Are there any enjoyable areas in Manhattan to walk free of weirdos and garbage? (New York: move to, homeless)

[koctail]

I moved to Chicago and would love to just walk around the loop and magnificent mile area. Seems here in NYC I can't really do that. I worry about being harassed by panhandlers, bumping into weirdos, stepping on garbage or smelling garbage. Not an enjoyable experience by any measure. Are there parts of Manhattan that resemble Chicago downtown?

[Metromoxo]

Originally Posted by koctail

I moved to Chicago and would love to just walk around the loop and magnificent mile area. Seems here in NYC I can't really do that. I worry about being harassed by panhandlers, bumping into weirdos, stepping on garbage or smelling garbage. Not an enjoyable experience by any measure. Are there parts of Manhattan that resemble Chicago downtown?

We were on the UWS yesterday, got out at 103rd and Broadway and headed directly west towards Riverside Park. Riverside Drive itself, West End Ave and the side streets (103rd between Broadway and the park) was free of panhandlers and weirdos as was the park itself - at least the part we were in during a weekend afternoon. Im thinking UWS around Broadway itself would not be so free of such people.

It's a beautiful park so since you're new in town it might be good to put a star on the map for a future visit, if you like parks

[Tiredofnyclife]

Battery Park City is your best bet. But only the areas west of the west side highway. The area by south ferry is full of junkies, hustlers, homeless, and criminals. A large number of them no doubt come from the north shore of Staten Island's projects to prey on tourists.

[2020's YouTube Vlog]

Originally Posted by koctail

stepping on garbage or smelling garbage. ?

I can't think of any place in Manhattan where this can be avoided. Some other areas, as mentioned, might be lighter with panhandling.

But garbage is everywhere in NYC, especially Manhattan.

Welcome to New York.

[90sSitcom]

No. It's part of the charm. You want to avoid it, best you move elsewhere.

[Gilmoregal]

Anywhere by the water. Few options:

Riverside Park, West Side
Pier 26, Hudson River Park
Battery Park
Elevated Acre

Great views as well.

[Dave 92 LSC]

Just spent 6 hours touring the city. Midtown, downtown.
It’s rough. Every block has a homeless person or two. Some more crazy than others.

[pierrepont7731]

Originally Posted by 90sSitcom

No. It's part of the charm. You want to avoid it, best you move elsewhere.

What charm is that?

[Mr. Ryu]

You moved from Chiraq to NYC and you scared????

[Tencent]

Originally Posted by Gilmoregal

Anywhere by the water. Few options:

Riverside Park, West Side
Pier 26, Hudson River Park
Battery Park
Elevated Acre

Great views as well.

Yeah parks and by the Water is your only option.

If you want beautiful tree lined streets you'll have to move to Queens.