SimCity 4 is a city-building simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts in 2003. Starting a new city in the game is more difficult and challenging than in previous versions. You can no longer just throw down zones and watch the Sims flock to your city. The building process in SimCity 4 reflects the problems and concerns of real-life city planners. Like them, you must work for every bit of growth and think carefully about your strategy.

The main strategy of Sim City 4 is to build slowly. Don't rush into building fire departments, water systems, schools, and hospitals. You'll burn through your starting capital very quickly. Instead, be patient and wait to add these services until you have a stable tax base.

Here are a few more SimCity 4 tips to help you successfully start a new city.

Only build public services when they are needed. They are not needed when you are just starting out with the city. Instead, wait until the city asks for them. Build low-density commercial and residential zones and medium-density industrial zones.