I'm looking into buying a fifth generation iPod Nano as stores don't carry them anymore.

My last resort was Amazon which sells them at almost $200 for new.
I am considering buying a used one, but is it safe?

I just bought one for my daughter for xmas on amazon. It looked like new in the box, works great! I also bought my niece a used netbook last year on amazon and it was in like new condition in the box and she still uses it. Good luck.