I don't know if this show is meant to take place in the New York suburbs, I wasn't old enough when it aired on TV, but it emanates the warm vibrancy that the east coast's cultures have created along with the wonderful innocence that we are losing these days.
The show is outstanding. I agree with all of the positive comments. If you know why Andy Griffith is a classic American TV show, you will see how this show parallels it. I wouldn't be surprised if it acted as an inspiration: community, a positive leader who is a role model for it, and all around good acting. There are interesting plots and the the work of Michael Chiklis, the lead actor, is impeccable.
The only character I find hard to believe is Rachel. The way the role itself is written for her, it is not that well done, or convincing. Theresa Saldana is actually a beautiful woman, but the role doesn't allow that to show through either.