You can be in midtown in 20 minutes on the 7 train, and in general anywhere in Manhattan in less than 35 minutes on the subway. Lots of great stuff in the neighborhood, great bars, restaurants, gyms, cafes, grocery stores all very reasonably priced. Sunnyside is one of the better kept secrets of the city for now. Nestled between Astoria, Greenpoint, and Long Island City. It is right over the bridge puts you on 59th St and 2nd Ave. Take the 7 train travels cross town along 42nd St. where you can access all lines on at Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, and Port Authority/ Times Square. You can also transfer at Queensborough Plaza and catch the N or R train. A cab ride from the city on an evening out should never be more than $20 bucks.