Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights trounced Mott Haven in the first round of Curbed Cup voting for the chance to advance in the Elite Eight. Pacific Park, the megaproject that falls within the neighborhoods boundaries, had a banner year in 2016, with the city’s tallest modular tower at 461 Dean Street welcoming renters, the affordable housing lottery launch at 535 Carlton Street, and the ongoing construction on six of the megaproject’s buildings.

But as commenters were quick to point out, Prospect Heights is so much more than Pacific Park and the Barclays Center. The neighborhood also welcomed praised farm-to-table restaurant Olmstead, was announced as the newest landing destination for bakery Four & Twenty Blackbirds, and continued to woo residents with its charming tree-lined blocks and lovely stock of townhouses.

Long Island City

Scott Lynch for Curbed

Long Island City went head to head with Ridgewood and proved through a landslide victory that it’s a fierce contender for the 2016 title of Neighborhood of the Year. It isn’t the first time that the Queens waterfront neighborhood has gained such recognition. It claimed the Curbed Cup way back in 2007, but so much has changed in the neighborhood since then, and even in this year alone. In brief: ODA’s blocky rentals at 22-22 Jackson Avenue hit the market, progress was made on the soulless new apartment buildings coming to the erstwhile site of 5Pointz, condos at The Jackson hit the market from $600,000, and the rentals on top of the neighborhood’s new Marriott also availed their listings.

The neighborhood’s also had a strong year on the dining and cultural scene. Casa Enrique, Cosme Aguilar’s Mexican restaurant, retained its Michelin star, buzzy newcomer Ramen Shack made its debut, and Mu Ramen continued to shine. The neighborhood also continued to woo visitors to MoMA PS1 and Socrates Sculpture Park celebrated its 30th anniversary.