Mixed use building owner occupied with retail store front

[Sean Jordan]

Hello biggerpockets.com 

I'm interested in a mixed used building. Retail store front with apartment upstairs. Budget is 500k. The aprtment for a while will be owner occupied. What's a safe neighborhood that is commutable to NYC? I think the 500k limits the choices as far as areas. Base off of my research I have not found much on LI. 

But based off your information and experience do you have any input?

Thanks

Sean