Merville Garden Village came out top in the section for large housing areas, while Ballyeaston achieved the runner-up spot in the category for small villages.
The Northern Ireland Amenity Council and SuperValu, which sponsors the competition, announced this year's accolades during a ceremony at Ballyearl's Courtyard Theatre last Tuesday.
Congratulating the Newtownabbey entrants, NIAC president Doreen Muskett said: "Merville Garden Village and Ballyeaston are obviously places where the residents take pride in the appearance of their locality and it is evident that they work together to achieve these excellent results. This community co-operation is what being a Best Kept winner is all about."
She added that the awards had, since their inauguration in the 1950s, aimed to motivate people to make the most of their outdoor spaces, to protect our diverse wildlife and plant life and make Northern Ireland a better place to live and work.
"The communities in the winning areas have demonstrated their commitment in all of these areas and deserve the title of Northern Ireland's Best Kept for 2008," said Ms. Muskett.
Newtownabbey Mayor Victor Robinson accepted a special sign on behalf of Merville Garden Village in recognition of its victory in the housing category.
SuperValu sales director Nigel Maxwell, who helped to present the awards, congratulated all the 2008 winners on their commitment to enhancing their local environment.