This neighborhood uses different street lights than the rest of the city

They're just as good or even better. But from the air, the old ones looks better because they seem to give off more light. But thats actually just the light pollution. Google LED street lights vs normal street lights, and you see the difference.

I don't need to google it, my town has both. The new ones have a really bright spotlight effect which doesn't really illuminate anything that isn't almost directly below it, while the old ones illuminate a larger area with a more gentle-feeling light, albeit slightly less brightly.