance and graffiti, the neighborhood was lively, reasonably priced and friendly. That played a big part in the enjoyment of our trip and we will return there again this year.