How is the area around 100th and 1st ave in East Harlem?

How is the area around 100th and 1st ave in East Harlem. My roommates are looking for an apartment in the area (near Metropolitan Hospital) and we want to make sure the place doesn't turn out to be a dump and dangerous at night. Any suggestions on where to look? We really don't want to spend more than $3-3500 for a 3br (I know its hard to find something that cheap and in a good neighborhood but we are broke med students that can't afford too much!)