It's 46 steps up to Jose's place. And 46 steps down to the lively streets of the East Side. Within two blocks is all manner of real good restaurants and grocery stores etc. , and the uptown M15 bus is across the street. I had my bicycle, so the bike paths on 1st and 2nd had me uptown or downtown in minutes... that was urban cycling paradise. Everyone I met from the building during my week long stay were nice and friendly. Somehow, they made this Canuck feel like a real New Yorker, as they were genuinely interested in my ups and downs during my visit. Jose was not around that often, but when he was he made me feel like I was staying with a kid brother and I felt at home the minute I walked into his small but cozy, typical walk up apartment. Also, he has an amazing t.v. set-up for the down time when recuperating from the inevitable exhaustion you'll experience while in the city. I would definitely stay at Jose's again for the authentic experience and the amazing hospitality.