The area is definitely arts and music and band-focused, and the host is friendly. It is close to the L. I can NOT suggest staying here on a hot summer day, or during a heat advisory in nyc. For those who actually read this, just pay the extra for a room with air conditioning. It was simply too hot in the room, and there were mosquitos from leaving windows open in the living room. Any other time is probably ok as other travelers noted. I had to move into the living room to sleep, but then it started raining through the roof. Also, it is a third floor walk-up.