Sim City 2000 Zones

One of your primary functions as the mayor is zoning -- deciding what types of buildings go where. Good zoning allows all city functions to be accessed by all citizens, and sets the feel and flow of all life in the city. All zones in SimCity 2000 can be decreed to be either light-density ( low population ) or dense ( high population ). As you zone areas, the empty zones are shown in colors so you can easily keep track of them. You can turn on and off the display of empty zones in the underground view with the Show Zones button on the City Toolbar.

Zones are the most important system in SimCity 2000 and any city simulation game. Without zones, where would your Sims live, conduct business, and work. A city without zones would be nothing but empty land with roads connecting nowhere. There are 6 different types of zones in SimCity 2000:

Residential	- A place for your Sims to live.
Commercial	- A place for your Sims to open shops and conduct business.
Industrial	- A place for most of your Sims to work.
Airports	- A booster shot for your commercial zones.
Seaports	- A booster shot for your industrial zones.
Military	- A zone that can boost your cities economy.

Here is a little more information about each different type of zone:

Residential: This is the most important zone of all. If it wasn't for the residential zone, no Sims would move into your city. Make sure to put residential zones near commercial and industrial zones. Sims like to drive, but they have to drive very far. Also make some light density residential zoning for your middle to lower class Sims. (not everyone can afford condo's on waterfront property).

Light Residential	Dense Residential

Commercial: This zone is the primary trade zone of your city. These zones are not as important in a small village compared to a busting megalopolis. In a small city, you don't have enough people or trade to establish a trade, so you rely on the external market. When your city reaches a population of about 100 000, start to lean more toward commercial zones, and less and less on the external markets. Airports give your commercial zones a booster shot once your city reaches about 20 000.

Industrial: Industrial zones is the lifeblood in a small city. You may only start your city for this reason, then again, maybe not. Industrial zones are the main source of employment in a city. It is also the primary source of pollution, and a high crime rate. When you create an industrial zone, the Sims usually build the industries that are in demand. For example, in 1990, Sims would build electronics' factories rather then textiles. Leave some buffer space between your commercial and industrial zones.

Airports: Airports are specialized zones. Placing them in an already zoned area is a waste of your funds. An Airports main primary effect is to boost commerce. This port is not really necessary (or affordable) in a very small town. Once your city starts to grow, your Sims will tell you when they need an Airport. Start building small (at least 4x6 tiles) and leave plenty of room for expansion. When your city outgrows your small port, they will let you know when it is time to expand. If you see your commercial zones slowing down, then you may expand without warning.

Seaports: Seaports are specialized zones. Placing them in am already zoned area is a waste of your funds. A Seaports main objective is to boost industry. This port is not really necessary (or affordable) in a very small town. Once you city begins to grow, Your Sims will let you know when they need a Seaport. Start building small (at least 10x3 tiles) and leave plenty of room for expansion. When your city outgrows your small port, they will let you know when it is time to expand. If you see your industrial zones slowing down, then you may expand without warning.

Military: When your population reaches 60 000, the government will ask if you grant land for a military base. If you say yes, you have a chance of getting an Air Force base, Army base, Naval base, or Missile Silo's. The good parts of a military base are that it gives a boost to local commerce, both by bringing in extra customers for jobs at the stores, and by supplying civilian jobs. The presence of any military base other then missile silo's, have an effect on the monster and many other disasters. Military personnel can fight fires and control the crowds, but not as quickly as the professionals. The bad parts of a military base is a slight possibility of an increase in crime. City owned zones like roads, rails, depots, rewards, Airports, Seaports, police stations, fire stations, and military bases are specialized zones. The city looks after them.

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