Layla is a wonderful and generous host and it was a pleasure to stay!
The apartment is very cozy and has a fun vibe. if around 6' it may feel a little close to the head when inside. I'm 5'10 and there was less than a foot from top of head to the ceiling.
The area surrounding is good. There is a great hotpot place across the street, a good deli down the road between the apartment and a nearby target. in the opposite direction from Target there is a main street/small shopping area that has several grocery stores, a laundromat, a good pizza place and other food/shops as well.
If staying at the unit and going into NYC proper or Manhattan each day I reccomend getting a metrocard. There are a few shops in the area that sell them and you can get a week pass and a month pass. Highly reccomended if staying more than a day or two as it gives unlimited access to busses and Subways in the surrounding areas. There is a bus stop on the corner right next to the house and the busses/subways run day and night.
If using public transport, budget about 45 minutes to an hour into Manhattan near times Square. Add another 10-15 minutes if traveling north of Central park and if going south towards the world trade center. If heading out to Coney Island/Luna park it is about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Only ordered a ride a few times, mainly to and from the airport and only rented a car for a single day to travel upstate. Otherwise was completly feasible to travel by metro or by walking.
Overall a wonderful stay and a great experience, would definitely reccomend this apartment for renting.