We defenitly recommend Annette`s house to everyone who wants so see and live in New York! The house was clean, spacious and in a safe and quiet neigbourhood. To go to St. James Staten Island ferry is a 20min ride by bus, bus station is located close to the house. After some experiences with NY transport we calculated 2 hours of travel from wherever we are in Manhatten until back home: the ferry runs every 20-30min, the metro is not in time sometimes, same to Bus (S51), but if you know and are prepared, it is real fun to ride the ferry every day and see Manhatten on different time and weather conditions. If you stay at least 5 days, a 7 Day Metro Card is the best choice. Thank you Annette!