ADVANCED TOPICS
Tip #3 -- Property Values

Property values are determined by how desirable the location is.  For residential zones, high property values will require water, power, low pollution, low crime, low traffic, and good access to mass transit.  Proximity to schools, libraries, museums, and other services will also help.

To check on the property value, click on the "Query" button (the question mark on the bottom toolbar) and then click on the zone.

The property value will increase slowly over time.  If conditions deteriorate and the zone becomes abandoned, the property value will tend to fall quickly, and then it may take a while to recover.  Something as small as not having enough hospitals is enough to cause property values to fall.

TIP -- Having some Residential zones reach high property value is worth up to 5 points on the Judges Scoring (item City Layout #1).  The judges scoring does not consider Industrial or Commercial property value, only Residential.  Here are some things to try to help get the some residential zones to the highest "Astronomical" property value:

• Zone some Dense Residential areas, approximately 4x4 tiles, near a coastline or river.
• Make sure that there is water, power, and low pollution.
• Have good roads so that traffic is low.
• Add subway stations, bus stops, and/or train stations to help the traffic.
• Verify that the area is covered by fire and police, but don't have a jail nearby.
• Add schools, libraries, museums, hospitals, and other services near the zone.
• Add parks and recreation facilities near the zone.
• Keep the Residential Tax Rate low so that the zone doesn't abandon.
• Sit and wait... it will take a while for the property value to increase.