Rivers, and flat plains.
Rivers proved pivotal for settlements to grow since it provides a means of water for growing crops, a means of produce which people can consume. Rivers also are a means of transportation and a geographic barrier against attack, albeit slight.
Flat plains also proved viable for settlements because of how easy they were to traverse, coupled with it being easier to farm on said land.
It brought people to your city, and created bussiness along the tracks. It brought benifits, however it was dirty and many respectable people disagrred about it.
