Honestly, just try Simcity 3000 or Simcity 4 (some community mods are mandatory). Simcity 3000 is easier to start imo.

Just remember to watch spending and make sure to always have new zones (primarily industrial and residential) until you hit 1950 or so.

Start at the edge of the map with an industrial district that goes parallel to the edge of the map.

Plan ahead with your transport structures (leave a compact corridor for a railway line) and zone locations.

Initially focus on surplus budget and growth (i.e. surplus budget mostly spent on expansion), but try and invest into education so that by 1950 you have a more educated populace.

Have fun!