Liverpool-where to live?

My husband recently got a job offer for an 8.5 month contract in Liverpool (we currently live in Norwich with our son.)

As it's only temporary, we're not all going to move just yet, so we're probably looking for a small flat.

I was wondering if anyone in Liverpool (or who knows the area) could recommend some okay neighbourhoods.  He's working for Liverpool University doing research at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.  I know about Rightmove, Gumtree, etc., and we have visited friends in the Aigburth/Sefton Park area, but any other insight on where to/not to live would be most appreciated!

I'm not familiar with the area myself, but my husband grew up there and says you can find very reasonable flats in the city centre, though he is not sure how suitable it would be for kids.

Another good spot is by the marina/Albert Dock area (we really liked this area when we visited his family recently).  

He said to stay away from the student areas, especially Kensington.

According to him, you'd want to stick right inside the city centre or go out towards the suburbs (the places you'd want to avoid are in between these areas).  

If you want to look outside the city, he recommends someplace like Maghull or Lydiate and taking the train in (he knows a lot of people who live in Maghull and take the train in to the university every day).  He also says you could look on the Wirral and take the train in, as well.  He also mentioned that Aigburth would be a good option.

Crosby is where my hubby is from. Nice area, but a bit on the expensive side. It has all the best schools.  Also, Blundellsands and Waterloo. But closer to the city you won't find better that Aigburth, because it's right by the parks, and it's cheap.
   
Most areas of Liverpool have bad rep's but are not actually all that bad. So if you went to somewhere like Bootle, if you picked the right part- you can get cheap and convenient at the same time.  Keep your options open, the city is beautiful and the people are very friendly. We live in the Toxteth/Dingle area, very close to Princes and Sefton Parks. We have no trouble, it's quiet and friendly.  My wheels have never made a mysterious disappearance.

Thanks for the swift reply! This certainly helps!