Tom’s diner, Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, Grand Army Plaza, Vanderbuilt – these are a few places you’ll be pointed to when you ask a Brooklynite about the beloved neighborhood of Prospect Heights.
Less than thirty minutes of a subway ride away from Manhattan, nestled above Prospect Park , “a 585-acre urban oasis” located in the heart of Brooklyn, Prospect Heights is home to West Indian expats and corner stores, proud African American families, Latino-run bodegas, and now an influx of gentrified pop up bars, coffee shops, and community spaces frequented by young professionals. Considered one of the top 10 places to live in the city according to Time Out New York last spring, there are plenty of reasons to believe this when visiting the neighborhood. It’s a laid back – “homey” – feel here, with colorful dated brownstones lining many blocks and residents out and about enjoying their day along Franklin Avenue and Eastern Parkway. One of the perks of being here is the ability to soak up its independence during the day, with so many boutiques, cafes, and art shops that dot Washington Avenue, and a vibrant nightlife along Vanderbuilt Avenue where locals stop by nightly to catch up with friends and check out the latest sports game.
Not to mention the standard go-to weekend itinerary that has given Prospect Heights its reputation of a beautiful, budding neighborhood, all of which are a must when you’re in the area: bar crawls along Vanderbilt, painting classes and wine sipping at Beast, brunch at Tom’s, wifi cafe hopping, taking strolls through Eastern Parkway, evening yoga classes plus community events at Launchpad, and children’s entertainment at the Brooklyn Public Library and Botanic Gardens.
Target First Saturdays at Brooklyn Museum
Greenmarket outside of Grand Army Plaza
Recreation at Prospect Park
Though its also sometimes considered the sister neighborhood to Park Slope, don’t confuse it as such. Prospect Heights is a neighborhood all its own and one to watch in the coming year as the community continues to grow and embrace new changes. It’s the perfect pocket neighborhood to get to know and love on your next trip to New York City.
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Images provided by author.