The Sims 3 is arguably the best entry into the franchise due to its open world environment and prequel storyline, alongside many other factors. This game has a personality of its own although emotions were not officially introduced yet, showing many aspects of life and fantasy through its various expansion packs and downloadable items. Adventure awaits in this game, so which path will you choose? 

With several worlds available for travel and many more available for residence, The Sims 3 can allow for an expansive playground where any simulation lover is free to play. From an archipelago full of undiscovered islands to a grungy downtown landscape riddled with celebrities, All of the Sims will have a place to call home. If you are more adventurous, Traveling to an exotic destination world or attending Sims University may be what brings you more lifetime happiness points!

 

15. Hidden Springs (The Sims 3 Store)

The Sims Community quickly reviews the quaint town of Hidden Springs.

If you aspire to have your Sims living in a Colorado inspired resort town nestled in the green mountains and surrounded by nature, Hidden Springs is the place to be. Full of mystery and magic, there are endless activities for Sims who are living a laid back lifestyle.

Head over to the town area and meet a celebrity who has flocked away from the busy life or live your life on the low by purchasing a home in the woods next door to the family of pale green Sims. If you aren’t interested in socializing, go relax at the resort or test your luck with the fountain of youth.

Why Hidden Springs is awesome:

• Calm and tranquil town nestled in the mountains where former celebrities flock.
• A smaller community, allowing you to connect with mostly every Sim in the neighborhood.
• A magical new object, the fountain of youth.

 

14. Twinbrook (Ambitions)

Take on all of your Ambitions in Twinbrook.

Is your Sim in need of a new career? Look no further, as Twinbrook has plenty to offer for business minded and eccentric Sims alike. Become a firefighter, ghost hunter, or investigator and take on the town with a new passion for work.

Built around a Sim-made lake, Twinbrook is a place of commerce and endless opportunity. The neighborhood families are interesting and full of life, as there are aspiring inventors and sculptors, many of which you can meet in the town square or at the laundromat on a Saturday. Regardless of your style, Twinbrook has an opportunity for everyone!

Why Twinbrook is awesome:

• An eccentric town with many work opportunities.
• Several unique lots that enhance gameplay, such as the laundromat and the fire department.
• Live in the suburbs or in the marsh.

 

13. Midnight Hollow (The Sims 3 Store)

Don't be scared to be strange in Midnight Hollow.

If Wednesday was one of your favorite shows of last year, then Midnight Hollow is the perfect place to bring your oddball and outcast Sims. Midnight Hollow is a dark and dreary landscape that is home to the weirdest of the weird, and they welcome anyone who is taking up residence in their abominable town. 

So come on over to Midnight Hollow and meet your new neighbors (some of which are inspired by horror movie characters), open a store in a Victorian styled shop, or just live a gloomy lifestyle with everyone else. With all that is strange in this unique landscape, what is not to love about Midnight Hollow?

Why Midnight Hollow is awesome:

• Meet a mysterious group of neighbors who are all outcasts and oddballs.
• Explore the dreary landscape that is sure to send chills down any Sims spine.
• Open a store of your liking and become a successful salesperson.

 

12. Appaloosa Plains (Pets)

Play as a pet in the infinite fields of Appaloosa Plains.

Run wild as a sim or one of their pets in the gracious countryside known as Appaloosa Plains. This bright landscape is broad and expansive, allowing for amazing adventures and even more interesting wildlife. Will your Sims unleash their wild side or live a more domestic lifestyle here?

Enjoy the rural charm of the townsfolk in Appaloosa Plains or train your pets to conquer this massive world made to pair with The Sims 3: Pets. Bring your cats and dogs to play with their fellow canines and felines at a pet park or just take in the fresh air. If you are looking for something more mythical, who knows; you may even run into  a rare unicorn!

Why Appaloosa Plains is awesome:

• Explore the vast countryside by playing as your Sims and their pets.
• Take your Horse to the training grounds, bring your feline to socialize at the cat jungle, or take your canine to the dog park. 
• Live in a peacefully rural landscape with friendly and interesting neighbors.

 

11. Sims University (University Life)

There is more to life outside of class at The Sims University.

Sims can go to school with The Sims 3: University Life, and it has never been more fun. Take your Sims to lectures, invite them into study groups, and throw raging parties upon moving your characters into Sims University. 

Although Sims University is only a destination that can be traveled to, It is massive and there is plenty to do. Take your Sims to hang out by the beach, bring them to rummage through books at the comic shop, or have them go bowling with their fellow classmates. If the fun part of university life is unappealing to your Sims, spend your time protesting in the quad or studying in the student union building.

Why Sims University is awesome:

• Stay in a dorm, fraternity, or sorority to meet fellow university students. If you prefer more private studies, you can also rent a home of your own.
• Head over to the cafe, visit the comic book store, or go bowling with your friends.
• Attend lectures, learn new skills, and join a clique with your Sims.

 

10. Moonlight Falls (Supernatural)

Play with the Supernatural under the stars in Moonlight Falls.

