Summary
With theSims 2finallyavailable on Steam and Epic Games, it is once again possible to spend quality time in the classic, idyllic, and nostalgic family simulation. However, with so much content packed in via expansion packs, there are so many neighborhoods to choose from.
Although everyone has a favorite, theseSims 2neighborhoods have been ranked based on their looks, building designs, family storylines, and juicy lore. Only livable neighborhoods count, as university campuses and holiday destinations do not have permanent residences.
8Bluewater Village
Nice Enough For An Afternoon Shopping Trip
Bluewater is a pretty enough place, but it is a bit of an edge case. It is primarily intended as an area for small businesses to operate, ala the “Open For Business” expansion, and as such doesn’t come with much in terms of family legacy.
Most of the structures are stores, which is great for shopping-oriented Sims who would prefer to skip the loading screen or maybe set up their own home business, for players looking to get intocozy business management. Bluewater feels slightly less neighborly due to its lack of locals, but townies can always make up the slack.
7Desiderata Valley
More Pastimes Available Than Just Trainspotting
Framed by an elegant train bridge is Desiderata Valley. It is a nice enough neighborhood with plenty of community gossip and drama, but perhaps because its associated expansion pack (“FreeTime”) is centered around finding things to do with hobbies and special interests.
Besides the bridge, there isn’t much in terms of landmarks to set the valley apart from the base-game neighborhood, but like the theme of the expansion, its charm can be found in the smaller details, the nooks, and the crannies.
6Riverblossom Hills
A Luscious Land Of Growth And Nurturing
There is something about seeing the world change colors with the seasons and weather. Granted, while the “Seasons” expansion pack also colored the other neighborhoods with snow or fallen leaves with winter or fall, Riverblossom Hills was made for the changing faces of the year.
The surrounding hills, coated with thick layers of snow in winter, and blossoming flowers in the summer, add a nice bit of character to the area. The residents of Riverblossom are sparse, but this only adds to its rustic feel that makes it the perfect place to settle in for somecozy home farmingor as a place to get in touch with simulated nature.
5Veronaville
Much “Jamoo” About Nothing
AlthoughThe Simsseries began its life as a semi-satirical look at American consumer culture, Veronaville proves that Sims are citizens of the world (or at least the American or Western-European part of it) with its British-countryside-cum-Italian-vineyards inspired design.
The Sims 2was when the series' leaned hard into storytelling and family drama, and a Shakespeare-inspired, Romeo-and-Juliet-style family feud perfectly aligns with the English-Italian aesthetic. The architecture borrows from various European styles, giving players a nice alternative to the American suburb style from the other defaults.
4Downtown
Living In The Big City
Downtown is the ideal destination for Sims who want to experience the hustle and bustle of city life. Introduced with the “Nightlife” expansion, this neighborhood is about entertainment, socializing, and late-night adventures. With its towering buildings, neon-lit streets, and countless clubs, restaurants, and community lots, Downtown is the place for outgoing Sims looking to dance the night away or meet someone special.
While the neighborhood doesn’t have a strong family legacy, it does offer a variety of unique Sims and premade townies who are fun to befriend (or date). The presence of blood-loving Sims and the downtown social scene add an extra layer of intrigue, and thepossibility of being transformed into a vampiremakes it a must-visit (or live in!) place for Sims who live for excitement (or the night).
3Strangetown
Uncovering The Dusty Secrets Of The Desert
Strangetown is where things start to get weird, in the best possible way. This desert town is packed with mysteries, sci-fi influences, and plenty of lore-rich families. With alien abductions, secretive government agents, and a history of unusual disappearances, Strangetown is the best choice for players who love uncovering hidden stories.
The unique aesthetic of the neighborhood, with its dusty roads and abandoned military base vibes, sets it apart from the more suburban or traditional settings in The Sims 2. The Curious and Beaker families provide plenty of drama, while the mysterious fate of Bella Goth keeps longtime fans speculating, even two decades afterThe Sims 2’s release.
2Pleasantview
Returning To An All-Time Classic
Lineage means something inThe Simsseries, and on that alone, the iconic default neighborhood gets high points for its simplistic, classic design. Pleasantview is the quintessentialSims 2neighborhood, with its well-balanced mix of suburban life, drama-filled households, and deep-rooted family history.
This neighborhood continues the saga from the originalThe Sims, with familiar names like the Goths, the Pleasants, and the Brokes. Those who love generational storytelling will find a lot to work with here, from rekindling old romances to resolving past family feuds. It’s not the flashiest or most unique setting,but this legacy ‘hood still holds up, as its nostalgia and classic feel make it a fan favorite.
1Belladonna Cove
The Pinnacle Of Sims 2 Neighborhood Design
If any one neighborhood inThe Sims 2represents the peak of world-building in the game, it’s Belladonna Cove. Introduced with the “Apartment Life” expansion, this bustling city blends urban apartments with picturesque suburban areas, creating a diverse and lively setting. Besides, the mysterious statue that resembles a red-dress-loving Goth overlooking the fabulous coastal area is to die for.
Belladonna Cove features many lot styles, from high-rise apartments to charming townhouses, bringing plenty of variety for any play style. The neighborhood’s lore is equally rich, with families like the Clevelands, the Patels, and the Wongs bringing plenty of drama and intrigue. The inclusion of witches and a magical subplot adds a fun fantasy element, making this neighborhood one of the most well-rounded and immersive inThe Sims 2.
