Unlike later games where service buildings provide a passive "area of effect," Anno 1503 uses a physical travel system. Every house sends out a citizen to visit public buildings (like the Tavern or School) and sales stands.

: Unlike other tiers, Aristocrat housing does not evolve from merchant houses; they must be built as entirely new structures once you have reached the necessary milestones.

A popular efficient design involves a central service core surrounded by a grid of houses.