When we came to Jersey city I didn't expect anything. Charlaine proved to be a great host and was readily prepared for any help she could offer.
The neighbourhood is all right, me and my wife, we never felt scared or anything and nothing special happened during our stay there.
The place we stayed in was clean and we were happy for a washing machine and a dryer at our disposal.
The only thing that bothered me later on is the fact that we had to change 3 different public transportation options (bus + train + subway) to get downtowm Manhattan. And it takes about 30 to 45 minutes to get there. Since there is only a limited bus route (6L) going through Pacific Avenue, we were (on holidays) forced to walk to the nearest PATH station in Grove St (about 20 minutes walking).
So, frankly, it is not couple of minutes from Manhattan, but more or less couple of tens of minutes.
All and all, we were satisfied with our stay and thank Charlaine for her hospitality.