With such limited space in New York City, people are sometimes forced to rent out rooms right above restaurants or commercial establishments. The unique living arrangement is very characteristic of large, urban neighborhoods and it does come with several perks; tenants, for example, have immediate access to whatever is below them, and they often pay less in rent relative to upper level apartments.

Still, not many are keen about the idea. After all, no one wants to be woken up by a rowdy crowd of late night bar hoppers, and odors and vermin are all factors of concern. According to the New York Times, humbler dining spots, specifically those with low Health Department letter grades, can actually diminish the appeal of an apartment.

Another considered factor is the neighborhood the building is located in. In the East Village or Soho, where it’s common to have a business or restaurant below the tenant, people are less likely to oppose the idea.

In any case, if you happen to find yourself living above a bodega or a shady pizza shop, rest assured that it’s a very New York thing, as evidence by these first hand accounts: