Sims 3 is much better than Sims 2; I love how the whole neighbourhood grew up as you did. I hated that my grandchildren were friends with the same people I was friends with at school on Sims 2.

Also, the non-20 minute loading screens in Sims 3 really aided my enjoyment.
Dunno about Sims 4, I'll most likely buy it at some point but I'm over the games now tbh.