Our apartment is on the parlor floor of a brownstone and has access to a garden (although by summer it may be difficult to enjoy because of the mosquitoes). We have a 4 year old and and 6 year old and a bunch of toys and books and a piano. We have an air conditioner only in one bedroom so it might get hot in the living room and second bedroom but we do have a lot of fans! My father lives downstairs and can help with issues that arise. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the stoop, Brooklyn-style!