From the cities Posted I can already say that you are wandering down the "wrong" path – nothing bad meant about the cities but the layouts are somewhat tagged/Irregular
(though much worse are seen around). Several years a go it was already analyzed with the result that Square layouts can hold more buildings than rectangualar layouts. One simple reason for a Square layout to work better over longer time is the simple fact that recangular building are best placed with the shortest side connecting to the road – that is particular true if a many of the same type of building are lined up.
If a player having a "normal" progression trough the Eras, then different Era buildings will affect the city as well a new/updated buildings that suddenly becomes more effective and than others. With a Square layout the line up(s) can be arrranged both ways
vs a long rectangular layout that might only be effective for less types of buildings that suits that direction of the layout.
A lot of players do very Tagged layouts – it usually works like this – "Ohh if I open a bit here then I can just fit in that GB" – but over a longer period these "irregular expansion "Tooths" will most likely become annoying for most players (
with the exception of a large diamond farm with shrinked WW). And it is not only annoying but actually hindering the most effective usage of the city layout – using irregular opening at the early Eras is a common mistake. Usually the early Eras feel like a lot of Expansions are coming the players way – only to find that this does not continue on for ever as expansions becomes less.
The square layout only becomes kind of obsolete when the square can no longer be obtained and at that point the player is most likely at such high level that the income will not be severely affected by the irregularity.
New players should try to build a square layout form the start. It might seem a bit demanding at some points, but it is never the less doable to make the buildings fit within it. Once learned it will be benneficial over the long run. It is somwhat a choice between easy short term fixes or learning the city layout structure at a more indepth level.
Image shows the largest possible Square layout, before a Square is not longer possible.
NB: Was made in 2018, It might have changed a bit since that, but you should get the point on how to look at the overall expansion in regard to a Square.
