Unfortunately ALL large Brasilian cities are 'a bit dangerous'.
Rua Paralella has more condos going up the you can shake a stick at. This is where the city is expanding the fastest. Posh neighborhoods are Victoria and Campo Grande. Barra is a bit down at heal, and prices effected by Carnaval and any other excuse a for a big event, Pituba and Rio Vermelho are all seeing development, as is the whole city really. Condos condos condos like all cities in Brasil right now!