e. 9th street just south of Ave C?

I'm not familiar with that block, but from my apartment-hunting days I had a good impression of the overall area -- very diverse, generally safe, about equal distance to the Q and F trains, and various good restaurants in short-walking distance. I think it's an area I'd definitely consider living in, although I ended up settling down elsewhere.

You might be right about CIA in that area, all the places I've lived have been farther south where the street is more busy and I have never found it deserted or scary at night.

As far as the subway access, it's definitely not ideal, but I used to live on E 8th and walked to the Q train every day, it was not bad after I got used to it. I don't think the F train is quite that far away, since the Ditmas Ave station has a secondary entrance near Cortelyou Rd.

Anyway, good luck with your search!

I don't know anything about that block but your avatar is cute.