Hot Spots are upgradeable specialization buildings. They were first introduced when Regions were added. Each region has 4 hot spots that are unlocked when hitting a required population. The regional population must be in the Region that the hotspot is in. 2 additional Hot Spots were added through Event Tracks. There are 2 sizes of Regional Hot Spots, one has a 2x2 size and the other has either a 2x3 or 3x2 size. There are Regional Hot Spots in Education, Transportation, Entertainment, and Gambling Specializations. There is also 1 Event Track Hot Spot in the Beach Specialization. Each Region has 1 Hot Spot in each of those Specializations, except for Green Valley.
Upgrading Hot Spots[]

The bubble to upgrade a Hot Spot.
Regional Hot Spots can be upgraded to a max of level 10 with an increasing cost of Regional Simoleons. Regional Hot Spots get their appearance changed every 5 levels you upgrade them. Each new level requires a population goal to be met. Every level upgrade also increases the Area, Boost, and Epic Points. Every Hot Spot building has a green line under them to indicate they are upgradeable.
Level | Area | Boost | Epic Points | Regional Simoleons |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 12x12 | 15% | 1 | 1,500 |
2 | 12x12 | 20% | 1 | 2,300 |
3 | 14x14 | 25% | 2 | 3,400 |
4 | 14x14 | 30% | 2 | 5,000 |
5 | 16x16 | 35% | 2 | 7,400 |
6 | 18x18 | 40% | 3 | 11,000 |
7 | 20x20 | 50% | 3 | 16,500 |
8 | 22x22 | 60% | 4 | 24,500 |
9 | 24x24 | 70% | 4 | 36,600 |
10 | 26x26 | 80% | 5 | 54,600 |
Level | Area | Boost | Epic Points | Regional Simoleons |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 12x14 | 15% | 1 | 1,200 |
2 | 12x14 | 20% | 1 | 1,800 |
3 | 14x16 | 25% | 2 | 2,700 |
4 | 14x16 | 30% | 2 | 4,000 |
5 | 16x18 | 35% | 2 | 5,900 |
6 | 18x20 | 40% | 3 | 8,800 |
7 | 20x22 | 50% | 3 | 13,200 |
8 | 22x24 | 60% | 4 | 19,600 |
9 | 24x26 | 70% | 4 | 29,300 |
10 | 26x28 | 80% | 5 | 43,700 |
Hot Spots also have a population requirement to upgrade them. The requirement depends on the specialization. Hoverboard Terminal follows the Gambling population requirements even though it is a Transportation building.
Level | Education | Transportation | Entertainment | Gambling |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1,000 | 1,500 | 3,000 | 3,500 |
2 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 6,000 | 7,000 |
3 | 4,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 | 14,000 |
4 | 8,000 | 12,000 | 24,000 | 28,000 |
5 | 12,000 | 18,000 | 36,000 | 42,000 |
6 | 18,000 | 27,000 | 54,000 | 63,000 |
7 | 36,000 | 54,000 | 108,000 | 126,000 |
8 | 72,000 | 108,000 | 216,000 | 252,000 |
9 | 140,000 | 220,000 | 430,000 | 500,000 |
10 | 280,000 | 440,000 | 860,000 | 1,000,000 |
Hot Spots by Region[]
Green Valley[]
Green Valley is the only region to not have 1 Hot Spot in each category. Instead it has 2 Transportation Hot Spots and no Gambling Hot Spot. The 2nd Transportation Hot Spot is the only Hot Spot to not follow the pattern of upgrading, instead it has slightly less area of only 24x24 when fully upgraded.

Contemporary Art Museum[]
- Specialization: Education
- Price: 1,200 Leaf Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 3x2
- Requirements: Department of Education, Regional Population 1000, Region Unlocked: Green Valley
- Description: A splendid display of modern art.

Bicycle Rental[]
- Specialization: Transportation
- Price: 1,500 Leaf Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 24x24
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Department of Transportation, Regional Population 1500, Region Unlocked: Green Valley
- Description: Cycle in style while being good to the environment.

Hoverboard Terminal[]
- Specialization: Transportation
- Price: 1,500 Leaf Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 264x26
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Department of Transportation, Regional Population 3500, Region Unlocked: Green Valley
- Description: Hop on and hover away with this quick mode of getting around.

Pet Park[]
- Specialization: Entertainment
- Price: 1,200 Leaf Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost: 15% to 80%
- Size: 3x2
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Requirements: Entertainment HQ, Regional Population 3,000, Region Unlocked: Green Valley
- Description: Pets and their owners will love this beautiful spot.
Sunny Isles[]
Sunny Isles follows the normal Hot Spot pattern.

Oceanographic Institute[]
- Specialization: Education
- Price: 1,200 Wave Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x3
- Requirements: Department of Education, Regional Population 1000, Region Unlocked: Sunny Isles
- Description: Learn about the oceanic ecosystems and observe the wildlife.

Taxi Stop[]
- Specialization: Transportation
- Price: 1,500 Wave Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 26x26
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Department of Transportation, Regional Population 1500, Region Unlocked: Sunny Isles
- Description: Get to your destination comfortably.

Luau Party[]
- Specialization: Entertainment
- Price: 1,200 Wave Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost: 15% to 80%
- Size: 2x3
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Requirements: Entertainment HQ, Regional Population 3,000, Region Unlocked: Sunny Isles
- Description: Take part in celebrations, hula, and a feast of delicacies like kalua and poke.

