Prospect Lefferts (Flatbush)

Nestled on the southeastern side of Prospect Parkùclose to the LeFrak Center at Lakeside, which offers terrific year-round activitiesùcompact Prospect-Lefferts is an insider's treasure. This central Brooklyn area has good trains and buses; high-quality architecture with low-rise brownstones and limestones from the turn of the 20th century, as well as pre-war buildings; and a neighborly feel bolstered by mom-and-pop dining, though higher-end options are opening at a fast clip. The area has a vibrant Caribbean heritage and has been diversifying in recent years.