Modern Times is a city which has grown slowly over a few centuries and is just waiting to blossom into a new megalopolis.  It has a population of around 325,000 and a number of arcologies.  Its citizens are generally happy, and there's still space left for further development.  A treasury of over $10 million and a balanced budget should give you all you need to build it into a major metropolis.  This city was begun in Sim City Classic, then imported into SC2000.