Volcano Casino[]
- Specialization: Gambling
- Price: 1,500 Wave Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 3x2
- Requirements: Gambling HQ, Regional Population 3,500, Region Unlocked: Sunny Isles
- Description: Play your cards right at this bustling hot spot.
Cactus Canyon[]
Cactus Canyon follows the normal Hot Spot pattern.
Secret Research Lab[]
- Specialization: Education
- Price: 1,200 Cactus Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 3x2
- Requirements: Department of Education, Regional Population 1000, Region Unlocked: Cactus Canyon
- Decription: Move along, there's nothing to see here.
Big Rig Route[]

- Specialization: Transportation
- Price: 1,200 Cactus Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 3x2
- Requirements: Department of Transportation, Regional Population 1500, Region Unlocked: Cactus Canyon
- Description: 18-wheelers and heavy rigs keep business inventory on the move.
UFO Landing Site[]
- Specialization: Entertainment
- Price: 1,200 Cactus Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost: 15% to 80%
- Size: 3x2
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Requirements: Entertainment HQ, Regional Population 3,000, Region Unlocked: Cactus Canyon
- Description: Curious Sims congregate for a proof of life beyond Sim City.
Oasis Casino[]

- Specialization: Gambling
- Price: 1,500 Cactus Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 26x26
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Gambling HQ, Regional Population 3,500, Region Unlocked: Cactus Canyon
- Description: If there is a peaceful casino, this is it.
Limestone Cliffs[]
Limestone Cliffs follows the normal Hot Spot pattern.

Martial Arts School[]
- Specialization: Education
- Price: 1,200 Lime Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 3x2
- Requirements: Department of Education, Regional Population 1000, Region Unlocked: Limestone Cliffs
- Description: Learn the ways of combat in this sacred teaching space.

Tuk Tuk Station[]
- Specialization: Transportation
- Price: 1,500 Lime Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 26x26
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Department of Transportation, Regional Population 1500, Region Unlocked: Limestone Cliffs
- Description: Catch a ride in this practical urban vehicle.

Tea House[]
- Specialization: Entertainment
- Price: 1,500 Lime Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 26x26
- Boost: 15% to 80%
- Size: 2x2
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Requirements: Entertainment HQ, Regional Population 3,000, Region Unlocked: Limestone Cliffs
- Description: Enjoy a moment of peace and quiet while sipping delicious tea.

Mahjong Hall[]
- Specialization: Gambling
- Price: 1,500 Lime Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 26x26
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Gambling HQ, Regional Population 3,500, Region Unlocked: Limestone Cliffs
- Description: An exciting game of strategy, skill, and calculation.
Frosty Fjords[]
Frosty Fjords follows the normal Hot Spot pattern.
Northern Lights Research Institute[]
- Specialization: Education
- Price: 1,500 Fish Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 26x26
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Department of Education, Regional Population 1000, Region Unlocked: Frosty Fjords
- Description: The beautiful and mysterious sky phenomenon is studied here.
Quad Bike Station[]

- Specialization: Transportation
- Price: 1,500 Fish Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 26x26
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Department of Transportation, Regional Population 1500, Region Unlocked: Frosty Fjords
- Description: Four wheels and snowy terrain equal tons of fun.
Longship Museum[]
- Specialization: Entertainment
- Price: 1,200 Fish Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x14 to 26x28
- Boost: 15% to 80%
- Size: ?
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Requirements: Entertainment HQ, Regional Population 3,000, Region Unlocked: Frosty Fjords
- Description: Harken back to a time of these magnificent Viking ships.
Ice Casino[]

- Specialization: Gambling
- Ice Casino is Frosty Fjords' hot spot.
- Price: 1,500 Fish Simoleons
- Boost Area: 12x12 to 26x26
- Boost Size: 15% to 80%
- Epic Points: 1 to 5
- Size: 2x2
- Requirements: Gambling HQ, Regional Population 3,500, Region Unlocked: Frosty Fjords
- Description: Making the casino cool again
Event Track Hot Spots[]
There are 2 Hot Spots that were released through an Event Track.
Golden Goal Stadium[]

All 3 levels of Golden Goal Stadium
Golden Goal Stadium was released in the Summer of Football! Event Track requiring 1,740 Event Points. It is an Entertainment building.
Level | Area | Boost | Epic Points | Requirements | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 22x22 | 60% | 4 | ? | Free |
2 | 24x24 | 70% | 5 | 20,000 Latin American Population | 20 Golden Keys |
3 | 26x26 | 80% | 6 | 50,000 Latin American Population | 50 Platinum Keys |
Blue Ocean Stadium[]

Blue Ocean Stadium in storage
Blue Ocean Stadium was released in the Summer of Volleyball! Event Track requiring 1,740 Event Points. It is a Beach building.
Level | Area | Boost | Epic Points | Requirements | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8x30 | 45% | 4 | ? | Free |
2 | 9x35 | 55% | 5 | 20,000 Latin American Population | 20 Golden Keys |
3 | 10x40 | 65% | 6 | 50,000 Latin American Population | 50 Platinum Keys |
Contest of Mayors Tasks[]
There is 1 task related to Hot Spots in Contest of Mayors.
Task | Amount | Plumbob Points | Event Points | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Upgrade Hot Spot | (0/1) | 1,100 | 20 | ? |
City Achievements[]
There is 1 City Achievement related to Hot Spots.
Achievement | 1 Star | 2 Star | 3 Star | 1 Star Reward | 2 Star Reward | 3 Star Reward |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hot Spots | Upgrade Hot Spots 5 times. | Upgrade Hot Spots 50 times. | ? | ? | 10 SimCash | ? |