Panhandling and being hit up for money in Austin (Trinity: to live, moving)

[alright_alright_alright]

I've only lived in two larger cities: Lincoln, NE and Tucson AZ. In both cities it got to the point where I didn't even like to go outside on walks because I was constantly being hit up by panhandlers, bums, or vagrants. The idea of going to a city park and throwing the football around with a friend, out of the question especially in Tucson.
I like to walk to places if they are nearby instead of driving my car and because of this I put myself in these situations.
My question is this: how bad is it in Austin? Can a person go to a city park and actually have a good time without being harassed? How about walking or riding a bicycle without having street people yell stuff at you?

[ImOnFiya]

There are panhandlers at some major intersections, but other than that, there are few issues with them outside of downtown. I've never had issues at public parks with panhandlers.

Now, issues with crazy people and sexual predators, that has occurred in the very early morning hours, albeit rarely. Overall, Austin parks are extremely safe.

[AustinGuy]

Panhandler's seem to be at almost every major intersection these days, especially ones with long light cycles.

[tfresca]

I'll take a panhandler over the guys peddling fake charities. That really bothers me.

[austinnerd]

As should be obvious, the effects of any panhandlers is highly dependent on location. If you wanted to live downtown, then yes, you will definitely run into your fair share of panhandlers, esp on the eastern side of Congress. However, if you're in "the burbs", then the number of panhandlers is generally limited to the street corners (usually the medians). Even if you are downtown, you could go to Auditorium Shores/Zilker and easily throw around a football (and much more). You could even go to Republic Square and while you will see some homeless/PH, I've never really had a problem. Woodridge park is a bit more hit or miss, again, plenty of homeless, but the times I've been there, they've never been a problem. In my experience it's the crowd on/around 6th, east of Congress that tends to be the worst.

That said, I've spent a lot of time walking around downtown and with the exception of late Fri/Sat nights, it really isn't all that bad. This is esp. true compared to some other cities (like SF for instance, it's can be like walking through a gauntlet in some places).

[Komeht]

It's bad around 7th and Trinity for obvious reasons.

But honestly, I lived in DC and not one day ever went by where I wasn't approach aggressively multiple times.

[Shredding_Gnar78]

a lot of the guys that hold up signs like "travelin folk" or "all i need is a cheeseburger and a motel" are seasonal vagabond types... they hit a peak when the weather is good.

seems like there's less in winter than summer..

I would say YES Austin has a panhandler problem, because they are on literally every corner of every major intersection within the metro area, more or less. Many of them are young and strong, in nice clothes and shoes etc.

I don't think Austin does enough to enforce a policy that reduces the freeloaders that can work. I think the best way would be to give make them have an 'panhandler ID card' and gather data to determine if they are really down and out or just being lazy boozer/druggies... this city shouldn't be a pit stop on the Bum Tour from NY to CA

[JT-3]

Originally Posted by alright_alright_alright

I've only lived in two larger cities: Lincoln, NE and Tucson AZ. In both cities it got to the point where I didn't even like to go outside on walks because I was constantly being hit up by panhandlers, bums, or vagrants. The idea of going to a city park and throwing the football around with a friend, out of the question especially in Tucson.
I like to walk to places if they are nearby instead of driving my car and because of this I put myself in these situations.
My question is this: how bad is it in Austin? Can a person go to a city park and actually have a good time without being harassed? How about walking or riding a bicycle without having street people yell stuff at you?

Are you thinking about moving here, is this your main worry?

Too answer your question, it can be somewhat annoying in a few areas but it's not constantly, at least in my experience. Just depends I guess, where and when.

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by alright_alright_alright

I've only lived in two larger cities: Lincoln, NE and Tucson AZ. In both cities it got to the point where I didn't even like to go outside on walks because I was constantly being hit up by panhandlers, bums, or vagrants. The idea of going to a city park and throwing the football around with a friend, out of the question especially in Tucson.
I like to walk to places if they are nearby instead of driving my car and because of this I put myself in these situations.
My question is this: how bad is it in Austin? Can a person go to a city park and actually have a good time without being harassed? How about walking or riding a bicycle without having street people yell stuff at you?

If you think Tuscon and Lincoln are bad. . .I don't know what to tell you, Austin isn't going to be to your liking.

This is a town that some people are trying to get a statue of this dude put up by the city:

https://www.facebook.com/LeslieStatue

[Reggieray]

They are on every damn interaction corner even in the suburbs. Austin is a goldmine for them and the city council loves it.