People continue to define themselves, their lifestyles, and their beliefs through their neighborhoods--their turf. In studying the history of New York City neighborhoods, it is important to consider the developmental trends and constraints (geography, economic structure, transportation, and technological advances) that contributed to the growth of the city's environment. The cycle of growth, decline, and rebirth of neighborhoods is examined in each of the city's five boroughs--Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Growing from a Dutch settlement on Manhattan Island, the city's economic base was and still is water-oriented. Economic and demographic trends fostered changes in Manhattan neighborhoods that altered the nature of the community. In recent years, young professionals have returned to revitalize Manhattan neighborhoods. Brooklyn was established by Dutch settlers in 1636 and developed as an autonomous city until 1814, when regular steam ferry service with Manhattan was established. The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, completed the link between Manhattan and Brooklyn. With its devastated tenements, suburban riverfront mansions, seaside cottages, and massive housing superblocks, the Bronx typifies the rapid succession of growth and decline experienced throughout New York City. Queens remains a borough of towns, villages, and real estate developments and, as it is newer, is more scattered and less troubled than the other boroughs. Staten Island is geographically separated from the rest of the city but has experienced much growth since the 1964 opening of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. The document contains numerous black and white photographs, lithographs, and other illustrative materials. (SM)