Moonlight Falls is a place of mystery, magic, and mysticism. Crowded with supernatural beings like fairies and witches, there is always something new to discover in this enchanted neighborhood.

Take your Sims into the woods for a stroll or have them meet with a fortune teller so they can gain insight on their future. If you want to learn more about the supernatural culture, meet your neighbors and see what each of them has to offer. Whatever you do, always beware of the full moon, as it makes some Sims act up and transform into zombies!

Why Moonlight Falls is awesome:

• Meet supernatural new neighbors with unique powers and abilities, from werewolves to fairies!
• Explore the archive behind the library or have your fortune told from a caravan in the woods.
• Become a supernatural Sim (Witch, Fairy, Werewolf, Vampire) to play with another type of life.

 

9. The Adventure Worlds (World Adventures)

Take your sim on an adventure by traveling to China, France, and Egypt. 

The very first expansion pack for The Sims 3 was the massive and promising World Adventures, which allows your Sims to travel to 3 new and exotic destinations. In each of these locations, you are able to meet different people, have adventures, and collect relics that are specific to each location. 

Although there are 3 worlds in this pack, they are non residential; meaning that you can only visit these worlds for a period of time before returning home. Visit the forbidden city in China or take martial arts lessons at the academy. Enter the Great pyramid or go snake charming in Egypt. Catch a glimpse of famous art or discover a perfect blend of fruits at the nectary in France. Either way, which adventure will you take your Sims on? 

Why The Adventure Worlds are awesome:

• Travel to 3 new destinations: Shang Simla, China; Al Simhara, Egypt; and Champs Les Sims, France.
• Collect relics and treasures or even run into a mummy while exploring one of the many tombs in each location.
• Learn new skills such as Martial Arts and Nectar Making or buy a vacation home on your exotic trip.
• Meet the locals and invite them to visit once you return home. 

 

8. Oasis Landing (Into The Future)

Step into the future and visit Oasis Landing.

Step into the future upon traveling to Oasis Landing. Yet another neighborhood only available for visit, This one is full of futuristic technology, from jetpacks to Simbots. You can get here by traveling through the time portal, where you will arrive at a base camp of sorts. Who is ready for a futuristic journey?

Although it is only made for visiting, Sims could stay in the future and start a new life if they decided to do so. The base camp has full amenities, from bedrooms to a fully functional kitchen and socializing area. In the future, there are also several opportunities that can be taken up by doing different things around the futuristic landscape. If you want to change things, you can even turn the future into a utopia or dystopia once you travel back home. 

Why Oasis Landing is awesome:

• Travel to the futuristic city of Oasis Landing to find new style, technology, and architecture.
• Alter the future for better or worse by turning Oasis landing into a dystopia or utopia.
• Meet your descendants or create a new life by living in the future.
• Take advantage of the futuristic tech by flying around on a jetpack, going shopping at the hologram mall, or by taking a Simbot back to the present.

 

7. Starlight Shores (Showtime)

Rise to the top by taking the stage in Starlight Shores.

Nothing comes close to the Golden Coast! At least that's what Katy Perry would think about this beautiful, California inspired map. In Starlight Shores, anything is possible for those looking for fame. Become a singer, acrobat, magician, or DJ in this urban sprawl of talent and art. 

Buy a wealthy mansion or build a spanish style villa with the architecture provided with this expansion pack all while taking in the glory of the serene coastal landscape. Rise to fame by performing at the coffee house or park, or take your sim to parties all week at any of the venues on the strip. What footprint will your Sims leave in the sand?

Why Starlight Shores is awesome:

• Rise to fame as an aspiring singer, acrobat, or magician in a golden landscape.
• Visit a number of new venues such as a karaoke bar and private club, or make it big and perform in an arena. 
• Meet diverse neighbors who are looking for money or fame in a land of riches.
• Settle into the California styled architecture by living in a calming suburb or a wealthy community of mansions.

 

6. Bridgeport (Late Night)

How will your Sim choose to take on the night in Bridgeport?

Bridgeport is an amazing city for younger Sims or those with small families, as it is a massive cityscape with parties around every corner. Take your sims clubbing or run into a vampire in this grungy and bustling neighborhood as your Sim takes on the night.

If your Sims dream is to become a movie star or to visit every lounge and nightclub that exists, Bridgeport is the place for them. Maybe they aspire after something a little more glamorous and want to live in the hills with the rest of the famed? If that is the case, time to start networking so you can build your reputation and gain celebrity status!

Why Bridgeport is awesome:

• Take your Sims out to party at a large variety of venues, from nightclubs and exclusive lounges to dive bars and watering holes.
• Meet unique city-dwellers, from entrepreneurs to vampires and take on high rise living.
• Become a celebrity by making your mark on the most well known Sims in Bridgeport.
• Join a band and perform at local venues or make it big by becoming a movie star.

 

5. Monte Vista (The Sims 3 Store)

Explore the green hills of Monte Vista with Whiny Brit.

