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Your Guide to Prospect Heights Living

Photo credits: @olmsted and @greenlightbookstore

Prospect Heights is one of Brooklyn’s most beloved neighborhoods, renowned for its tree-lined streets, thriving dining scene, and access to some of the borough’s most iconic cultural destinations. If you’re considering an apartment in Prospect Heights or nearby, you have plenty of options to enjoy this vibrant area while finding a space that fits your lifestyle.

This guide explores the best of culture, dining, and shopping in Prospect Heights, why neighboring Crown Heights has become a popular choice, and what to look for in modern Brooklyn apartments that keep you close to everything.

Why Prospect Heights is So Popular

Known for its welcoming atmosphere and creative energy, Prospect Heights has something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or simply enjoy strolls through leafy streets, this neighborhood delivers a uniquely Brooklyn experience.

Culture & Arts

Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY

  • One of the largest art museums in the U.S.
  • Notable permanent collections: Ancient Egyptian artifacts, Arts of Africa, feminist art by Judy Chicago.
  • Must-see: The Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
  • Tip: First Saturdays offer free admission and live music.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

  • 52 acres of gardens with seasonal displays.
  • Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden with koi fish and stone lanterns.
  • Cherry Esplanade (peak bloom late March–April).
  • Shakespeare Garden planted with flowers from his works.
  • Tip: Membership grants year-round access and discounts at the gift shop and café.

Prospect Park
Grand Army Plaza entrance at Flatbush Ave & Eastern Parkway

  • 526 acres designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
  • Long Meadow: one of the longest uninterrupted meadows in any U.S. urban park.
  • Prospect Park Zoo: perfect for families, home to red pandas, sea lions, and farm animals.
  • LeFrak Center at Lakeside: seasonal ice skating and pedal boating.
  • To discover more things to do in Prospect Park, check out our guide here.

Grand Army Plaza
Flatbush Avenue & Eastern Parkway

  • Iconic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch commemorates the Union Army.
  • Home to the Saturday Greenmarket (8am–3pm), offering fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers.

Dining & Nightlife

Vanderbilt Avenue and Washington Avenue are the neighborhood’s main dining corridors. Here are some standouts:

Olmsted
659 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY

  • Michelin Bib Gourmand winner.
  • Known for its seasonal menu and herbs grown in the backyard garden.
  • Signatures include seasonal dishes like summer squash som tum.

Amorina Cucina Rustica
624 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY

  • Roman-style pizza and fresh pasta made with local and organic ingredients.
  • Tip: Try the Diavola pizza or the "Will to Live" pizza, the special of the day.

Weather Up
589 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY

  • Dimly lit cocktail bar with artisanal drinks and elevated bar snacks.
  • Tip: Check out their spacious back patio when the weather feels right.

Tom’s Restaurant
782 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY

  • Open since 1936, it is famous for hearty breakfasts and modern classics in a vintage setting.
  • Favorite: Lemon ricotta pancakes.

Bearded Lady
686A Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY

  • Retro 50's style bar with classic cocktails and a relaxed vibe (alongside pool tables and outside seating).
  • Popular for: Happy hour and elevated drinks.

Shopping & Local Businesses

Small boutiques and specialty shops add to the neighborhood’s charm:

Unnameable Books
615 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY

  • Independent bookstore with fiction, poetry, and a kids’ section.

1 of a Find Vintage
633 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY

  • Handpicked vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories for men and women.

Brooklyn Herborium
1301 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn, NY

  • Holistic skincare boutique and spa offering organic treatments and small-batch beauty products.
  • Known for herbal teas, local honey, and their in-house complexion care line.

Greenlight Bookstore (Nearby Fort Greene)
686 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY

  • Beloved local indie bookstore with author events and signed copies.

How Close is Crown Heights to Prospect Heights?

Many are surprised to learn just how connected Crown Heights and Prospect Heights are. Eastern Parkway forms the main border between the two neighborhoods, making it easy to move seamlessly between them.

  • Walking:Just 8–10 minutes from Crown Heights to the center of Prospect Heights dining and shopping.
  • Biking: A quick 3–5 minute ride puts you right by the park entrances and Vanderbilt Avenue.
  • Subway: Multiple stations nearby, including the Franklin Avenue stop (2, 3, 4, 5 trains) and the Prospect Park stop (B, Q, S).
  • Driving: Less than 10 minutes to Downtown Brooklyn, Fort Greene, or Park Slope.

For many renters, Crown Heights offers the perfect blend of proximity and value, without sacrificing access to everything Prospect Heights has to offer.

Why More People are Choosing Crown Heights

If you love Prospect Heights but are open to living nearby, Crown Heights provides several compelling benefits:

  • More Space: Apartments often have larger floor plans and thoughtful layouts.
  • Rich Neighborhood Character: From local cafés on Franklin Avenue to historic architecture along Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights has its own unique identity.
  • Easy Access to Prospect Heights: Enjoy the restaurants, cultural attractions, and amenities of Prospect Heights anytime.

Modern Apartments Close to Prospect Heights

The area just south of Eastern Parkway has seen new residential developments designed to meet the needs of today’s renters. For example, LODEN in Crown Heights offers contemporary studio, one-, and two-bedroom residences with features like:

  • Modern kitchens and spacious living areas
  • On-site fitness centers and coworking spaces
  • Outdoor courtyards and rooftop terraces
  • Convenient access to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum

If you’re searching for apartments in Prospect Heights or close by, don’t overlook the vibrant options in Crown Heights. From world-class museums to neighborhood cafés, this corner of Brooklyn delivers a connected lifestyle where you’re never far from what you love.

Explore available residences today.