The neighborhood looked a little shaky at first but we became quite comfortable using the local shops and public transportation. The four flights of steps were only a problem on move in day but I think there are other units on lower floors. The building is probably older but our unit made you feel that you were staying in something just built. Everything was very modern and clean.
Since it is on a busy street the neighborhood can be noisy but with what must be new and modern windows, with them closed the noise was not an issue at all. We loved the fact that a 2 minute walk to the subway and 10 minute ride, we were in the heart of Berlin.