Another sandbox update from me, this time, showcasing how I build my rural areas of Onubis.
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Since this is not my main region, I created a different region solely for sandbox updates. First, start with a blank canvas.

Terraform the landscape, you should have a part of the land being almost at sea-level. This is so that vegetation can grow as well as crops.

Next, drag a couple of streets and place something unique such as an obelisk.

In order to make this a functional town, I zoned a couple of low-density residential 5x5 zones.

In addition to zoning, add some 1x1, 1x2, and 2x2 residential zones along with a 4x5 low-density commercial zone. Fast forward the game time and buildings should start to grow.

Since the unemployment amounts are significantly high, zone more 4x5 low-density commercial zones along with more streets.

With this empty space, add some filler lots that has the same base texture as the lot.


Zone more 1x1, 1x2, and 2x2 commercial zones and farm zones to fill the empty space.


Then, add some vegetation. Do not add vegetation on any other areas because it would look unrealistic.

Finally, the eye-candy.

Replies:RickD: Thanks! And yes, you are right, the bridge had to be high so that oil tankers and other large ships can traverse the river.