New York City might be a concrete jungle, but its soul is stitched together by two green giants: Central Park and Prospect Park. One is a world-famous symbol of Manhattan's urban elegance, its sprawling pathways walked by millions of tourists and locals each year. The other is Brooklyn's lush, vibrant heart—a quieter, more eclectic escape where hidden gems lie just beyond winding trails. These two parks, designed by the same visionary minds, offer more than just grass and trees—they reflect the very spirit of the neighborhoods they serve. But which green haven reigns supreme?
Living near one of these green spaces is a major draw for many New Yorkers, which is why some of the city's most popular neighborhoods, activities, and new construction residences are in close proximity. If you're debating which area has more to offer, here is a look at living near Central Park vs. Prospect Park.
Central Park is not only one of New York's premier destinations, it's also one of the most famous urban parks in the world, visited by about 42 million people every year. Covering 843 acres in the middle of Manhattan, Central Park is one of NYC's largest parks (the largest park in New York City is Pelham Bay Park, which covers 2,765 acres).
Central Park was designed by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. It's a popular spot among tourists and locals alike because of its natural beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities. It's home to unique attractions like Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, Wollman Rink, and the Central Park Zoo. With so much to do, you can spend hours exploring the best areas of Central Park and still find something new every time you visit.
Central Park is also surrounded by some of New York City's most popular and well-known neighborhoods. Its boundaries are 59th Street to the south, 110th Street to the north, 5th Avenue to the East, and 8th Avenue to the West.
It's sandwiched in between the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, which each contain smaller sub communities such as Manhattan Valley, Lennox Hill, and Carnegie Hill. It's also positioned in between Midtown and Harlem, offering convenient access to residents all across the borough.
Who wouldn't love to wake up to a beautiful view of Central Park every morning? So it's no surprise that some of New York's most desirable real estate is close by.
You'll find many luxury buildings and new developments along Billionaire's Row, the stretch of skyscrapers along 57th Street that is home to some of the most expensive residences in the world.
You'll also find plenty of high-end and more modest options scattered around 5th Avenue and Central Park West. A few of the most famous luxury condo buildings near Central Park include Central Park Tower, 111 57th Street, and 220 Central Park South.
You'll also discover many exciting attractions near Central Park if you're looking for entertainment options. Columbus Circle sits at the park's southwestern corner and offers plenty of high-end shopping and dining options. Close by is the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, one of New York's leading cultural centers dedicated to music, theater, and dance.
The Upper East Side's Museum Mile runs parallel to Central Park along Fifth Avenue and includes famous museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Across the way on the Upper West Side, you'll find the American Museum of Natural History, the Hayden Planetarium, and the New York Historical Society. They also host regular concerts, including the Met Opera Summer Series and the New York Philharmonic. So whether you're looking for shopping, culture, or outdoor recreation, you'll find something fun to do in and around Central Park.
Did you know that Central Park is the most filmed location in the world with 532 movie credits? There’s also a special section of the park called Strawberry Fields that’s dedicated to the late John Lennon from the Beatles who was tragically shot right close by in 1980. John Lennon isn’t the only celebrity who has a connection to Central Park. From 1986 to 2021, Donald Trump’s Trump Organization managed Central Park’s two ice skating rinks - Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink (although in between they were under different management from between 1995 and 2001).
Situated in the southwestern part of the borough, Prospect Park in Brooklyn is a beautiful oasis that offers open green space, miles of trails, and unique attractions. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed Prospect Park, the same minds who developed Central Park, and it offers many of the same enticing benefits. At 585 acres, Prospect Park is not bigger than Central Park, although many locals will tell you it's their favorite of the two.
It doesn't get quite the same amount of tourist traffic as Central Park, as it’s frequented by about 10 million visitors per year. However, it's very popular among locals and offers plenty of recreational and cultural activities. Notable Prospect Park attractions include Grand Army Plaza, the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and the Prospect Park Zoo.
It's a common debate as to which is better, the Prospect Park Zoo or the Central Park Zoo. Which you prefer is a matter of taste, but the Prospect Park Zoo is larger at 12 acres and has over 400 animals.
The park is bound by the streets of Prospect Park West and Prospect Park Southwest on the south and western side. Eastern Parkway and Washington Avenue bisect at the northeastern corner, while Parkside Ave and Ocean Ave from the southeastern corner. Flatbush Avenue also runs through the park from the eastern side to Grand Army Plaza.
It's surrounded by the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, and Kensington. The communities surrounding Prospect Park are very diverse, and you'll find everything from prestigious enclaves to hip, trendy areas.
The Prospect Park area offers a great mix of classic brownstones, new developments, and garden apartments with outdoor space. You'll find plenty of beautifully preserved brownstones and townhomes in neighborhoods like Park Slope, Prospect Heights, and Windsor Terrace. Due to their affordability and unique vibe, neighborhoods like Prospect Lefferts Garden, Crown Heights, and Flatbush are considered some of the best up-and-coming neighborhoods in New York and feature a great mix of older buildings and new developments. A few popular developments in the area include One Park Point in Windsor Terrace and The Mark in Prospect Heights.
You'll find plenty of fun things to do near Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Museum is located on Eastern Parkway at the park's northern end and features a large collection of ancient and modern art. The Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket in Prospect Park takes place every Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm and features stalls full of fresh produce from local farms and small batch producers.
You'll find plenty of great restaurants and bars near Prospect Park scattered around Flatbush Ave, Prospect Park West, and Eastern Parkway. The LeFrak Center next to Prospect Park Lake also offers seasonal and year-round activities, including ice skating and boating. In the summers’ the park hosts a free concert series in partnership with BRIC Arts and Media.
So whether you're into the outdoors or fresh cuisine, you find plenty of great things to do in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
Although not as frequently filmed as Central Park, many famous movies have had scenes shot in Prospect Park, including Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street. It also has a fascinating history and the land that is now occupied by the Park was the site of part of the Battle of Brooklyn, one of the largest battles in the Revolutionary War. There’s also a Quaker Cemetery that’s still on the grounds and pre-dates the park’s construction.
Now that you know the differences and key advantages of living in Prospect Park vs Central Park, you're ready to decide which is right for you. Central Park offers a convenient location, acres of open space, and proximity to some of Manhattan's most exclusive neighborhoods. Prospect Park is a bit quieter and features more attractions that appeal to locals, with an interesting mix of architectural options in nearby neighborhoods. So which area you choose depends on the lifestyle and atmosphere you're looking for.
Now that you’ve explored the unique benefits of living in Prospect Park versus Central Park, it’s time to take the next step in your journey. With expert guidance tailored to your lifestyle and goals, we’ll help you find a property that not only meets your needs but elevates your daily living.