Hi, before I come to USA, I also had the same worry as yours. Now I am living in Philadelphia, PA, I think it is not bad. Sometimes I also go to New York City, I think it is ok.
if you know English, there is no one will 歧視 you; even u do not speak English, ppls in Chinatown also are nice. if you are going to study, it will be the best.
if you do not show u are rich, no one will 欺骗 you.
if you do not go outside after 7 pm and go to the black ppl area, it is safe. to be honest, some black ppls are nice.