I am relocating to NY and planning on getting a small studio at River View North until I figure out what I want to do long term rent/buy/etc. I plan to do as much as possible over the phone without setting foot in a unit before move in. If any could help me out with these questions I would definitely make this move a bit easier:

Is their anything I should watch out for such as noisy floors or units I should avoid?

How much time should I factor walking/waiting for a 7 train during the week?

Is the general area around the building typically safe at night (have never been to long island city)? 

John, I am surprised you want to move here.  I thought you were applying for an apartment and office space on Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C.  http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080305-4.html

I really enjoy LIC.  The 7 train comes between every 3-6 minutes in the morning- so much that it has spoiled me for other trains.  The longest I've ever waited for a train in the a.m. was about 8 minutes but there was a delay on the line.  From ARN, the walk is 4 easy blocks- so that depends on how fast you walk. 

The area is very safe at night, especially since there is a police station at the top of the train.  I am a female and feel comfortable walking even late at night.

The walls are really thick- I rarely hear a thing from my neighbors. 

I would avoid parts of the 8th floor- under the pool, since i heard there was a leak.  I would also try to avoid the apartment next to the garbage shute/room on each floor (that might be #14).