Myself, I like starting with low density suburbs-like city, then make a high-density NYC style further. I then like to arrange public transports, and finally play with the terrain to make some mountains villages, coastal city, etc. That’s usually when I just spend more time following cars or trains around my city than playing.
Love this. I always turn on unlimited money and try to just build good looking areas. Sometimes I focus on suburbs and other times I try to make a good looking downtown. I love to make flashy coastal areas too.