Canning town is a real ghetto, however there are signs that it is trying to better itself. I have seen big changes there since the olympics but it still has a terrible reputation for crime that has been in existence there for decades. There is however a building near the tube called 'The Sphere' which although on a main road with limited parking is relatively cheap, modern and is literally across the road from the station so you can avoid the gangsters by running to the tube haha! Canary wharf shopping centre is just down the road and good tube loinks in to town. Have a look.
Interestingly as an aside, it has some rather high rental yields if you do your research you will see what I mean...