My spouse and I bought on the border of Union Square in Mount Clare this summer for 185k for a 4 bedroom 3 bath 2013 rehab. I left my passenger door unlocked overnight and my car was still there this morning, so its probably not as bad as people think, and some neighbors had a block party in the lot across the street last night.

From what I've seen I think Pigtown is overhyped but Hollins Market and Union Square are legit hidden gems, at least along Lombard and Hollins. Things get worse on Baltimore and Pratt.