So after inadvertently downloading Paradise Beach ( I misread Hidden Object) I gave it a go and was surprised by how much I liked it! Maybe because I am pretty burnt out on HOGs, I looked to Gamezebo for suggestions.
Gamezebo said I should try Coconut Queen. Addicted! Then they suggested Build-a-lot series. Good times! Then they said I'd like the -opolis series (Townopolis, Romopolis, Aquaopolis). Okay, the last 2 were challenging. Plan it Green and Empire Builder: Ancient Egypt and The Be Rich series weren't that challenging but they were fun. Architect: Episode 1 was challenging as well as had a different spin.
Am I down to the bottom of the barrel on this sort of game?

Build in Time and Build It! Miami Beach Resort and Hotel Mogul and Vacation Mogul and Virtual City and Virtual Villagers and Jane's Realty and Tourist Trap, I liked those not so much. For some reason they just didn't appeal...

I also don't quite "get" all the genre types.
On the various download demo sites, Paradise Beach alone is considered to be Builder, real estate, Strategy, Time Management, Arcade & Action, Tycoon, AND Simulation!
It's hard to figure out and say what I like.

So can someone recommend some other games that just focus on the building of real estate (either in a grid or free flow) that focuses more on managing time and resources and strategy and is less tycoon-centric or DASH-like by engaging in trade or collecting things or completing chores in order to keep the "customers" happy?
Thanks much!

Sorry, can't help you there, since I'm in the same situation

I like the same builder games as you, but can't find anymore on BigFish at the moment, so I'm simply replaying the old ones..

World of Zellians: Kingdom Builder
Wonderburg (has both timed and untimed modes)

Thanks Marian! I downloaded the demos for both your recommendations and played through the tutorials. I see Zellians is a build where ever and I like the challenge of finding a good layout to meet the goal. Wonderburg seem a bit more like the Build-a-lots with it being static. I like Zellians a bit more than Wonderburg thus far... but will prob end up buying both as each seems to have it's charm.
Anybody else have one like these they love?

I just tried Artist Colony and found it quite enjoyable - sort of like Sims

Only played the demo, and so far I didn't see any time restrictions... so I bought it.

Hmm, I'll have to download the demo for that one as well. It may have to wait a bit though, because due to the generosity of an anonymous benefactor (wink), I have a date to meet Tex Murphy for the first time. I figure it should take at least 3 days for me to fully understand what that man is all about! Also, I have a feeling now that I've registered I'll be spending some quality time on the GOG catalog!

You're truly in for a blast

This is my favorite of them all and IMHO the best one to learn HOW to play the Text Murphy games.
Enjoy

As for Artist Colony - I'm having a blast. Couldn't pull myself away last night, so guess it got a little later, than it should be, lol.

I don't know if I "liked" Artist Colony, but I couldn't pull myself away from it! Good recommendation! I just tried 2 more that I enjoyed, The Palace Builder and Ancient Rome. Both are build anywhere and manage resources. Neither was too challenging, but both were entertaining.

Misslilo... have you tried Buried in Time? By the same folks who did Artist Colony, very similar! I liked it quite a bit.
I also enjoyed Rachel's Retreat. Kinda a cross between Coconut Queen and Mall-A-Palooza.
Life Quest was very enjoyable as well, offered something different with the competition aspect.
Also, there is a new Build-a-lot, The Elizabethan Era. Have you played it, I'm curious. Gonna purchase it today.
Any other recommendations?

I really don't remember
As for the Rachel's retreat - anything that involves Time management, is not for me

As for Build-a-Lot games, I'm very picky.
They don't really interest me, even if I do have a couple

You might like 'My Kingdom for a Princess'. It's different, but still a time/resource mgmt and strategy game. You have to clear / build a road to get the royal carriage through. I love building games also, and liked this one very much.