I couldn't have loved this East Village jewel more. I seriously woke up to birds singing in the courtyard. Yes, there are neighborhood noises - occasional loud neighbors, doors slamming or a siren in the distance. You aren't in New York for the peacefulness of a babbling brook or taking a quiet stroll in a forest. The apartment is perfectly situated close to restaurants, grocery, pharmacy, parks, and shopping that leaving isn't required to sustain a long fulfilling stay. But when ready to explore the city, public transportation is close, convenient, cheap and efficient. My two-week stay was enhanced knowing I could return "home" to a comfortable bed, well-equipped kitchen, basically all the conveniences of home.