I can really recommend staying at Karen's place. Both Karen and her roommate Alexandra are very kind and friendly and the whole stay was OK. It is very close to a train station, the neighborhood is quiet, safe and nice. Besides, there are some stores nearby. It is true that the sofa is quite small and u can hear trains passing by, but after spending your day walking in NY, u will sleep like a baby :) If I go to NY again, I would definitely stay here again.