hpl

There have been a series of discussions (diatribes) in past years about the homeless population and general character of Union Square.

With apologies for dredging this up again, has that changed in the last year or so? Better? Worse? I just haven't seen much recently about what used to be a frequently debated topic.

martytravels

The Union Square area is more than fine. There seem to be these panicked urbanophobes who freak out at the sight of a homeless person. Yes, there are homeless people around Union Square (they do have the right to be there) and they might even ask for some change, but it's not some unsafe, don't-go zone. It's the Bay Area's premier shopping district, and quite an enjoyable spot to walk around.
Plaudits to San Franciscans for having a more egalitarian attitude about the homeless than people in any other city I've been to.

Patrick

I just mentioned this on another thread a few days ago. The rather large numbers of homeless never bothered me in Union Square before (and I ignored some of the outrageous rantings about how they literally attacked everyone). But last month I was quite aware of a considerable decrease in the number of them. We saw several plays, bought tickets at the Union Square TKTS booth, and had dinner within the block twice, so I don't think it was just an isolated incident that there weren't many around.

FainaAgain

It got much better since the square was remodeled.

Budman

We loved our stay at the Hilton in Union Square. Lots of restaurants, shops, and night life in the area.

djkbooks

We were in San Francisco last month and spent considerable time, off and on, day and night, in Union Square.

Compared to previous visits, Union Square is magnificent.

During the day, there was the odd panhandler (though along the side streets).

In any large city you are likely to stumble upon those requesting your assistance, in one way or another, all about. And, they are more likely to be where their endeavors may be the most successful.

We did witness an aggressive "street person" at the nearby cable car turnaround, who begged from everyone around, and who ostensibly stole the transit pass (and probably very well did) of a local.

dovima

FainaAgain is correct, the number of bums around the actual "square", that is, the little park, has decreased with the remodeling. I think it's because the new design is not as conducive to "camping out", with its smaller areas of lawn and more delineated structure. The area around the Powell/Market cable car turnaround and the entrance to the BART station there is still infested with some bothersome persons, but not to the point where it would ruin your day.

bardo

Iv'e stayed there and loved it. I would have one questions for the Union Sq. naysayers: If it's so bad, then why is it THE favorite tourist base with so many repeat visitors??????

SEW

In response to bardo, it's a favorite becase so many people leave their heart in SF.

I sensed more homeless along market on last visit in May. Agree that Union Square is more open and much less conducive to camping out for the night. We saw what amounted to cardboard tents in many doorways at night.

It's still a great city. Love Union Square area.

E

I haven't been to Union Square since the remodelling, so can't comment on that, but it seems to me that our resident Union Square (and SF in general) basher has either retired or been somehow deterred by Fodor's from spreading alarmist disinformation.

That said, any compassionate person knows that the homeless who used to populate Union Square haven't found homes, they've just moved elsewhere.

Cerlaurie

I stayed in Union Square a few weeks ago and wasn't in San Francisco for 7 years. I am from Chicago but was still concerned because of all the postings I have seen over the last couple of years. I don't recall seeing very many homeless and did not feel unsafe at all.