The Sims 3 offered plenty of unique worlds through The Sims 3 store, but Monte Vista was one of the most entertaining. This world gives players a taste of what Veronaville in the Sims 2 was like on a broader aspect, adding to the world while using some familiar families like the Capps and Montys. 

Monte Vista is full of culture, where chefs and gardens of ingredients come in abundance. It is an exceptional city for artists or those looking to taste the old world. This amazing neighborhood also offers a massive Italian countryside with large lots abound.

Why Monte Vista is awesome:

• Explore a vast italian-inspired countryside and old world city nestled in the middle of the natural bliss.
• Spend your days learning to make pizzas out of a brick oven or harvesting the highest quality vegetables from your Sims garden.
• Visit plenty of picturesque venues, from ancient ruins to cafes and pools.
• Meet elegant and inspired citizens and tap into the culture of a laid back lifestyle.

 

4. Lucky Palms (The Sims 3 Store)

TheQuxxn explores the mirage-like town of Lucky Palms.

The first and only desert city to be in The Sims 3, Lucky Palms is a place of wealth, nature, and culinary creativity. Offering many new outdoor recreational areas and eccentric townsfolk, there is something for everyone to love in this neighborhood that seems to be a mirage. 

Travel through the area that is inspired by American deserts and Palm Springs in California when you take your Sims to Lucky Palms. If you want to add even more gameplay to this amazingly beautiful world, you can also purchase the gold edition, which comes with the massive casino where your Sims can lose everything or get extremely lucky. 

Why Lucky Palms is awesome:

• Place your Sims in the retro desert city that sits graciously in a beautiful canyon.
• Take your sims to one of the many outdoor venues, make a wish at the wishing well, or take advantage of the epic culinary aspect of this colorful suburb. 
• Meet new Sims who are fond of nature and the arts.
• Visit the Lucky Simoleon Casino with the Gold Edition and hit the jackpot.

 

3. Isla Paradiso (Island Paradise)

Soak up the sun on the beaches of Isla Paradiso.

The island life is a life that nearly anyone would love, and isla paradiso from the island paradise expansion pack can prove this to be true. Take your Sim down to the water, discover uncharted islands, and take in the island culture in this tropical map for the popular simulation. 

If you are more business oriented, you can even try to run a resort of your very own rather than enjoying some recreation in the water. Build a resort in your image, ride around on a boat, or even fight a shark on a scuba diving mission in this massive world with so much to do. 

Why Isla Paradiso is awesome:

• Archipelago of islands with endless recreational activities for Sims of all ages.
• Discover uncharted islands, take your Sim scuba diving, or have fun in the sun by playing in the ocean.
• Live on a houseboat, go sailing, or use a rowboat as means of transportation.
• Run a resort or form your own from the ground up by upgrading amenities, building additions, and interacting with guests.
• Discover treasure, fight a shark, or be attacked by the Kraken!

 

2. Roaring Heights (The Sims 3 Store)

Relive the past in the bright city full of parties and penthouses.

Take a step back in time when you move your Sims into Roaring Heights. Inspired by pop culture and the roaring twenties, this world is full of lively Sims that throw even livelier parties. Live a fast lifestyle downtown, live near the wealthy, or take up island life where there are plenty of hangout areas for all Sims.

Life can be anything but boring in Roaring Heights, and you decide how to live it. If you want to live in a high rise in the city, you can do that. If you prefer to have a quiet abode where you can work on your new car, you can do that as well. The only thing you can’t do in this town is sit around, because there is so much to explore!

Why Roaring Heights is awesome:

• Live a glamorously nostalgic lifestyle inspired by the roaring twenties and meet fashionable families.
• Live in the city or live peacefully on the outskirts while embracing the green and coastal lifestyle.
• Visit new venues that will take you back in time with retro architecture or live in an old fashioned high rise. 
• Make it large and live in a notoriously large art-deco mansion or build your very own.
• Follow your dreams or start a scandal by wooing a rich neighbor or building your fantasy car. 

 

1. Sunset Valley (Base Game)

Keep it classic in the nostalgic neighborhood of Sunset Valley.

Sunset Valley is the most original world in The Sims 3, as it came with the base game. This amazing and massive world is perfect for any Sims player, as there is plenty of space for story progression and additions made by the player. 

On top of having a massive amount of space for storyline growth, there is the perfect amount of depth in the characters of this town as well. If you are going for a Sims 2 type of gameplay, try to pick one of the premade families. Among them are the Bachelors, Goths, and Landgraabs, to name a few familiar faces. Making your own Sims is also a fun option since it will allow you to explore this amazing world in its full capacity.

Why Sunset Valley is awesome:

• Largest world with plenty of lots that enables personalized and expansive gameplay.
• Unique and familiar neighbors, from the Goth and Bachelor family to the Landgraabs and Langeraks.
• Hours of gameplay with several venues and areas that can be discovered 
• The ability to add new homes and venues due to the large number of lots.