This is an oasis in the generally urban area of Queens/Flushing known as Douglaston. But the neighborhood is only a few blocks away from the Nassau county border so it is more "bedroom community" in nature. Jack is a great host, his place is a basement apartment with all the amenities you'll need for a few nights' stay, including a room for kids with bunk beds. And the backyard area contains his garden (from what I can tell, tomatoes and squash grown in his garden; tomatoes, corn, and peppers in his neighbors' garden), and live chickens he keeps for fresh eggs....yes, chickens, in Queens. The Long Island Railroad station is only a few steps away - 35 minutes on the train and you're at Penn Station (off peak fare about $7). Or going in the other direction, the Nassau county villages of Great Neck, Manhasset, and Port Washington. I give 5 stars all around, except for the "location" category - and it's not the fault of the host. There are just not enough restaurant choices in walking distance. A pizzeria (this being NYC...), a no-alcohol diner, and a sleepy sushi bar. There is a swank Italian joint near the train station but after seeing scores of BMWs, Jaguars, and Mercedes being valet parked there, I passed on that place. This neighborhood is begging for an Irish pub watering hole or a craft brewery. But if you want to do NYC on a relative budget, I highly recommend Jack's apartment!