Living in Morningside Heights, New York City - what to expect, is it safe, lots to do?

Morningside Heights is actually really pretty. It has a completely different energy than anywhere downtown. It's clean and green and almost quiet (well, quiet for New York). It's also relatively inexpensive. But, here's why: transportation is shoddy at best and it's boring as all get out. You can only take the red line to get in and out of this neighborhood, the commute is usually pretty long, and if the train is under construction, you're stuck trying to find a cab -- and, cabs aren't as plentiful uptown. There isn't really a bar scene and you have to walk over to Amsterdam in the '90's if you want any sort of restaurant selection. It's pretty sleepy, but very pretty.