Staying in Crown Heights offers a somewhat affordable NY experience but at a certain cost. Thankfully the place is very close to the subway but it's still a trek to go to midtown or uptown. So once you are out - you're basically out for the day and night. Going back and forth from CH to Manhattan wastes a lot of time.
It's also a neighborhood you dont want to be walking at night alone. You'll definitely want to Uber it back after a night out. During the day it's fine though.
The first night I was there I heard 7 gunshots on the same street half a block away. It was scary. No one died but there is gang violence in this neighborhood so be aware of that. I talked to the police about it and they said this part of Herkimer St is "a war zone." That freaked me out.
I didn't realize that Airbnb Is actually outlawed in NY. That's why there isn't much availability on the app and everything in Manhattan or better parts of Brooklyn are very expensive. There are also tenants and landlords renting out their affordable housing units on Airbnb instead of living there themselves or renting out to a local. I didn't realize this was an ongoing issue in NY.
You can find hotels in Manhattan at less than $100 USD a night. That's what I'll book next time I visit. It's more convenient and safe.
But for those, looking to save some money and don't mind a real Brooklyn experience, this place is clean and close to the trains to take you into town.