Baltimore is unsafe if you work odd jobs at odd hours, like night shift in gas stations, or if the workplace is at a ghetto. But otherwise, its pretty much like any other big cities, except that Baltimore has a large black population.

Some places to consider: Towson, Pikesville, Glen Burnie, --all by the beltway and not too far from downtown. I believe the rental cost for a two-bed room in those places should be at least 1000. You might find cheaper ones though.