We loved staying in this area - close to the subway (a couple of blocks), quiet despite being above a restaurant (we slept with the windows open at night). We walked towards Columbia University to Amsterdam Avenue for dinner a couple of nights, passing the "Reclining Liberty" statue which made for a great photo opp. We arrived from JFK airport in the evening and it was only $65 on Lyft to the apartment. There's a 24 hour Riteaid right around the corner too - very convenient.