Yes it can. I live in Baltimore and I just avoid the busses, I stay out of the nasty neighborhoods, and so on. It ain't a picnic, but it ain't Beirut, either.
uhm...nothing to uncommon since this is murder mall we're talking about. I love how the press is trying to paint all of baltimore as a hell hole, when it's just not so. Most of the city is perfectly fine...but like any city...there are areas you stay out of.
I like Baltimore. Have a routine.
Go to ball game.
Go to Inner Harbor.
Eat seafood.
Go home.