There are definitely places in Baltimore that are quiet & safe. They tend to cost more but aren’t wildly priced imo. Like any urban area, you just need to know where to go and where not to go. People who live outside of the city often don’t know the difference and see the whole city area as a hazardous cesspool.

If you’re working in Columbia and have a car, consider River Hill, Fulton, and Maple Lawn.