Tips for more realistic looking cities?

[randomcat]

Hi! So, I've been playing this game for quite a while now. And I've found using props to decorate my city really fun. But I'v been thinking: what are some ways to make your city look more realistic/alive? And how should I zone my city to look like one from the real world?

 

[Doc Holladaze]

Google Earth help immensely, also lookup some builders on Youtube. One of the first ppl I watched was Keralis, specifically his Season 2 of Cities Skylines. Two Dollars Twenty, PHTN Gaming, Strictoaster and others all have great channels with excellent realistic builds.