If one wants to be able to walk and enjoy NOL, what is the safest area to stay in?

Google Earth street view.

Probably the Garden District?

Walking around in daylight isn't particularly dangerous unless you pick an awful neighborhood. I walked from the Lower Ninth Ward to the French Quarter along the river and didn't feel unsafe at all. I was actually told that walking along St Claude was better. I also walked through the Marigny triangle area at night and was fine.

Not sure how Google Street view would help answer your question.

Sorry, I wasn’t all that clear. We are thinking about staying 3 nights, March 24, 25 and 26. I am considering where the best area to book accommodation so that we can make the most of our time.

We stayed once in the Warehouse/Arts district and once in the CBD and felt perfectly safe both times. We walked a lot. We did take cabs very late at night, like back to the hotel from Frenchman Street.

>> I am considering where the best area to book accommodation so that we can make the most of our time.

When exactly do you want to be "safe"? During the day the Garden District and the Quarter and the CBD are all fairly safe. But I'd take the Quarter (from Royal to the river) at night over the Garden District.

Just stay in the FQ. Lots of people around day and night. There's crime, but it's unlikely to affect you as the average visitor. And YES, I would definitely take the FQ over the GD at night. The GD is very quiet at night.