And in terms of places to avoid, you can clearly see those areas when going through the city. However, if you mind your manners and keep your nose out of others affairs, you could get by in the most blighted areas (like Sandtown-Winchester). Crime definitely is an issue in the city overall, but unless you have a habit of making enemies or hanging around troublemakers in the middle of the night, your chances of being the victim of serious crime are greatly reduced. Not saying it won't happen, since crime can happen to anyone anywhere; but if you're aware of where you are, you'll have no problem anywhere.