Got a 3DS XL (New Leaf) for my birthday, looking for tips and opinions about a new save file.

So I played New Leaf for a couple of years before losing my DS shortly after Doc moved out of town (wahhh). Anyways, I am just wondering if anybody has any tips for starting a new save file. Is there anything you would have done differently in your town with hindsight i.e building placements, map layouts etc. Another thing I am wondering about is restarting my game to try and get the villagers I want, is this viable/worthwhile? I hope this is okay to post :) TYIA