I like to have different sims living in homes. Think I have enough lots that aren't residential, since often I get sims that call mine wanting me to come over to their place to hang out or be invited to a birthday party or otherwise.
I noticed if another sim has a party of sorts set up your active sim can actually attend if you arrive before the party starts. Same with venues.
Had my sims children go visit their grandparents to spend the weekend of sorts while their parents were at home.
Also decided to change up things with a challenge with a sim that spent time at her friends home for about two sim weeks til she was able to save up some money to move into an apartment.