The Sims 4 allows you to create your ideal home or business, offering a range of lot types. In earlier versions of The Sims, you could create lots in a neighborhood, but in The Sims 4, there are predefined lots that you can modify and expand upon.
While these lots are fixed in location, you still have many options to choose from. In this guide, we will explore every lot type available in The Sims 4, including those from the base game as well as those that come with specific expansion packs.
First, it’s crucial to understand that lots fall into two primary categories: residential and community. Residential lots are where your Sims reside, while community lots serve as gathering places.
Although community lots can include beds, they are not meant to be lived in by families. Think of community lots as spaces used for public activities.
All Types of Residential Lots
In The Sims 4, the base game features only one type of residential lot: the standard ‘Residential’ lot. Therefore, this list primarily emphasizes expansion lots, along with their details and associated packs.
Lot Type |
DLC |
Description |
---|---|---|
Residential |
Base Game |
This is the standard lot for building homes. |
Apartment |
City Living |
These are units in a multi-family building. You cannot create your own apartment complex; it’s limited to designated lots. |
Penthouse |
City Living |
A top-floor apartment that cannot be built from scratch; only on specific lots. |
University Housing |
Discover University |
A typical college dorm setup. Pre-made dorms are available in Britechester, with an option to create your own. |
Tiny Home |
Tiny Living Stuff |
These are very small houses, categorized as small, tiny, and micro, each with unique tile limits and benefits. |
Haunted House |
Paranormal Stuff |
These lots become spooky at night with potential ghost appearances and strange occurrences. |
Rental |
For Rent |
This functions like a customizable apartment complex, distinct from the previous type. |
There are several community lots available in the base game of The Sims 4, so let’s start with those before we move on to the DLC lots.
Lot Type |
Description |
---|---|
Generic |
A blank canvas, allowing you to customize it as you wish. |
Bar |
A venue for socializing or dates, but requires a bar to function as one. Can also be converted into a bowling alley with the right items. |
Gym |
A fitness facility where Sims can work out, requiring workout equipment to qualify as a gym. |
Library |
A space for reading and computer use. Note: Sims cannot check out books; they can only read them on-site. |
Lounge |
Similar to bars but usually features more entertainers. |
Museum |
A lot showcasing art and sculptures. Museums can also accommodate artists painting on-site. |
Nightclub |
Similar to bars but designed for dancing and DJing. |
Pool |
A lot designed specifically around swimming pools. |
Park |
Outdoor areas for Sims to socialize, usually equipped with chess tables, children’s play areas, and restrooms. |
National Park |
Similar to regular parks but more focused on nature, requiring picnic facilities for full functionality. |
Vacation Rental |
A unique lot where Sims can stay temporarily, like an Airbnb, but not as a permanent residence. |
Wedding Venue |
Special locations intended for hosting weddings. You can add decorations like arches and indoor spaces. |
Next, we’ll explore community lots that require downloadable content (DLC) to access. Additionally, some of these community lots are locked to specific locations, meaning you cannot create a copy of them; they are exclusive to the DLC, similar to City Living’s apartments for residential lots.
Lot Type |
DLC |
Description |
Locked? |
---|---|---|---|
Science Lab |
StrangerVille |
A permanent lab lot designed for work or exploration. |
Yes |
Beach |
Island Living |
A space similar to a park, allowing Sims to interact with the water. |
No (only found in Sulani and Tartosa) |
Foxbury/UBrite Commons |
Discover University |
Common areas for the two universities with specific requirements for each. |
No |
Business |
Get To Work |
A retail lot for running a business with several specific types. |
No |
Community Space |
Eco Lifestyle |
A versatile lot accommodating gardens, markets, and maker spaces. |
No |
First Order Cargo |
Journey to Batuu |
A residential area in Batuu. |
Yes |
Oga’s Cantina |
Journey to Batuu |
A cantina in the Black Spire Outpost, functioning as a bar/lounge. |
Yes |
Resistance Encampment |
Journey to Batuu |
A residential area in Batuu. |
Yes |
Onsen Bathhouse |
Snowy Escape |
A lot where Sims can shower and enjoy the hot spring. |
No |
Cafe |
Get Together |
A traditional cafe, separate from business type because Sims can’t own this lot. |
No |
Chalet Gardens |
Get Together |
Applicable only to the Von Haunt Estate, editable for events. |
Yes |
Island Bluff |
Get Together |
Designated to The Bluffs, suitable for parties at night. |
Yes |
Ancient Ruins |
Get Together |
Located in Windenburg, usable for parties with a small lot. |
Yes |
Arts Center |
City Living |
Similar to museums, but here Sims can create music. |
No |
Central Park |
City Living |
A park specifically designated for Myshuno Meadows. |
Yes |
Karaoke Bar |
City Living |
A bar featuring karaoke machines but cannot become a bowling alley. |
No |
Auditorium |
High School Years |
Only applies to the Auditorium in Rockridge Heights used by the high school. |
Yes |
High School |
High School Years |
Applies to Copperdale High School, editable when school is not in session. |
Yes |
Thrift and Bubble Tea Store |
High School Years |
A cafe with unique clothing and drinks, hosting events. |
No |
Recreation Center |
Growing Together |
A family-friendly space that includes various facilities for different activities. |
No |
Cemetery |
Life and Death |
A lot that features graves and urns, officially recognized in this pack. |
No |