Once your basic survival needs are met, you can dedicate resources to making your town aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This involves careful town planning, using roads, bridges, and public buildings to create organized districts. Stone Roads, while expensive, significantly improve travel speed and look much better than dirt paths.
Consider building Chapels, Taverns, and Graveyards not just for their functional benefits but also for their visual appeal. Arranging houses in neat rows or around central plazas can create a more appealing settlement. This 'side activity' is purely for player satisfaction but can greatly enhance the enjoyment of watching your town grow.