I like Barnacle Bay! It is a regular neighborhood.
There are some nice big lots, I believe there’s a huge 64x64 modern mansion built on a cliff.
I’m not into slick looking modern structures however, so I replace most existing lots with my own builds.
As far as I remember, Barnacle Bay comes with the Buccaneers set (pirate style bar and some other stuff) and a Pirate ship bistro with outdoor seating. Since it’s an island, all my modern outlaws -including pirates and other shifty characters- live in Barnacle Bay.
The only reason I like BB as much as I do is because I have Island Paradise installed, which in my game translates to rusty auld fishing (house) boats, underwater graveyards and dodgy “holiday” accommodation.
Can’t say much about the townies, I never play as pre-mades or engage with them a lot.
~Edited to add info~