I know the neighborhood very well since my cousin lives nearby: the area is beautiful, lot of trees and flowers, and well served by public transport - we went to Mondello beach and to the city center in a flash !
The host has been very kind before check-in and while welcoming us: we loved the apartment, everything is brand new and looks like a 5 star hotel - we even managed to use the tiny terrace for a sandwich in a sunny October afternoon!